British Sign Language Level 3 Certificate
Qualification Aim
Achieving this qualification means that learners will be able to understand and use varied BSL in a range of work and social situations.
The assessment criteria is taken from the UK Occupational Language Standards (Instrucus 2013) at Level 3 (‘Varied’ language use). These standards are equivalent to those for Modern Foreign Languages at AS and A2 level. The qualification is at Level 3 on the Qualification & Credit Framework (RQF), Advanced Level on the Language Ladder, and Level B2 on the Common European Framework (CEFR).
It caters for the learning needs of those who already have competence in BSL at Level 2 and are interested in developing their skills and knowledge.
The learner will develop an advanced knowledge of the structure and function of British Sign Language and an understanding of the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture.
The qualification is useful for those who work on a regular basis with Deaf people (for example social workers, teachers of the Deaf, communicators, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools, etc), those who aspire to work in these contexts, and those who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in British Sign Language.
Qualification Structure
Learners must demonstrate both receptive and productive BSL skills at level 3, in all six topics that make up this qualification on page? The assessments required of this qualification are:
- 3ASS1 – Formal Presentation
- 3ASS2 – Informal Conversation
- 3ASS3 – Receptive Skills
BSL is naturally used in two-way interactions (discussions, conversations, debates etc.), as well as one-way interactions (monologues, presentations etc.). The learner is therefore expected to demonstrate receptive and productive skills in both two-way and one-way interactions.
Signature recommends the best approach to teaching and assessing this qualification is by covering both receptive and productive skills together.
Total Qualification Time
The qualification has a credit value of 25, which is 250 hours of learning in total. The Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are 150. Guided learning hours means time the learner is timetabled for face-to-face contact and should include: NB Zoom/teams etc is defined for these purposes as face-to-face.
Examples of activities could include:
- Classroom based teaching
- Individual or group
- Feedback or observed practice
- Assessments
| Guided Learning Hours | Additional Study | Total Learning Hours | Credit Value |
| 150 | 100 | 250 | 25 |
Pre-Qualification Requirements
Learners must demonstrate competence in BSL at level 2.
BSL standards include requirements for learners to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL.
It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure both of these requirements have been met before accepting a learner for this qualification.
Learning resources
BSL Homework
Our online BSLHomework package is perfect for anyone studying towards a Signature Level 1, 2 or 3 Award in British Sign Language. BSLHomework is a comprehensive online library of video clips and support materials to help you understand the assessments, develop your vocabulary and linguistics skills, and practice your receptive BSL skills from wherever you are.
Packages start from £60.00