Membership FAQs

General

How do I log into the My ITI members’ area on the ITI website?

To log in to the members’ area, just click on Login and enter your registered email address and your password. If you have forgotten your password, click on Reset my password and follow the instructions.

Can I become a member if I am not based in the UK?

Yes. 20% of ITI members are not based in the UK and you do not have to be a UK citizen or resident to become a member.

How much experience do I need to have as a translator or interpreter in order to apply for an individual membership?

Whether you are just starting out, or are a seasoned practitioner with many years of professional experience, ITI offers a membership category to suit you at every stage of your career.

How much does it cost to apply, and how can I pay for my membership?

Our Fees page includes details of all ITI individual and corporate member application and membership fees. We offer several payment methods, including PayPal and direct debit. Further details available in How to pay. Please refer to the application and membership terms and conditions.

When is my renewal date?

You can find all the details relating to your subscription, including the start and renewal dates, in My subscriptions.

What do ITI Certification Seals look like and how can I order them?

See what the seals look like. Qualified Members (translators) and Corporate Language Service Providers can purchase seals in the Online shop.

How can I upgrade my membership?

You can upgrade your membership at any time during the membership year. To learn more, please go to the Upgrade your membership section of My ITI.

Where can I download my membership certificate?

You can download a pdf of your membership certificate from My ITI > My profile > View my summary and then it's in the Personal information box. Each year when you have renewed your membership it will automatically be updated.

Application

How do I apply?

The first step is to read about our individual and corporate categories and choose which category is the most appropriate for you. Then, you can submit an application online.

Why should I join ITI?

ITI offers a range of benefits to all our members, both individual and corporate, supporting you at every stage of your professional career. Being a member of ITI also allows you to stay fully up to date with the latest developments within our ever-evolving industry and puts you at the heart of the translating and interpreting community.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

It depends which category you are applying for! The Affiliate application takes a few minutes with a simple online process and payment. Associate membership can typically take a week or so depending on how quickly your referees respond. For Qualified MITI membership the process of application and assessment will often take up to three months depending on your assessment route.

How quickly do I have to provide all of the required documentation, once I have started the application process?

From the date you submit your application fee, you have 12 weeks to provide ITI with all of the required application documentation. Failure to do so within this time period will result in the application being declined as an incomplete submission. You would then be required to pay the application fee again and resubmit all documentation if you wanted to apply again in the future. Always check that you will be able to meet all of the criteria and provide the documentation required prior to applying for a particular membership category.

What happens if my application is not successful?

If you do not meet the criteria for the category of membership for which you have applied, you may be offered an alternative category of membership instead. Where this option is not available, you will be advised that your application has not been successful. You can try again in the future, as long as you are able to satisfy the requirements of the particular membership category for which you wish to apply.

Please refer to the application and membership terms and conditions. ITI reserves the right to decline an application. Please note that all application fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. 

I am applying for Qualified Membership (MITI) but my degree certificate is not in English – will it be accepted?

Yes. Any documentation submitted that is not in English will still be reviewed and verified by ITI.

How should I submit my application and supporting documents?

All application documents should be sent via email to [email protected]

What kind of references do I need to supply as an individual applicant?

For all membership categories (except Student and Affiliate membership) you will need to supply professional references. 

How does membership benefit someone at an early stage in their career?

ITI offers a range of membership categories to those that are new to the profession, and there are many ways in which membership of ITI can benefit them. Here are just some of them:

  • ITI’s professional development, events and CPD programmes, and the knowledge and skills these provide, will help them to lay solid foundations for their career
  • Joining ITI is evidence of an individual’s commitment to professional standards and continuing to develop their knowledge in line with an evolving sector
  • Information available to ITI members on trends, careers, vacancies, research and technology is valuable to someone starting out in their career

Direct Debit

General

Can I pay for my membership by Direct Debit?

Yes. You can set up a Direct Debit when you first join ITI or when you renew your membership. You can also add/manage your Direct Debit mandate in My payment methods.

Who can set up a Direct Debit mandate?

The direct debit payment option is available for members who have a GBP or a Euro bank account. The bank account doesn't have to be based in the UK, as long as it is in one of these currencies.

I have a UK bank account but don't live in the UK. Can I still set up a Direct Debit?

Yes. If you have a UK bank account but don't live in the UK, please use GoCardless's address when setting up your mandate:

Sutton Yard
Goswell Rd
London EC1V 7EN

How do I set up a Direct Debit mandate?

If you haven't paid by Direct Debit when you first joined ITI, you will be able to do this online through My ITI during your renewal period.

You can also add a Direct Debit to your subscription in My payment methods. Please note that you're not able to change to the 50:50 payment option through My payment methods. You will only be able to opt into the 50:50 option during your renewal period.

Can I change the bank details on an existing Direct Debit mandate?

You can cancel an existing mandate and create a new one in My payment methods, by clicking in 'Add new direct debit' and then deleting the old one.

