In the interpreting profession, misconceptions about qualifications are unfortunately common and often unchallenged. One persistent misunderstanding involves the Metropolitan Police Test, which many interpreters still believe is a formal qualification equivalent to the Level 6 Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI).
The Metropolitan Police Test: Setting the Record Straight
The Metropolitan Police Test was never a national qualification but rather a specific requirement established by the Metropolitan Police for their interpreter pool. This assessment was administered by Language Services (formerly a subsidiary of the then Institute of Linguists) and was marketed as an alternative to the DPSI. However, this test lacked Ofqual regulation—the critical component that defines an official qualification in the UK education system.
So when interpreters list this as a qualification, why is it problematic?
Surely one would say this comes under their experience, after all they passed a test and worked for the Metropolitan Police. But the reality is that presenting a test as a qualification misrepresents one’s credentials, and this lack of clarity affects the entire profession’s integrity.
Many interpreters remain unaware of its limited recognition, continuing to list it as a formal qualification at par with the DPSI Law. The confusion became so widespread that the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) eventually created the Diploma in Police Interpreting (DPI)—a properly regulated national qualification designed to replace the Met Test. Some interpreters are still not aware that this qualification was discontinued in 2022.
Why This Matters for Interpreter Trainers
As a Certified Interpreter Trainer, having accurate knowledge about qualification frameworks isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Students will rely on tutors for guidance not just to learn interpreting techniques, but also to navigate the professional landscape with integrity and a work ethos.
This example illustrates just one of the many nuanced insights you’ll gain through our Certified Interpreter Trainer Program. The course equips you with comprehensive knowledge about the interpreting profession’s standards, regulations, and historical context — information that proves invaluable when advising aspiring interpreters.
The Value of the Certified Interpreter Trainer Program
Our program goes beyond teaching methodologies. It provides you with the professional context and industry knowledge needed to:
- Deliver accurate information about interpreting qualifications
- Guide enquirers through the sometimes confusing landscape of certification options
- Help interpreters understand which qualifications are recognised by which institutions
- Explain the regulatory framework that governs interpreting qualifications in the UK
With over 23 years of training experience, Helena developed a program that addresses the real challenges faced by interpreting professionals when asked to perform roles that require evaluation of performance or examining others. The course prepares you to teach and assess interpreting skills and to serve as a knowledgeable guide for the next generation of interpreters.
Become a Leader in Interpreter Education
The interpreting profession needs trainers who understand both the practical skills and the professional landscape. By joining our program, you’ll position yourself as an authority who can provide valuable guidance beyond basic skills training.
Being put in the middle of misconceptions compromises our ethics, and if we are led to perpetuate inaccuracies, then we risk doing something that is outside our remit as professional trainers. This is why integrity needs to be shown even when no one is looking, so that when we are put in compromising situations, we can naturally set boundaries and professionally guide others to understand the qualification landscape.
You won’t just teach interpreting— you will shape the future of the profession with accurate, insightful guidance that helps new interpreters build sustainable careers based on recognised qualifications.
If you are an experienced interpreter (5+ years after achieving a level 6 qualification) and wish to expand your skills to become a tutor and/or assessor, then the Certified Interpreter Trainer Program is for you.
Learn more about becoming a Certified Interpreter Trainer at DPSI Online
DPSI Online has trained over 2,000 interpreters across 60 languages. Our Certified Interpreter Trainer Program builds on this extensive experience to prepare the next generation of interpreter trainers.
