International Diploma in Bilingual Communication (IDBC)

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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 registration for IDBC 2009 has now closed, but if you need further information please contact: International and Professional Examinations Division Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority 3/F, 17 Tseuk Luk Street San Po Kong Kowloon Hong Kong T: 852 3628 8711 (select 1 - # -1 - 9) / 3628 8787 (select 1 - 6) Fax: +852 3628 8790 Email: ie1@hkeaa.edu.hk   UK  candidates please contact: Central Registration Department on +44 (0)20 7940 3163 or e-mail exams.crd@iol.org.uk

» Also IDBC Handbook (PDF, 150kb) Compare IDBC with other IoLET qualifications Find out when you can take IDBC and how much it costs (PDF, 33kb)

Benefits

The IDBC offers a range of benefits:

• Ideal for those interested in testing, on a bilingual basis, their written and spoken fluency in English and Chinese within a contemporary context.

• Demonstrates to employers that candidates can work in both languages in a professional context.
• Entitles holders to apply for membership of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

• Optional modules to meet specific institutional or personal requirements.
• Up to three (3) years to complete first four Modules.

Format 

November 2009

Module 1: Tuesday 3rd November 2009

Module 2: Wednesday 4th November 2009

Module 3: Thursday 5th November 2009

Module 4: Friday 6th November 2009

Components

• 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

Under review, but currently available only in Hong Kong.

Fees & Dates

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

• 2009-2010 IoL Exam Fees & Dates (PDF, 44kb)

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
  View the IDBC Information Sheet (PDF, 28kb) which includes regulations, entry criteria, exam outline, exam dates and information on how to register for the upcoming session.
  
  
• Handbook
  The IDBC Handbook 2006 (PDF, 140kb) includes detailed information about the examination format, criteria, topic areas, regulations and other.

• IDBC Sample Papers 2008
  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, 339kb) which includes your IDBC Entry Card.

You can also, download all relevant documents from the Materials & Publications section or alternatively, you can request to have copies sent to you by post (Tel: 0207 940 3163).

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

Address
International and Professional Examinations Division

Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority

3/F, 17 Tseuk Luk Street
San Po Kong
Kowloon
Hong Kong

Tel: +852 3628 8711 (select 1-#-1-9) / 3628 8787 (select 1-6)

Fax: +852 3628 8790

Email: ie1@hkeaa.edu.hk

Registration for the 2009 IDBC is open from 3-30 September 2009 (excluding Sundays and General Holidays).

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 (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.

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