Chartered Institute of Linguists

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The Chartered Institute of Linguists was founded as the Institute of Linguists in London, England in 1910 to serve the interests of professional linguists worldwide. "Linguists", in this context, refers to those whose work involves skill in modern foreign languages. The institute does not offer any qualifications in linguistics or in ancient languages. By permission of Queen Elizabeth it became the Chartered Institute of Linguists on 1 September 2005.

The Institute offers examinations in several languages. The Examinations in Languages for International Communication (ELIC), with a degree-level diploma, were offered for the last time in 2003, with resits in 2004. The Certificate in Bilingual Skills is still offered anually.

Four levels of membership exist, Fellow (FCIL), Member (MCIL), Associate (ACIL), and Registered Student, with "Member" being the standard professional grade of membership, normally attained through examination, either one of the Institute's own diplomas or an honours degree in a modern language with a period of residency in a country where the language is spoken, plus evidence of being employed in a profession which requires foreign language skill.