Portuguese Spelling Reform
Since 2009, new spelling rules for Portuguese have come into effect.
Until 2012 examination candidates can use either the old or the new spelling rules, provided that they use one form consistently.
Candidates must specify in their scripts whether they are using the old or the new spelling.
From 2013, the new spelling must be used by all candidates.
The DPSI can be taken in a range of languages including French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish. View the complete language list for the DPSI examination.
* when applying candidates need to specify which language combination or language variant they wish to enter for.
If the Institute is unable to locate adequately qualified examiners to carry out the examination in any of the above languages, it reserves the right to withdraw the examination. In such cases candidates' fees will be refunded but the Institute will not be liable for any additional expenditure the candidates may have incurred. The setting of an exam paper in a particular language may be subject to a minimum number of candidates. Alternatively, a scale of fees may apply. If you are interested in a certain language that has not been offered recently, please contact us by the end of February for the language to be included in the next year's session (e.g. by end of February 2012 for the language to be included in the 2013 DPSI examination).
Examination Centres & Preparation Courses
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.
Fees & Dates
View the fees and dates for the DPSI examination.
Useful Links and Resources
Find further information and support materials from the selection of resources here
- Sample Papers
- Preparation Seminar
The Preparation Seminar (PDF, 50kb) offers an overview of the quality standards, tips and advice about the examination.
- Role Play Topics
The DPSI Role Play Topics 2010 for the interpreting tasks of the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting examinations 2010.
- General Links & Resources
View Links and Resources (PDF, 137kb) recommended by translators, interpreters and examiners.
- Interpreting Bibliography
The Interpreting Bibliography includes all required bibliography to prepare for the examination.
- Training DVD
Purchase the Training Video to gain an invaluable insight into the procedures of the DPSI examination.
Candidate Registration and Examination Process
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:
Download your copy of the DPSI Registration Pack (.pdf, 424kb) which includes your DPSI Entry Card.
You can also request to have copies sent to you by post (Tel: 0207 940 3163).
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.
Your results will be announced to you and your Examination Centre in writing within twelve weeks after the last examination*.
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.
