Irish Sign Language

Irish Sign Language (ISL) is the sign language of the Republic of Ireland, although it is also used in Northern Ireland. ISL is a visual-gestural language, with its own grammar and principles, which are completely different from the grammatical structure of English. We offer qualifications in Irish Sign Language from Level 1 to Level 4.

Level 1 Award in Irish Sign Language
This qualification is designed to enable learners to communicate with deaf people in ISL on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use.
Fact Sheet | Qualification Specification | ISL Specification

Level 2 Certificate in Irish Sign Language
This qualification is designed to enable learners to develop an ability to communicate with Deaf people using ISL in a range of familiar contexts, participating in longer and more open-ended exchanges than at Level 1. The course will develop functional communication in ISL about a range of real life, routine and daily experiences. The learner will be able to deal with most routine language tasks and have sufficient grasp of grammar to cope with some non-routine tasks.
Fact Sheet | Qualification Specification | ISL Specification

Level 3 Certificate in Irish Sign Language
This qualification uses the National Language Standards (CILT, 2005), which define competent performance in Irish Sign Language (ISL) skills in both receptive (listening) and productive (speaking) units. It caters for the learning needs of those who already have knowledge and skills in ISL at Level 2.
Fact Sheet | Qualification Specification

Level 3 NVQ in Irish Sign Language
This qualification uses the National Language Standards (CILT, 2005), which define competent performance in Irish Sign Language (BSL) skills in both receptive (listening) and productive (speaking) units. It is useful for those who work with Deaf people.
Fact Sheet | Qualification Specification

Level 4 NVQ in Irish Sign Language
This qualification is designed for learners who can understand and use complex language, express themselves fluently and deal confidently with most work situations. It is useful for those who work on a daily basis with Deaf people, as well as learners who wish to become an Irish Sign Language (ISL) / English Interpreter.
Fact Sheet | Qualification Specification