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Written by Helena El Masri, DPSI Online
DPSI Online has trained over 2000 public service interpreter students in over 60 languages since its inception in 2009, and in this blog, I aim to unpick some of the most significant trends in public service interpreting qualifications and training in the UK.
Before the pandemic, the number of interpreters training at Level 6 was decreasing dramatically, and we saw a rush of Level 3 interpreters entering the workforce. Together with Level 3 training, we also saw an increase in Level 2 courses which started to unbalance the workforce to a level below what is required for most professional interpreting work.
Fast forward 5 years, and we are now seeing, since mid 2025, a rise in awareness of the market’s demands, and more interpreters climbing the professional ladder and applying for Level 6 DPSI and DCI training. I like to think this change was fueled by the recent enquiry into court interpreting services by the House of Lords Public Services Committee, which identified critical issues with the existing procurement model.
Of course, public service interpreting is a demanding job and there is still a lot to be done if we collectively want to foster a workforce that can manage a high level of complex interpreting at public service level, which includes both healthcare and legal settings.
Another trend we are seeing is the demand for Diploma in Community Interpreting (DCI) training rather than an exam-based Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) model. This can be a consequence of the decrease in available languages for Chartered Institute of Linguists’ DPSI examinations, historically the gold standard in interpreting qualifications.
The positive side of this development is that it opened the doors to a new awarding body offering the same qualification for the legal option. iCQ Awards (who took over from TQUK), is now an alternative awarding body for obtaining a Level 6 interpreting qualification in any language. Yes, any language, meaning there is now no excuse for an interpreter to say “there is no exam in my language”. Beyond increasing qualifications, this diversity of choice should also help the National Register for Public Service Interpreters expand the number of registrants qualified in rare languages.
In my work at DPSI Online, I encounter many interpreters and students who are asking more questions and researching which qualification suits them better. But there are still misconceptions around these qualifications.
DPSI Online aims to inform the market in an impartial manner and raise awareness of the training needed for each market niche. We also make students aware of the differences in qualifications and what they lead to.
The DCI qualification has demonstrated that it is a strong rival to the DPSI, as learners must demonstrate knowledge over a period of 6 to 8 months, both in their coursework written in English and in their language-related skills. Being consistently evaluated over 12 weeks with a language-dedicated tutor helps learners develop skills and allows tutors to monitor their progress. Having the support of qualified and experienced tutors imparts into interpreters values and standards that a stand-alone exam cannot.
Training is the best investment for a long-lasting career. Being trained allows interpreters to develop strong skills, be prepared for challenges and conflicts, be assertive to say no to jobs that can impact their mental health or wellbeing, because saying ‘no’ is sometimes as important as saying ‘yes’. Training can also assist interpreters in reducing the burden of emotionally taxing assignments and, therefore, avoiding vicarious trauma.
As a course provider, we can only convey knowledge and skills through robust courses with experienced tutors, but the other side of the coin are of course Interpreting Service Providers who can play their part, too, by ensuring their interpreter database is rich in Level 6-trained and qualified interpreters. Last year, we continued to expand our training by launching DPSI Law for BSL Interpreters, a significant milestone.
At DPSI Online, we are always open to dialogue on how to assist language service companies and organisations in promoting interpreter training and raising the bar on a profession that, due to its nature, can many times be rather invisible.
Let’s open a positive, constructive dialogue! Feel free to get in touch with your queries or ideas around interpreter training, or read more in our resources below:
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