International Diploma in Bilingual Communication (IDBC)

The IDBC is a first degree level equivalent qualification for those who need to demonstrate a high level of bilingual competence using English and Chinese in a professional context.       The IDBC examination is being withdrawn and is now only open to candidates who have already sat one or more modules. It is the responsibility of individual candidates to ensure that they register for the appropriate modules in order to complete the examination under this requirement. The registration for IDBC 2012 period will take place between 16 July and 30 September. To register by post, please contact:   IDBC Department Saxon House 48, Southwark Street London SE1 1UN United Kingdom Telephone: 00 44 (0)207 9403141 Click here to email   To register in person, please contact the Regional Coordinator in China, Ms Florence Lam

» Also Compare IDBC with other IoLET qualifications Find out when you can take IDBC and how much it costs (PDF, 33kb)

Format 

• Compulsory
  1. Summary in Chinese
  2. Business Writing and Communications in English
  3. Translation
  4. Interpreting
  
  

• Optional*
  5. Written Project c 3000 words or
  Oral presentation on a work-related topic
  
  *Certificate endorsed with topic of project or presentation.
  
  

Please contact the Central Registration Department on 0207 940 3163 or email exams.crd@iol.org.uk for further information on languages currently available.

Centres

Available only in Hong Kong.

Fees & Dates

View the fees and dates when the IDBC examination takes place.

• IDBC Exam Fees & Dates (PDF)

Useful Links and Resources

Find further information and support materials from the selection of resources below:

• Introduction
  View an Introduction to the IDBC examination (PDF, 40kb) including an outline of Modules and Sample Papers.
  

• Information Sheet
  Download an IDBC Information Sheet which includes regulations, entry criteria, exam outline, exam dates and information on how to register for the upcoming session. 
  

• IDBC Sample Papers and Report 2010
Please note that these files contain examples of both Traditional and Simplified script.

• General Links & Resources
  We endeavour to provide adequate links and resources to support candidates. Relevant information will be added in due course and following the pilot.

Candidate Registration and Examination Process

The following section explains how to enrol for an examination and what happens afterwards. The registration and examination process consists of the following four (4) simple steps:

Download your copy of the IDBC Registration Pack (Zip, 436kb) which includes your IDBC Entry Card.

Complete and submit your IDBC Entry Card including payment details within the specified registration deadline by post or in person:

Results of examinations will be sent to individual candidates no later than twelve weeks after the examination, directly from the Chartered Institute of Linguists in the United Kingdom.

Certificates and Letters of Credit/Unit Certificates will be sent to your Examination Centre within two (2) months after the results have been issued.

Your certificate will then be sent and/or awarded to you from your Examination Centre.*

* For further information regarding the examination procedures and regulations please refer to the Candidate Regulations. These regulations are current and valid for all of our examinations.

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