Careers in British Sign Language

What is a Sign Language Interpreter?

Sign language Interpreters transfer meaning from one spoken or signed language into another signed or spoken language. Interpreters will use their skill and knowledge of the two languages, and their understanding of cultural differences between those for whom they are interpreting, to transfer a message in one language into the other language.

You will need the following qualifications to fulfil this role:

• Level 6 NVQ Certificate in British/Irish Sign Language
• Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting

Full progression route:

Registration

To register with the NRCPD you will need to:

• achieve level 6 or an honours degree level in your second language
• achieve an interpreting qualification

Both qualifications gained need to be mapped to the NRCPD register to find out more please visit NRCPD's Joining a Register page

What is a Sign Language Translator?

Sign Language Translators transfer written language into sign language or from sign language to written language.

You will need the following qualifications to fulfil this role:

• Level 6 NVQ Certificate in British/Irish Sign Language
• Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Translation

Full progression route:

Registration

To register with the NRCPD you will need to:

• achieve level 6 or an honours degree level in your second language
• achieve a translation qualification

Please check the NRCPD website for mapped translation qualifications.

What is a Communication Support Worker working with young people (pre 16)?

A Communication Support Worker working with young people (pre 16) provides support for deaf learners in schools. They interpret spoken English into British Sign Language (BSL) and adapt learning materials to the young person’s needs.

You will need the following qualifications to fulfil this role:

• Level 3 Certificate in British/Irish Sign Language
• ECSW

Full progression route:

Depending on the educational establishment you chose to work in they may state which qualifications you need. For more information please visit:

National Careers Service

What is a Communication Support Worker working with adults (post 16)?

A Communication Support Worker working with adults provides support for deaf learners in further education. They interpret spoken English into British Sign Language (BSL) and adapt learning materials to the person’s needs.

You will need the following qualifications to fulfil this role:

• Level 3 Certificate in British/Irish Sign Language
• Level 3 Certificate in Communication Support for Deaf Learners

Full progression route:

Depending on the educational establishment you chose to work in they may state which qualifications you need. For more information please visit:

National Careers Service

What is a Teacher?

You will need the following qualifications to fulfil this role:

A teacher is someone who is qualified to educate learners. An effective teacher understands the needs of all students and ensures they receive quality learning. There are different roles available in teaching for example a Teacher of the Deaf or a mainstream teacher who teaches British Sign Language will need additional Sign Language qualifications or equivalent.

• Level 6 NVQ Certificate in British/Irish Sign Language

Requirements

You may need a teaching qualification depending on the educational establishment you chose to work in. To find out what qualifications are needed you can visit:

Government Website

UCAS website

Prospects website

BATOD website

What is a Lipspeaker?

A Lipspeaker silently repeats the spoken message to the lipreader using clear lip patterns. They may also use gesture and facial expressions to convey the message.

You will need the following qualifications to fulfil this role:

• Level 3 Certificate in Lipspeaking

Full progression route:

Registration

To register with the NRCPD you will need to:

• show that you know about lipspeaking and professional conduct
• achieve a lipspeaking qualification

Please visit the NRCPD to find out which lipspeaking qualifications are mapped to the NRCPD register.

What is a Notetaker?

A Notetaker is someone who takes handwritten notes which a deaf person uses and may take away for revision or reference.

You will need the following qualifications to fulfil this role:

• CACDP Level 3 certificate for LSPs working with Deaf and Deafblind people (Notetaking)

Registration

To register with the NRCPD you will need to:

• show that you know about notetaking and professional conduct
• achieve the notetaking qualification

Please visit the NRCPD to find our which Notetaking qualifications are mapped to the NRCPD register.

What is a Deafblind Interpreter?

A Deafblind Interpreter use their skills of Deafblind Manual Alphabet to transfer meaning between a deafblind person and an another person.

You will need the following qualifications to fulfil this role:

• Level 3 Award in Insights into Communication with Congenitally Deafblind People

Full progression route:

Registration

To register with the NRCPD you will need to:

• show us that you know about interpreting for Deafblind people and professional conduct
• achieve a Deafblind qualification

Please visit the NRCPD to find our which Deafblind qualifications are mapped to the NRCPD register.