The DPSI developed out of the 1983 Community Interpreter Project and represents professional level skills in public service interpreting.
It is a first-degree level qualification (NQF Level 6) in terms of language skills required for those interpreting in the UK in a Public Service context.
Examination Completion Timeframe
Please note that all of our examinations have a five year completion period.
The five year full examination completion period applies from the first year that a Candidate receives a letter of Credit or Unit Certificate. Therefore, once a Candidate has received a 'Pass' in any part of an examination, they have four more years to successfully complete all outstanding parts of the examination. For example, if a candidate receives a 'Pass' in 2000, the completion period will be from 2000 until 2004.
Provides a nationally consistent standard of professionalism for those who wish to progress into careers as interpreters using English in a Public Service context.
Potential
Facilitates entry to business and service industries as well as Masters degree level courses.
Entitles holders to apply for registration on the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI Ltd).
Entitles holders to apply for membership of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL).
Flexibility
Wide range of languages covered The examination is available in more than 40 languages.
Offered in three (3) specialised options: 1. Health; 2. Law (English or Scottish); 3. Local Government
Accreditation
Accredited by Ofqual.
Entered into the National Qualifications Framework at Level 6 (first degree level).
Recognition
The Diploma in Public Service Interpreting is recognised by the Open University; credit is awarded in the form of 30 points at level 1 with BA designation.
Format
Components
The examination consists of the following modules:
Interpreting using consecutive and whispered techniques
Sight translation from and into English
Written Translation from and into English
Add-ons
Candidates may also choose from the following Add-ons (subject to minimum candidate numbers):
The DPSI language list is continuously evolving and we will always try to accommodate candidates where possible. A wide range of languages and options has been set in previous years.
'Core' Languages
Core languages are those which are offered every year and the candidate entry deadline for core languages is 31 January 2013.
Languages 'On Demand'
In order to allow us to set our examination papers in the most timely and economically viable way possible, languages 'on demand' will be set if there are sufficient candidate numbers (i.e. a minimum of 3 candidates per language/option).
Alternatively, candidates have the option of paying a supplementary fee to have the paper set for one or two candidates only; these candidates must sit the Oral Units in London.
The candidate entry deadline for 'on demand' languages is 31 January 2013.
Candidates will be informed by the end of February whether there is sufficient demand to set the paper in their particular language/option.
If the Institute is unable to locate adequately qualified examiners to carry out the examination in any language, it reserves the right to withdraw the examination. In such cases candidates’ fees will be refunded but the IoLET will not be liable for any additional expenditure candidates may have incurred.
Please consult the language list to see which deadline applies to your language and option.
Further to the postponement of the implementation of the Portuguese Spelling Agreement, for IoLET exam purposes both the old and the new spelling will be accepted provided there is consistency throughout the text. For more information, please see the links below:
Examination Centres are those Centres which offer candidates the facility to sit an IoLET examination. Examination Centres may also offer Preparation Courses which lead to an examination, in which case it would also be called a Course Provider.
A Course Provider is an individual or organisation offering Preparation Courses which lead to IoLET examinations. A Course Provider might not be an Examination Centre, i.e. they may not offer candidates the facility to sit the examination. In this case, you can take the preparation course offered but you will then need to find an Examination Centre to sit the examination.
Please be advised that there is an IoLET Open Centre which is able to take candidates who cannot find an Examination Centre or who would simply prefer to sit the examination in London.Candidates wishing to sit the examination at the IoLET Open Centre should contact the Central Registration Department to obtain an information pack containing the latest information.
Find further information and support materials from the selection of resources here
Information Pack
DPSI Handbook The DPSI Handbook includes detailed information about the examination format, criteria, topic areas, regulations and other.
Chief Moderator's Report The DPSI Chief Moderator's Report presents an overview of candidates' profiles and languages, examination results and other issues from past DPSI examinations.
Written Markers' Reports The DPSI Written Markers' Reports provide feedback on candidates' performances and also recommendations based on past DPSI examinations.
The following explains how to enrol for an examination and what happens afterwards. The registration and examination process consists of the following four (4) simple steps:
1. Registration Pack
In this section you can download all of the materials that you need to enter for the DPSI, including your DPSI Entry Card. The Candidate Regulations displayed below are current and valid for all of our examinations.
You can also request to have copies sent to you by post (Tel: 0207 940 3163).
2. Application
Complete and submit your DPSI Entry Card including payment details within the specified registration deadline to the Central Registration Department.
The registration period runs from 1 November – 31 January for the June session.
3. The Results
Your results will be announced to you and your Examination Centre in writing within twelve weeks after the last examination*.
4. Certificates
Certificates and Letters of Credit/Unit Certificates will be sent to your Examination Centre (apart from those for candidates at the IoL Open 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.