For mandates linked to a UK bank account, it is also possible to update the bank account details without cancelling the mandate. If you wish to keep an existing mandate without cancelling it, please contact the GoCardless Support team on 020 7183 8674.

How do I cancel a Direct Debit mandate?

You can cancel an existing mandate and create a new one in My payment methods, by clicking in 'Add new direct debit' and then deleting the old one.

If you don't want to set up a replacement mandate, please contact [email protected] to let us know you’d like to cancel your existing mandate.

I’ve received my renewal notification but don’t want to pay by Direct Debit anymore. Can I cancel it?

If you want to cancel or change your direct debit, you will need to let us know at least a week before the payment is due to ensure there is enough time to cancel/amend the Direct Debit. Please contact us at [email protected].

Can I reinstate a cancelled Direct Debit mandate?

No. Once a mandate has been cancelled, it can’t be reinstated. You will need to set up a new one during your renewal period.

How will payments appear on my bank statement?

A reference will appear on your bank statements as GoCardless Ltd, ref: ITI-XXXXXXX. The "XXXXXXX" represents a unique reference that relates specifically to your Direct Debit mandate. It is possible that the reference shows only as GoCardless Ltd, depending on your bank.

How will I know when the Direct Debit payment will be taken?

ITI will notify you approximately 30 days in advance that your renewal is due and that you have a Direct Debit set up to make a payment on or around your renewal date.

GoCardless will also contact you directly a few days in advance of the Direct Debit payment to let you know when the payment will be taken and the amount due.

Are my bank account details held securely?

Yes, your bank account details are held securely by GoCardless. You can view their full Privacy Policy here.

For Euro bank account holders, your mandate is covered by SEPA. Your rights regarding your mandate are explained in a statement that you can obtain from your bank.

For UK bank account holders, your mandate is covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee.

The Direct Debit Guarantee

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  • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits
  • If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit GC re Institute of Translation and Interpreting will notify you 3 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request GC re Institute of Translation and Interpreting to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request
  • If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by GC re Institute of Translation and Interpreting or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society
  • If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when GC re Institute of Translation and Interpreting asks you to
  • You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

I still have questions about paying through Direct Debit. Who can I contact?

If you're still unsure about paying by Direct Debit, you can contact the membership team by email or phone, on 01908 325250.

You can also have a look at the GoCardless Payer Support Centre and contact their support team on 020 7183 8674.

50:50 option

Can I pay for the 50:50 option via Direct Debit?

Yes. 50:50 payments can only be made via Direct Debit.

I already pay by Direct Debit. What do I need to do to pay via the 50:50 option?

If you would like to select the 50:50 option to make two payments, you'll be able to change your payment plan at the time of your renewal. You will need to do this at least 7 days before your Direct Debit is due to be taken (on your renewal date). Once the payment process has started, you won't be able to change your plan.

Changing your plan will not cancel your existing direct debit mandate.

Please note that the 50:50 payment option is subject to the terms and conditions that can be found here.

I don’t currently pay by Direct Debit. What do I need to do to pay via the 50:50 payment option?

You can add a Direct Debit mandate to your subscription at any point, in My payment methods. However, this won't automatically opt you in to the 50:50 option. This option will only be available in to you approximately 1 month before your renewal date (e.g., 1 April for members with a renewal date of 1 May), in My ITI

Can I still pay the full subscription?

Yes, absolutely. We would appreciate all members who are able to, to pay their renewal subscription in full by their renewal date.

Can I pay using the 50:50 option via another payment method?

No, we can only offer 50:50 payments via the Direct Debit payment method.

Can I set my Direct Debit up now to pay via the 50:50 option?

You can add a Direct Debit mandate to your subscription at any point, in My payment methods. However, this won't automatically opt you in to the 50:50 option. This option will only be available to you approximately 1 month before your renewal date (e.g., 1 April for members with a renewal date of 1 May) in My ITI

Can all membership categories pay using the 50:50 option?

All membership categories apart from Student and first year Affliate members, and any trial membership packages that may be in place, will be able to opt in to the 50:50 payment option.

When are the two payments due?

The first payment is due on your renewal date and the second payment will be due 6 months later (i.e., 1 May 2023 and 1 November 2023 respectively for members renewing on 1 May 2023). You can see the exact dates in My subscriptions by clicking on 'View payments'. Upcoming payments will have a status of 'Not yet scheduled'.

These payments will be taken automatically via Direct Debit once you have set up the 50:50 payment option.

If I opt for the 50:50 payment option this year, will this remain the same every year?

Yes, it will remain the same for future years. If, however, you wish to revert to one payment in the future, you will be able to do so at the point of your next renewal. Just click in 'Change my plan' in Renewing your membership (only available during your renewal period).

Will you remind me when I need to pay the remaining balance?

The remaining balance will be due 6 months after your initial Direct Debit payment and will be taken automatically. 

ITI will notify you approximately 30 days in advance that your renewal is due and that you have a Direct Debit set up to make a payment on or around your renewal date. 

