Irish Sign Language

Course aims and objectives 

Our Level 1 Award in Irish Sign Language (ISL) teaches learners to communicate using ISL. This course covers a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use.

Qualification structure

The Level 1 Award in ISL qualification is divided into three units. You’ll need to complete and pass all three to achieve the full qualification. 

Through these units, you’ll cover an array of themes and topics, including:

• Animals and Objects
• Describing People
• Directions
• Food and Drink
• Interest and Activities
• Meeting People
• Sharing Information
• Transport
• Using Numbers
• Weather

If you are entirely new to ISL, we recommend covering ISL101 first, as ISL102 and ISL103 build on the content from ISL101. Once you have completed ISL101, you can proceed to ISL102 and ISL103 in any order.

How long will the Level 1 Award in Irish Sign Language take?

See the table below for the recommended learning hours required to achieve this ISL sign language qualification.

Keep up your learning with ISL homework and resources

To support you on your ISL journey, we have some helpful homework packages and resources available. 

ISL homework is a comprehensive online library of video clips and support materials to help you understand the assessments you’ll be undertaking, develop your vocabulary and linguistics skills, and practice your receptive ISL skills from wherever you are.

With packages starting from just £36.00, it’s perfect for anyone studying towards an Irish Sign Language qualification.

What essential pre-qualification requirements do you need for the Level 1 award in ISL?

Enrolling in this course requires sufficient sight, manual dexterity, and the ability to carry out facial and body movements needed to produce and receive ISL. You do not need to know Irish to enrol, as this course is designed for complete beginners.

How will it be assessed?

To assess your understanding and ability to communicate using Irish Sign Language (ISL), you’ll complete three assessments as part of your ISL Level 1 course:

ISL101 is internally assessed by your teacher. This assessment involves a simple conversation between you and your teacher using ISL.

ISL102 is externally assessed by a registered examiner. You will take part in a 4–5 minute ISL conversation based on specific topics covered in the ISL102 unit.

ISL103 is also externally assessed and involves another 4–5 minute conversation. This assessment focuses on the themes and vocabulary introduced in the ISL103 unit.

Find your local Signature centre and enrol on a beginner’s ISL qualification

We offer accredited ISL qualifications across the UK — try our handy tool to find your nearest Signature-approved centre. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Qualification aims and objectives

Building upon the knowledge and skills learnt in Level 1, the Level 2 Certificate in Irish Sign Language will allow you to communicate with Deaf people using ISL in various familiar contexts using lengthy and open-ended exchanges.

Using real-life routines and daily experiences, you will be able to communicate confidently using a sufficient grasp of ISL grammar. You will also learn some regional variations in ISL to strengthen your knowledge.

Qualification structure 

The Level 2 Certificate in Irish Sign Language is split into three units. You must complete and pass all three units to achieve your full Level 2 Certificate. 

You can technically complete the units in any order, but we recommend starting with ISL201 before completing ISL202 or ISL203.

How long will the Level 2 certificate in Irish Sign Language take?

Take a look at the table below to see the recommended learning hours required to achieve your Level 2 ISL sign language qualification.

What essential requirements do you need for a Level 2 certificate in ISL?

You must complete the Level 1 ISL course or equivalent before enrolling on Level 2 to ensure you have a solid grasp of the basics. You will also need sufficient sight, manual dexterity, and the ability to perform any facial and body movements needed to produce and receive ISL.

How will it be assessed?

The assessment for the Level 2 Certificate in Irish Sign Language involves a 3–5 minute recorded presentation in ISL, based on Theme 1: Everyday Conversation and one additional optional theme chosen in advance with your teacher. 

You will begin by fingerspelling your full name and signing the chosen theme—this part is not marked. The presentation is delivered to your teacher, with both of you fully visible on camera to ensure all ISL features can be clearly seen. The teacher may prompt you up to twice to help keep the presentation flowing, but cannot assist with signing. The presentation must stay on theme and be in ISL (not SSE). Recordings must be unedited, and assessments under three minutes or off-theme will result in a fail. Anything over five minutes will not be marked beyond that point.

