Becoming a professional interpreter in the UK isn’t just about being bilingual. To work in high-stakes environments like courts, hospitals, or police interviews, you’ll need recognised qualifications that prove you can handle the pressure of real-world interpreting. These qualifications vary depending on the path you want to take — from local community work to international conferences.
But with several different pathways available, it’s not always obvious what the best qualifications to become an interpreter in the UK are. This guide breaks down the main options — from entry-level diplomas to advanced postgraduate degrees — and explains how to choose the route that best fits your career goals.
Why Qualifications Matter
Public sector organisations such as the NHS, the courts, and police forces won’t hire interpreters without recognised credentials. Private agencies like LITS often prioritise interpreters who hold qualifications at Level 6 or higher, as this ensures accuracy, confidentiality, and professional standards.
Whether you’re aiming for legal contracts, medical assignments, or international summits, the right qualification is your entry ticket.
Entry Routes: Community-Based Interpreting
For many interpreters, the first step is a Level 6 Diploma in Community Interpreting (DCI). This qualification is accepted by councils, healthcare providers, and NGOs, and it’s designed to cover a wide range of everyday public service scenarios.
- Duration: Usually 6–12 months part-time, with flexible study options.
- Assessment: A mix of portfolio work and role-play simulations of community, healthcare, and education settings.
- Cost: Around £1,400 depending on the provider.
- Entry requirements: Near-native fluency in both languages; accessible for those without a formal academic background.
The DCI is often chosen by interpreters who want to begin working in community settings quickly. It’s less intensive than other diplomas but still provides a recognised Level 6 qualification — and can be a stepping stone toward more specialist routes.
Specialist Diplomas: Courts, NHS, and Police Work
If you’re aiming for more regulated and high-stakes interpreting roles, you’ll need one of the specialist Level 6 diplomas. These are the qualifications most frequently requested by the NHS, courts, and government agencies.
Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI)
The DPSI is widely considered the gold standard for interpreters in the UK, particularly those working in law, healthcare, or local government. It’s the qualification most often required for NHS and legal aid contracts.
- Duration: 9–12 months part-time.
- Assessment: Five units set by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), covering consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, sight translation, and written tasks. Exams use realistic scenarios, such as medical consultations or court hearings.
- Cost: Around £680 for the exam itself, though training and preparation courses increase the total.
- Entry requirements: Near-native fluency in both languages, with many providers recommending prior qualifications or experience.
Because the DPSI is nationally recognised, it gives interpreters the broadest access to regulated work across the UK.
Police work today: PAIT (and the status of DPI)
CIOL’s Diploma in Police Interpreting (DPI) was withdrawn (no new registrations since Aug 2022; legacy resits ended June 2025). Police forces now use the Police Approved Interpreters & Translators (PAIT) scheme (run nationally for England & Wales) which sets standards for qualifications, experience and vetting (e.g., NPPV3) and deploys from the PAIT List. As of 2024, every police force in England & Wales is using PAIT.
What to do instead of DPI: build a profile that meets PAIT criteria (Level 6 qualification such as DPSI or DCI, relevant experience, and police vetting) and work via PAIT-compliant providers. Official guidance notes PAIT as the standard for police deployments.
At LITS, we work with interpreters across more than 300 languages — and qualifications like these are often what make applicants stand out. If you’re looking to collaborate with a trusted language agency, contact us today to discuss joining our network.
Advanced Pathways: International & Conference Interpreting
For interpreters aiming at international careers — working at EU institutions, the UN, or major corporate summits — a postgraduate degree is usually required.
MA/MSc in Conference Interpreting
Offered by several UK universities, these programmes provide advanced training in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting at the highest professional standard.
- Duration: One year full-time or two years part-time.
- Assessment: Training often takes place in professional interpreting booths, with exams simulating real-world conference settings.
- Cost: Around £12,000–£15,000 for UK students, depending on the university.
- Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree (often in languages) and near-native fluency in at least two working languages. Many universities also set entrance exams.
This route is demanding and competitive, but it’s essential for interpreters who want to work in the most prestigious global environments.
How to Choose the Right Qualification
The best qualification depends on where you want your career to take you:
- If you want to work in NHS hospitals or courts, the DPSI is the most widely recognised.
- Police & criminal justice: align to PAIT (Level 6 qualification + experience + vetting).
- If you’re looking for local council, community, or charity work, the DCI is often sufficient and flexible.
- If your goal is international conferences or EU institutions, a Master’s degree is essential.
It’s also worth weighing up cost, duration, and flexibility. Diplomas are more accessible for those studying part-time alongside work, while the MA route is a full academic commitment
If you’re unsure, many interpreters start with the DCI, then specialise into whatever sector they choose.
Beyond Qualifications: Registers and CPD
After qualifying, join a recognised body/register to prove standards and ethics:
- NRPSI (National Register of Public Service Interpreters) — independent public register widely used by UK public services; check current criteria and application guidance. nrpsi.org.uk
- CIOL and ITI — professional memberships that support CPD, ethics and tender access; valued by public bodies and agencies. CIOL
Ongoing CPD (terminology, sector refreshers, remote interpreting platforms) helps you perform under pressure and remain deployable.
FAQs
Can I work as an interpreter without qualifications?
You can, but your work will be limited to informal or unregulated settings. To access courts, NHS, or government contracts, you’ll need at least a Level 6 diploma.
Is the DPSI better than the DCI?
Not necessarily “better” — they serve different purposes. The DPSI is more specialised and opens doors to legal and healthcare interpreting, while the DCI is broader and suits community-focused work.
Which qualification is best for NHS interpreting?
The DPSI (Health pathway) is the most widely recognised. The DCI may be accepted in some local healthcare contracts.
Do I need to join NRPSI?
If you want to work in courts or with the police, yes. For NHS and council contracts, it’s highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a certified interpreter in the UK requires both qualifications and strategy. The right diploma not only builds your skills but also determines what kind of work you can access. From local councils to international summits, the opportunities are wide-ranging — but only if you invest in the right training.
If you’re ready to take your next step, explore our related guide: How to Become a Certified Interpreter in the UK for a full overview of the career pathway.
Or, if you’re already qualified and looking to work with a trusted agency, get in touch with LITS — we’re always looking to partner with professional interpreters across 300+ languages.