Translation: Starting Out

So, after a much awaited arrival, you finally got your results. Now what?  What To Do If You Did Not Pass First of all, I am very sorry. I know you put in a lot of hours, stress, sweat and blood into this. So now what?  If you managed to pass even one of them, good for you! For the translations you did not pass, here is what I recommend: have it regraded. For starters, you never know. But the main reason for this is that with the new grade, they actually give you feedback. It is not too costly, but you first have to apply for a clerical check, which costs 20 pounds and takes two weeks. You get the results sent to your email. Once you have done so, and I don't imagine too many people have ever been affected by this, you apply for the remark. For the general translation it is 65 pounds, and for the two specialized it is 50 pounds. It still hurts, I know, especially after all you have spent. But the information given back to you can be invaluable. During the exam, how d...

So, you have decided to take the CIOL DipTrans exam. Good choice! Now what?  Regardless of whether or not you have been working as a translator, I highly recommend taking an exam prep course. It is a massive exam, after all, and the grading criteria is specific. And the good news is that the prep courses give you previous exam articles to work from so you get an idea of the level you will be required to translate. The CIOL DipTrans exam consists of the following:  General Text: 600 words  This text is 'general', meaning whatever the topic, a specialised knowledge is not required. However, you will be required to have a substantial vocabulary. Topics can include and are not limited to politics, the arts, business, and more. You have three hours to complete this. Semi-Specialised Text 1: 450 words  You will have the choice of three articles of the following topics: Literature, Technology, or Law. You have two hours to complete this. Semi-Specialised Text...