Qualification aims

Designed for learners who have already completed ISL Level 2, the Level 3 Certificate in Irish Sign Language will allow you to understand and use varied ISL in a range of work and social situations. This course builds upon the basic knowledge and contexts introduced in Levels 1 and 2. 

By the end of this ISL course, you will be able to demonstrate competence at Level 3 of the UK Occupational Language Standards (CILT, 2010).

What essential requirements do you need for a Level 3 certificate in ISL?

You must complete your Level 2 ISL course or equivalent before enrolling on Level 3 to show that you have a solid grasp of the basics. You will also need sufficient sight, manual dexterity, and the ability to perform any facial and body movements needed to produce and receive ISL.

Qualification structure

The Level 3 Certificate in Irish Sign Language is split into three units. You must complete and pass them all to achieve the Level 3 ISL Certificate.

Each unit is assessed separately, and you can take the relevant assessments after each unit if you wish. However, we recommend taking all three assessments at the end when all teaching is complete.

How long will the Level 3 certificate in Irish Sign Language take?

See the recommended learning hours required to achieve your Level 3 ISL sign language qualification in the table below.

What essential requirements do you need for a Level 3 certificate in ISL?

You must complete your Level 2 ISL course or equivalent before enrolling on Level 3 to show that you have a solid grasp of the basics. You will also need sufficient sight, manual dexterity, and the ability to perform any facial and body movements needed to produce and receive ISL.

How will it be assessed?

The Level 3 Certificate in Irish Sign Language is assessed through three externally marked components designed to evaluate both receptive and productive skills using varied ISL across a range of topics. The assessments include:

• Formal Presentation (8–10 mins): Based on a topic provided by Signature (chosen from a set of three), candidates have 14 days to prepare. Candidates must deliver a clear ISL presentation including Deaf issues, with accurate sign order and Non-Manual Features (NMF). Pass mark: 60%.
• Informal Conversation (10–12 mins): On the day of the assessment, candidates choose a different topic from another set of three provided by Signature. After 30 minutes of preparation (with internet access allowed), they engage in a natural conversation with their teacher. Pass mark: 60%.
• Receptive Skills (approx. 10 mins): Candidates will watch a video clip divided into three parts and respond to ISL-signed questions by writing or signing their answers. The task evaluates comprehension of varied signed communication, including regional variations. Pass mark: 60%.

To pass the qualification, candidates must demonstrate strong ISL grammar, appropriate sign order, and consistent use of NMF across all tasks. Use of SSE or insufficient ISL features may lead to disqualification.

Qualification aims

Following the Level 3 Certificate in ISL, Level 4 will allow you to communicate independently at a more advanced level. The Level 4 Certificate in Irish Sign Language is particularly useful for those who regularly work with Deaf people, such as social workers, teachers, communicators, and volunteers. 

The Level 4 Certificate in Irish Sign Language will provide you with the advanced skills you need to expand your knowledge of ISL as a whole.

What essential requirements do you need for a Level 4 certificate in ISL?

To show proficiency, you must complete the Level 3 ISL course or equivalent before enrolling on Level 4. You must also have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, and the ability to perform any facial and body movements needed to produce and receive ISL.

Qualification structure

Your Level 4 ISL qualification is divided into three units. You must complete and pass each unit to gain your Level 4 qualification certificate.

How long will the Level 4 certificate in Irish Sign Language take?

Take a look at the recommended learning hours in the table below. This is how much time is required to achieve your Level 4 ISL sign language qualification.

What essential requirements do you need for a Level 4 certificate in ISL?

To show proficiency, you must complete the Level 3 ISL course or equivalent before enrolling on Level 4. You must also have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, and the ability to perform any facial and body movements needed to produce and receive ISL.

How will it be assessed?

Assessment for the Level 4 Certificate in Irish Sign Language includes three externally assessed components and a coursework file with formative tasks. You must pass all assessments to achieve the qualification.

• Formal Presentation – External, 10–12 minutes
• Informal Conversation – External, 12–14 minutes
• Receptive Skills – External, approx. 1 hour 15 minutes

In addition, you will complete a coursework file containing three informal discussions with native ISL users from the Deaf community. These are assessed by your teacher and retained by your centre for external moderation.

