Cambridge Academy of Translators

Information on CAT diploma and certificates: levels and exams

With the QAC UK approval, under the EDI UK-NVQ and VETC-IVQ framework, Cambridge Academy of Translators awards diploma and certificates in translation & interpretation. CAT certifications fall into four levels, namely, CAT-SI Diploma, CAT-CI Certificate, CAT-GI Certificate and CAT-Paratranslator Certificate, with diploma at the top. Certificates are more skill-and-test based while diploma attaches importance to academic and research elements based on skills.

CAT is an EDI authorised BTE exam center that delivers NVQ level 4 translator exams. CAT is an approved center of VETC which quality assures and accredits its diploma course in translation and interpretation. All CAT diploma and certificate holders can apply for VETC IVQ-5 accreditation of translators and interpreters, and apply for EDI NVQ-4 accreditation of translators and interpreters through exams by BTE under EDI.

Due to the practicality and seriousness of translation profession, all the certifications and awards are subject to tests and if needed, trainings. Tests and trainings can be delivered in sites out of UK. Each test and award involves English and one other language, which usually is the native language of the applicant.

CAT-SI Diploma, simultaneous interpretation (CAT level Ⅳ, top level)

Diploma holders are translation practitioners who have not only acquired professional skills in translation and interpretation, but also have conducted studies and research on the theoretical issues regarding translation and interpretation. They have insights into the profession while working as professionals.

Diploma is the advanced professional level and represents the competence to handle complex, technical and sophisticated translation/interpretation. CAT Diploma translators/interpreters handle complex, technical and sophisticated material, compatible with recognized international standards. They may choose to specialize in certain areas. CAT Diploma Interpreters practice both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting in diverse situations, including at conferences, high-level negotiations, and court proceedings.

Exam structure

Written translation: Two passages into and from English (around 300 words each passage, total time: 2 hours);

Consecutive interpretation test: Two parts of listening and interpretation into and from English (around 5 minutes each part, and 5 minutes for each chunk);

Simultaneous interpretation test: Two parts of simultaneous interpretation test into and from English respectively, 10 minutes each, non-stop.

Research essay: research and studies leading to an essay above 3000 words in length.

CAT-CI Certificate, consecutive interpreter (CAT level Ⅲ)

This is the professional level and represents the minimum level of competence for professional translating/interpreting. CAT-CI translators/interpreters convey the full meaning of the information from the source language into the target language in the appropriate style and register. Translators/interpreters at this level work across a wide range of subjects involving documents with specialized content and dialogues at specialist consultations. They are also capable of interpreting presentations by the consecutive mode. Their specializations may include banking, law, health, and social and community services.

Exam structure

Written translation: Two passages into and from English (around 250 words each passage, total time: 2 hours);

Consecutive interpretation: Two parts of listening and interpretation into and from English (around 15 minutes each part, and 5 minutes for each chunk).

CAT-GI Certificate, general interpreter (CAT level Ⅱ)

This represents a level of competence in translation for the purpose of producing a translated version of non-specialized information and competence in interpreting for the purpose of general conversations. CAT-GI translators generally undertake the interpretation of non-specialist dialogues.

Exam structure

Two passages of written translation into and from English (around 200 words each passage, total time: 2 hours);

Two parts of listening and interpretation into and from English (around 9 minutes each part, and 3 minutes for each chunk).

CAT paratranslator (CAT level Ⅰ,entry level)

A paratranslator is not an independent translator. A paratranslator may have received training on the field knowledge and has obtained certain professional skills but not yet competent to perform tasks alone. A paratranslator may work as assistant for or function under the direct supervision of a licenced translator. CAT paratranslator certificate does not involve exams. Certificates can be granted to those who have received trainings on translation and interpretation related subjects.