The Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) meets the learning needs of those who already have competence in British Sign Language at Level 3 and are interested in developing their skills and knowledge. It is designed for those who work with, or want to work with, Deaf people (e.g. social workers, teachers of the Deaf, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools, etc.), and those who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in British Sign Language.
Candidates must demonstrate both receptive and productive BSL skills at level 4, and in all of the six topics that make up this qualification.
To achieve the full Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language qualifications, candidates are required to achieve all units.
| Assessment | Assessment Method | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Presentation | External | 10-12 Mins |
| Informal Conversation | External | 12-14 mins |
| Receptive Skills | External | 15 mins |
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 120 | 300 | 30 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
In order to be entered for a course and assessment leading to this qualification, learners must be able to demonstrate competence in BSL level 3. It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure that this requirement has been met before accepting a learner for this qualification.
Successful completion of this qualification can be used as evidence of the language skills needed in order to be able to operate independently and at an advanced level in the target language. It is useful for those who work on a regular basis with Deaf people (e.g. 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.
The completion of unit BSL423 can be used as evidence of the interpreting skills needed in order to apply for registration as a trainee interpreter. It is important to note however that this alone does not allow a successful candidate to achieve Trainee Interpreter status. There are a number of other criteria that must also be achieved before applying for registration as a Trainee Interpreter, please refer to the NRCPD website for information on this: www.nrcpd.org.uk.
This qualification is divided into three units, both of which can be achieved separately.
To achieve the full Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language, candidates are required to achieve all units.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSL420 | H/506/3790 | Extended sign language linguistics | |
| BSL421 | M/506/3808 | Understand extended British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations | |
| BSL422 | L/506/3833 | Use extended British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations | |
| BSL423 | Introduction to Interpreting | T/506/3924 |
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSL420 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| BSL421 | 70 | 50 | 120 | 12 |
| BSL422 | 70 | 50 | 120 | 12 |
| BSL423 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| Total | 220 | 140 | 360 | 36 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate competence in BSL at level 3.
It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure that this requirement has been met before accepting a candidate for this qualification.
