This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who interpret between two languages, in general dialogue and monologue settings where the interpreter is able to control the interaction to assist retention and recall.
In a general setting the context is usually broad and routine and the content or complexity of the situation can usually be predicted and planned for. There are typically two dialogue settings or a few monologue setting participants, to whom the interpreter has physical, visual or audio access.
The Diploma of Interpreting prepares interpreters for work typically in the community and business domains, including sectors such as general health, welfare and community services, educational and social contexts, and tourism. It also includes interactions such as initial police interviews, over the counter interviews in customer and community information services, non-complex disability assistance, and other informal business and workplace interactions. The interpreting takes place where miscommunication or the consequences of errors in communicative intent can be readily managed through consultation and preparation, and where there are opportunities for error correction.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian Standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are available
See training providers offering VET Student Loans -
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply codes and standards to ethical practice | Core |
| Interpret in general dialogue settings | Core |
| Manage interactions in general settings | Core |
| Prepare to translate or interpret | Core |
| Use routine subject area terminology in two languages | Core |
| Build glossaries for translating and interpreting assignments | Elective |
| Conduct career planning | Elective |
| Convey information between Auslan and English | Elective |
| Demonstrate routine language proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts | Elective |
| Interpret as part of a team | Elective |
| Interpret in general monologue settings | Elective |
| Interpret through communication media | Elective |
| Operate application software packages | Elective |
| Sight translate | Elective |
| Use routine education terminology in two languages | Elective |
| Use routine health terminology in two languages | Elective |
| Use routine legal terminology in two languages | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of Interpreting sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Interpreter
ANZSCO 272412
Interpreters transfer spoken or signed languages into other spoken or signed languages, usually within a limited timeframe in the presence of the participants requiring the translation.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Translator
ANZSCO 272413
Translators transfer source texts from one language into another, usually within an extended time frame to allow for corrections and modifications and without the presence of the participants requiring the translation.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher
Training providers delivering Diploma of Interpreting
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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DEAF CONNECT (RTO code 41192)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Abbey College Australia (RTO code 91136)
Contact this provider
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Australia-International Institute of Workplace Training (RTO code 51174)
Contact this provider
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Australian Ideal College Pty Ltd (RTO code 91679)
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Australian Institute of language (RTO code 41424)
Contact this provider
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Babel International College (WA) (RTO code 41560)
Contact this provider
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George Brown College (RTO code 91707)
Contact this provider
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Global Business College Of Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 41292)
Contact this provider
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Sydney Institute of Interpreting & Translating (RTO code 91490)
Contact this provider
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TAFE SA (RTO code 41026)
Contact this provider
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UNITY SKILLS COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY (RTO code 41480)
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YORK BUSINESS INSTITUTE PTY. LTD. (RTO code 45033)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.