Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) - London

C B.

It was a complete WASTE OF MONEY and a GREAT amount of money, the worst experience ever! 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

I've spent a lot of money on taking exams, and for the price, there should be an option for the candidate to access the feedback without being charged AGAIN!!!
Your recognition isn't essential for survival.
Unfortunately, their service lacks the necessary support and is disappointing. I would not recommend it to anyone because it is a complete waste of money, and the general outlook is pessimistic.

It's essential to consider that written feedback must be included at no extra cost.

To summarise, there is no support, communication, professionalism, or interest. The main concern focuses only on making money, So save your money!!

How come they only respond to positive feedback and ignore negative ones?

C B.

Good luck with your business if this is your way of making money on people's backs. I've spent a lot of money on taking exams, and for the price, there should be an option for feedback if a candidate fails. Your recognition isn't essential for survival.
You are only interested in receiving the money and are not involved in the preparation process. However, since you are not accountable for anything, there is no guarantee of money back in case of insufficient support.
It's important to consider the impact you can have on someone's life when not providing transparency about what went wrong. Unfortunately, your service lacks the necessary support, and I would not use it again due to being a complete waste of money. Your disregard for people's passion for translation services is disappointing. While other concerns could be addressed, the general outlook is pessimistic.
To sum up, there is no support, communication, professionalism, and interest. Your main concern focuses only on making money.

How come you only respond to positive feedback and ignore negative ones?

Vasiliki P.

I became a Member of the Institute in 2011 as a student during my MA in Translation and Interpreting and haven't regretted it since. The Chartered Institute of Linguists provides a clear pathway not only for Membership but also for career development. Membership comes with a set of benefits and advantages that any linguist would find useful. The networking events, training, talks and workshops are always up-to-date, covering a wide range of topics, helping language professionals advance in their career, meet with other colleagues and gain a competitive edge that makes them stand out. Recently, as I was planning my career development, I had a query regarding how I can become qualified in an additional language pair for translation purposes. The staff replied to me within 24 hours and I had clear goals and guidance given to me which are now added to my business plan. Thank you for your invaluable support!

KLAS I.

Fantastic organisation operated by brilliant staff, very professional, friendly, hugely supportive of linguists throughout their careers, offering incredible value for money for its membership, up-to-date information and advice, excellent training, seminars and events. I have been very proud CIOL member for years and this has tremendously boosted my linguistic career as a professional translator, interpreter and language teacher! It is an internationally recognised organisation, very well recognised and respected and is the only institution to provide the Chartership status in languages! Definitely recommended!

Eva N.

I have been a member of CIOL since 2010. I passed my DipTrans exams with merit in that year and this was a turning point in my career. I started getting interpreting and teaching jobs. The staff at the institute are very helpful and they're doing their best to support linguists and help them get recognition.

Carolina C. P.

My story with the CIOL started when I decided to take the DipTrans and I've now been a member for over a year. I am pretty happy with the team; they work hard to keep things running and make sure the professional situation for linguists gets better. Their events are well-organised and always a good opportunity to network with colleagues and advance my CPD. CIOL has helped me feel part of a professional community and, as a freelancer mostly working from a home office, I value that a lot.

Jasmine J.

Excellent organisation for professional linguists wishing to network or enhance their careers as translators or interpreters. Friendly and helpful staff, highly motivated and dedicated. Organises fantastic seminars, presentations and workshops and networking opportunities. A Must for any self-respecting professional linguist!

Jaqui G.

I recommend CIOL as a highly supportive professional organisation for translators, interpreters, language tutors and students. CIOL provides continuous professional development opportunities and enhances the recognition of language skills in the public sector. It is the only body that offers Chartership status to linguists in the UK.