DPSI Health

DPSI Health Online Course & CIOL Exam Preparation

The DPSI Health course from linguisttraining.com prepares Interpreters for the CIOL DPSI Health exam, and real-life professional healthcare interpreting assignments. Through a comprehensive 37-module syllabus, practical exercises, and expert one-to-one LanguagePartner™ support, you will develop the medical terminology, interpreting techniques, and procedural knowledge required to work confidently in hospitals, GP surgeries, mental health services, and other healthcare settings.

If you are preparing for the CIOL DPSI Health exam and / or real-life public sector interpreting, this course gives you the knowledge and skills needed, and provides a Course Diploma Certificate.

🏆 Award-winning course - linguisttraining.com was awarded the CIOL Nuffield Trophy for Best Group Entry in recognition of outstanding student performance in the DPSI examinations.

ENROL NOW - from £599

Your DPSI Health Enrolment Options

What You Will Learn

The DPSI Health course does much more than prepare you for an exam. Through 37 modules and 94 exercises, you will build the medical knowledge, interpreting techniques, and procedural understanding needed for real-life assignments.

Prepare for the CIOL exam

Approach the CIOL DPSI Health exam (if you choose to sit it) with proven technique and confidence. The Big Bundle provides Exam Support.

Interpret with confidence

Develop the skills to work accurately and professionally in hospitals, GP surgeries, mental health services, and community care settings.

Apply professional techniques

Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, sight translation, and note-taking.

Understand the healthcare system

The NHS, types of healthcare settings, patient communication, clinical procedures, and specialist services.

Master medical terminology

Build specialist vocabulary across cardiology, paediatrics, mental health, gynaecology, palliative care, and more.

Know your role and responsibilities

The Interpreter's code of conduct, professional ethics, and your role in healthcare settings.

Not all students go on to sit the CIOL exam. Many enrol to develop their professional skills, receive expert feedback on their work, and gain a Course Diploma Certificate. The choice to sit the exam is entirely yours.

Is This Course Right for You?

The DPSI Health course is ideal for practising and aspiring Interpreters who want to work in healthcare settings, develop their professional skills, and (if they choose) gain a recognised CIOL qualification. You should have a high command of your second language (CEFR C1 level) and native / mother-tongue command of your first language.

DPSI Health or DPSI Law - what is the difference?

Both courses are at Level 6 and follow the same structure. The difference is the specialist setting:

DPSI Health

• Level 6 - Degree equivalent
• Suitable for practising and aspiring Interpreters
• Focus on health settings - hospitals, GP surgeries, mental health

DPSI Law

• Level 6 - Degree equivalent
• Suitable for practising and aspiring Interpreters
• Focus on legal settings - courts, police, tribunals

What’s Included in the DPSI Health Course?

• Your LanguagePartner™ - Expert Mentor Support

  LanguagePartner™ support is available to enhance your DPSI Health studies, and can be added to your course at any time.

• Translation Practice - have your Translation Practice marked by an experienced LanguagePartner™ in your language pair, with detailed written feedback and guidance on your work

  • LanguagePartner™ Mentor Session - a one-to-one live video session to discuss your development, ask questions, and build confidence ahead of the exam

Both are included in the Big Bundle, or available to add on separately.

• The 37-Module Syllabus

The Modules cover specific subjects including Interpreting Techniques, Sight Translation, NHS Professionals and Services, the Interpreter's Role in Healthcare, Medical Terminology, and much more.

In addition, there is also a Translation Practice specific to your language pair.

Also included:

• 94 exercises - terminology building, comprehension, role play preparation, and more

• 382 additional resources - further reading, articles, videos, links, and more

• 2 x past exam papers (Unit 01 Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting)

• 2 x past exam papers (Units 02 / 03 Sight Translation)

• 1 x past exam paper Translation Practice (Units 04 / 05)

• Full support from the linguisttraining.com team throughout your studies

• About the Course Format

Course start date: There is no set start date. Enrol whenever you like and start immediately.

Study format: Fully online. Log in at any time, on any device, and study at your own pace.

Access: 24/7 for 12 months via our online learning platform.

Expected study time: Approximately 80 Guided Learning Hours (as recommended by the CIOLQ), plus self-study.

Languages: Course content is written in English. Translation Practices and your LanguagePartner™ session are in your language pair (available on the Big Bundle).

DPSI Health Qualification Route

About the CIOL DPSI Health Exam

• Level: 6 - Degree equivalent
• Assessment: CIOL DPSI Exam (Qualification No. 501/1250/8)
• Accreditation: Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised qualification
• Exam languages: Visit ciol.org.uk for the current list of available language pairs. You can also register an interest in future language sessions on their website.
• Exam provider: The exam is run by the CIOL, not linguisttraining.com.

Our course and the exam are entirely separate. Fees for this course are paid to linguisttraining.com. Exam fees are paid separately and directly to the CIOLQ. Visit ciol.org.uk for all current exam fees, sitting dates, and available language pairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start?
Immediately. There are no term dates, no waiting lists, and no set lesson times. Once you enrol, you can log in and start studying straight away, any time of day or night.

Is the exam fee included in the course fee?
No. The course fee covers your online course only. The CIOL DPSI Health exam fee is paid separately and directly to the CIOL. Visit ciol.org.uk for current exam fees and sitting dates.

Do I need to sit the exam?
No. Many students enrol on the DPSI Health course to develop their professional skills and knowledge for real-life healthcare assignments, and to gain a Course Diploma Certificate. The choice to sit the CIOL exam is entirely yours.

How long will I have access to the course?
You will have 24/7 access for 12 months from the date of enrolment.

What language pairs do you support?
All language pairs, into and out of English. See our full list of supported language pairs here. If you do not see your language pair, please contact us - we almost certainly have a LanguagePartner™ who can support you.

I have experience as an Interpreter already. Is there still value in the course for me?
Absolutely. Many experienced Interpreters enrol specifically to deepen their medical knowledge, build specialist terminology, and consolidate their understanding of healthcare settings and procedures. If you are primarily interested in practice and feedback, you can also add Sight Translation Papers, Translation Practices, Mock Exams, or a LanguagePartner™ Mentor Session to your course.

What is the difference between completing the course and gaining the qualification?
Completing the course earns you a linguisttraining.com Course Diploma Certificate. The official CIOL DPSI Health qualification (Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised, Level 6) is awarded by the CIOL when you pass their exam.

What is the difference between the Big Bundle and the Course only?
The Course gives you full access to the 37-module online course and your Course Diploma Certificate. The Big Bundle adds 2 x Sight Translation Papers (Units 02 + 03), 2 x Translation Practices (Units 04 + 05), 4 x Mock Exams (Units 2, 3, 4, 5), and a LanguagePartner™ Mentor Session - everything you need to prepare thoroughly for the CIOL DPSI Health exam.