The International School of Linguists (ISL) is widening access to the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI), making it affordable for the first time and increasing the frequency of examinations from once or twice per year to every month. ISL’s aim is to increase the number and quality of linguists who are available to deliver services to British hospitals, courts and other vital public services.
ISL, the UK’s leading provider of interpreter qualifications, has teamed up with Training Qualifications UK, an awarding organisation recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, to deliver the highly regarded qualification. TQUK award over 310 qualifications across 8 sectors and provide more interpreting qualifications than any other Awarding Organisation.
Until recently, the DPSI qualification was offered by a sole provider and in the opinion of many of our interpreters the route to qualification was restrictive in terms of languages, locations, timetables and cost.
The ISL qualification includes all of the same standards as our competitor, however, ISL is making it more widely available. From today, exam dates will be available every month of the year, and available from anywhere in the UK, in over 200 languages. We have also ensured that the qualification is more affordable. In addition, the ISL qualification is the only DPSI to offer all 5 units at level 6, making it the highest standard DPSI available.
Independence and fairness are at the heart of everything ISL does, that’s why we work with an Ofqual-regulated TQUK. Working with an independently owned, awarding organisation means that the quality of our qualification is guaranteed.
ISL General Manager, Robert Mynett, said: “The DPSI is a well-regarded qualification and has been producing the highest quality interpreters for many years. Following feedback from our interpreters, we are delighted that we can now improve accessibility, frequency, and affordability for interpreters across the UK.
Andrew Walker Managing Director at TQUK said: “We are delighted to have been approached by ISL and others within the interpreting sector to develop this new, exciting alternative to the established DPSI qualification.
Speaking to expert practitioners and training delivery staff during the development process, it quickly became apparent that the sector was crying out for a more flexible approach to assessment which removed barriers to learning and achievement, allowing more people to undertake this valuable qualification. We have applied tried and tested vocational assessment methodologies to this qualification and are proud to be able to use our expertise to meet a need in the marketplace as identified by our subject experts and existing centres.
This qualification is rigorous, robust and reliable. We are confident that upon achievement learners will find themselves in possession of the highly specialist skills required and desired by the legal profession. We look forward to awarding our first certificates soon.
ISL was established in 2010 as a provider of training and testing that specialises in the language services industry. Over the last seven years we have grown to become the UK’s leading provider of interpreter qualifications and delivers quality provision to hundreds of students.
Do you have questions regarding our DPSI? Ring the team on 0800 757 3475 or email us on [email protected].