GoCardless will also contact you directly a few days in advance of the Direct Debit payment to let you know when the payment will be taken.  

What happens if my second Direct Debit payment fails?

If your second Direct Debit fails, your membership will be suspended immediately until receipt of the remainder of your membership subscription. If this is not received within 10 days of the Direct Debit failure, your membership will expire alongside all associated benefits. 

If you anticipate having difficulties making the second payment, then please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.

Will I lose any benefits if I choose the 50:50 payment option?

No, your membership and benefits will remain unchanged.

Can corporate members choose the 50:50 payment option?

Yes, this offer is also available to corporate members.

Qualified Members

How does ITI membership benefit experienced translators and/or interpreters?

ITI offers a range of membership categories to experienced translators and/or interpreters, and there are many ways in which membership of ITI can benefit them. Here are just some of them:

  • It provides a programme of courses, events and continuing professional development (CPD) to support professionals throughout their career
  • There are valuable networking opportunities to meet up with like-minded professionals and learn about each other’s challenges and experiences
  • It is independent evidence of the individual’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards. Qualified Members are also entitled to carry the designatory letters MITI after their name and be listed in the ITI Directory
  • The ITI website and a range of member communications help to keep them up to date with industry developments

When can I become a Qualified Member?

If you have a minimum of 3 years' professional experience, and a relevant degree (or six years of experince without a degree), you are eligible to apply for Qualified Membership. Applicants for this category must also pass the ITI translator assessment or interpreter assessment.

ITI Assessment for Qualified Membership

What is the translation assessment?

The translation assessment forms part of the application process for those applying for Qualified Membership (MITI) as translators. Full details can be found here.

What is the interpreting assessment?

The interpreting assessment forms part of the application process for those applying for Qualified Membership (MITI) as interpreters. Full details can be found here.

I would just like to take the assessment on its own but do not want to apply for Qualified Membership.

You cannot take the assessment on its own as it is not a stand-alone test. It forms part of the application for Qualified Membership and can only be completed as part of the application process for this category of membership.

How much does the assessment cost?

Please refer to the Fees section for details of the most up-to-date costs for Qualified Membership assessment.

Where do I have to attend to do the assessment for Qualified Membership?

All assessments are completed online from the comfort of your usual working environment or home and are carried out throughout the year.

On what days can I take the assessment?

Translation assessments are carried out on selected Tuesdays and Fridays each month. Once you have satisfied the documentation requirements of the Qualified Membership (MITI) category, you will then be offered the assessment. Once paid for, you will be advised of the dates that are currently available for you to choose from.

Interpreter assessment interviews are carried out throughout the year, subject to the assessor’s and the applicant’s mutual availability. The availability of all parties will be established once the assessment interview has been offered and paid for.

How long do I have to book my assessment date?

From the date of your offer to take the assessment being issued, you have up to a year to go ahead and take the assessment.

Who marks the assessments?

Assessments are marked by Qualified Assessor Members of ITI who are all MITI or FITI.

What if I don’t agree with the assessment result?

If you don’t agree with the assessment result, you can appeal. Each appeal costs £275 (inc. VAT) and consists of a full re-mark/review of the assessment. If your appeal were to be successful, the appeal fee would be refunded in full.

What is the assessment commentary?

The commentary should explain the linguistic, cultural and other issues presented by the text. This exercise is designed to illustrate the applicant’s approach and strategies when completing the translation of the text. Full details of the translation assessment commentary can be found in the Assessment Applicant Handbook, including an actual example.

What subjects can I choose from for the translation assessment?

ITI offers texts in a variety of subjects for assessment purposes. ITI is not required to test an individual’s areas of specialism, as all members are required to sign ITI's Code of Professional Conduct confirming that they will not take on work that they are not fully competent to carry out.

Applicants must choose from the subjects provided. Specific texts cannot be requested by applicants. For more details, refer to the Assessment Applicant Handbook.

How long does it take to get the assessment result?

Translation assessment results are normally delivered within ten weeks, although this may be longer during holiday periods or if suitable assessors are unavailable to mark the assessment.

Interpreter assessment results are normally delivered within two weeks.

Results are always delivered as soon as they become available and applicants will be advised if there is likely to be a significant delay in their result being delivered.

Can I become a member of ITI whilst waiting to complete the assessment part of my application to be a MITI?

Applicants who are applying for Qualified Membership (MITI) will have automatically met the criteria for Associate membership (AITI) once they have completed the first part of the application process. They will therefore be given the opportunity to join as an Associate of ITI whilst they are continuing with their MITI application.

Full application and membership terms and conditions can be found here

Corporate members

How does ITI membership benefit corporate applicants?

ITI offers seven membership categories for corporate members, depending on the type of business or organisation, each offering a range of benefits. Click here for more information about each corporate membership category.

What kind of references do I need to supply as a corporate applicant?

For all corporate membership categories you will need to supply professional references. For more detailed information about reference requirements for corporate applicants, please refer to the specific page for the corporate category you are applying for.