Qualification aims

If you are considering a career in ISL interpretation, this Level 4 ISL course includes a module on Introduction to Interpreting ISL. This qualification will become essential in proving that you have the interpreting skills needed to register as an ISL Trainee Interpreter in the future. 

However, it is important to note that you will need to meet a number of criteria in addition to completing the Level 4 ISL Introduction to Interpreting unit. You cannot achieve Trainee Interpreter status with this unit alone. 

For more information about the essential criteria needed to become a Trainee Interpreter, please refer to the NRCPD website.

What pre-qualification requirements do you need for a Level 4 certificate in ISL and Introduction to Interpreting?

Like the Level 4 Certificate in ISL, you must complete the Level 3 ISL course or equivalent before proceeding to Level 4. You will also need to have sufficient sight and manual dexterity and be able to perform any facial and body movements needed to produce and receive ISL.

Qualification structure

Your Level 4 ISL qualification is divided into three units. You must complete and pass all three units to achieve your qualification.

How long will the Level 4 certificate in Irish Sign Language take?

Please see the recommended number of learning hours in the table below.

What pre-qualification requirements do you need for a Level 4 certificate in ISL and Introduction to Interpreting?

Like the Level 4 Certificate in ISL, you must complete the Level 3 ISL course or equivalent before proceeding to Level 4. You will also need to have sufficient sight and manual dexterity and be able to perform any facial and body movements needed to produce and receive ISL.

How will it be assessed?

Assessment for the Level 4 Certificate in Irish Sign Language and Introduction to Interpreting consists of five parts, all of which must be passed to achieve the unit. 

Parts 1 to 4 involve internal assessments on linguistic analysis of phonology, morphology, syntax, and sociolinguistics, based on pre-recorded ISL discussions (minimum 5 minutes each), either provided by the candidate or chosen by the centre. 

These are marked by the centre and externally moderated by Signature, with all outcomes recorded on Candidate Assessment Record (CAR) forms. 

Part 5 is a 60-minute written exam, externally marked by Signature, with a pass mark of 75%. 

All internal assessments must be completed before the written exam, and if a candidate fails any part, they must resit Part 5 and resubmit evidence for Parts 1–4.

Qualification aims

With a Level 6 NVQ Certificate in Irish Sign Language, you will be able to show advanced fluency in ISL. This Level 6 NVQ is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in the UK.

From communicating complex sentence structures and advanced grammar fluently to understanding fast, nuanced ISL conversations, the ISL Level 6 NVQ certificate indicates you are ready to progress into a professional role.

What essential requirements do you need for a Level 6 NVQ certificate in Irish Sign Language?

To finish your ISL learning journey, you will need to show competency in Level 3 or equivalent before proceeding to Level 6 NVQ in ISL.

Qualification structure

This ISL course is split into two units. You must complete and pass both units to achieve the full Level 6 NVQ Certificate in Irish Sign Language.

How long will the Level 6 NVQ certificate in Irish Sign Language take?

You can take a look at the recommended number of learning hours in the table below.

What essential requirements do you need for a Level 6 NVQ certificate in Irish Sign Language?

To finish your ISL learning journey, you will need to show competency in Level 3 or equivalent before proceeding to Level 6 NVQ in ISL.

How will it be assessed?

Assessment for the Level 6 NVQ Certificate in Irish Sign Language is portfolio-based and includes both receptive (understanding) and productive (use) ISL skills. 

Candidates must demonstrate their ability to understand and use complex language in a range of work and social situations, using spontaneous, un-rehearsed communication.

Key assessment requirements:

• At least 45 minutes of recorded evidence for each unit (receptive and productive).
• A minimum of eight pieces of evidence per unit, including at least one live observation.
• Evidence must be gathered from a variety of real or simulated contexts, with at least two distinct subject areas.
• All assessment criteria must be demonstrated at least twice across the portfolio, recorded on Candidate Assessment Record (CAR) forms.
• Evidence must show fluency, accuracy, correct use of ISL grammar and structure, appropriate cultural conventions, and understanding/production of complex vocabulary and signed communication.