Translation: Starting Out

So, you have signed up and prepared for the exam. What comes next? As I am sure you are feeling right now, the panic is starting to set in. That nasty pit in your stomach. No matter how prepared you are, any exam as large as this, especially one that could define your career, the nerves will set in. Mine did about a month before the exam. Personally, I had just been promoted AND was then told that my SO was being transferred to the States at some point in the near future. Our lives had been turned upside down AND I had this massive upcoming exam weighing on my shoulders. As many people who take this exam instead of going back to school, we all have busy lives that may interfere. My suggestion is the week before the exam, take time off to really focus. The exam is always on a Tuesday, and especially for those who need to travel to get to the exam, you need time to be able to focus and get everything prepared. Material to Bring You are allowed to bring any and as many dictionar...

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...