BSL interpreters are interpreters for students who are deaf and whose first or preferred language is BSL. The interpreter will attend lectures, seminars, tutorials, etc. with the student and will interpret from English to BSL or vice versa. Interpreters will use their skills and knowledge of BSL and English and their understanding of the differences between the two in order to receive information in one language and pass it on in another.

Interpreters must be regulated by NRCPD as either TSLI (Trainee Sign Language Interpreters) or RSLI (Registered Sign Language Interpreters) and should have an understanding of BSL interpretation in an HE context.

One of the following qualifications is required for this role:

1. Qualification in a National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) approved course for sign language interpreters or interpreters for deafblind people from the list at Appendix 1 below.
2. CACDP Registered Qualified Sign Language Interpreters exam (CACDP RQSLI exam)
3. VLP/SASLI/RBSLI/NRCPD* registered Sign Language Interpreter
4. VLP/SASLI/RBSLI/NRCPD* registered trainee sign language interpreter
5. NRCPD* registered Interpreter for Deafblind People

Note 1: in the preceding list
VLP = Visual Language Professionals
SASLI = Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SRLPDC)
RBSLI = Regulatory Body for Sign Language Interpreters & Translators
NRCPD = National Register of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People

Note 2: The Qualifications Regulator in 2010 allocated new levels to NVQ qualifications on the QCF. The Signature Level 4 NVQ in BSL/ISL, and Level 4 NVQ in Interpreting (BSL/English) were assessed as equivalent to an Honours degree.

These qualifications must be at Level 6. We will accept Level 4 qualifications as Level 6 equivalent if they were obtained prior to the changes. Proof, such as a recognised, dated certificate, will be required.

Appendix 1 – Approved courses for sign language interpreters

To become a Registered Sign Language Interpreter you need to show us that you are highly skilled in a signed language like BSL, Irish Sign Language (ISL) or American Sign Language (ASL) and second language that can be another signed language or a spoken language. One of those languages must be native to the UK and Ireland.

You must hold one of these interpreting qualifications:

• University of Wolverhampton MA Interpreting: Graduates of this course or those graduating with the Postgraduate Diploma in Interpreting can apply to register as RSLI with NRCPD.

Graduates graduating with the Postgraduate Certificate having studied both ‘ 7IG003 – Critical Reflective Interpreting Practice’ and ‘Conference settings’, as well as studying the one of the following modules: ‘7IG004 – Interpreting in Healthcare Settings’ and ‘7IG005 – Interpreting in Legal Settings’ can apply to be RSLI with NRCPD.

• UCLAN Postgraduate Diploma in BSL/English Interpreting and Translation.
• Heriot-Watt University MA (Hons) in BSL (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies).
• Heriot-Watt University MA (Hons) in Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating). Graduates must be studying British Sign Language as one of their languages on the course.
• Signature Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting.
• Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation (2020).
• IBSL Level 6 Diploma in BSL/English Interpreting Studies.
• IBSL Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting Studies.
• Wolverhampton University BA (Hons) in Interpreting (BSL/English). (Graduates who achieve a First class degree from September 2017 onwards and show evidence of this).
• University of Wolverhampton BA (hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting). (Graduates who achieve a First-class degree and show evidence of this).

You can become a Regulated Trainee Sign Language Interpreter if you are currently undertaking one of the courses above and hold one of these language qualifications:

• UCLAN Postgraduate Diploma in BSL/English Interpreting and Translation.
• UCLAN British Sign Language and Deaf Studies, BA (Hons) (Module SI3400 50% or above)
• Heriot-Watt University MA (Hons) BSL (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies).
• Heriot-Watt University MA (Hons) Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating). (Graduates must be studying British Sign Languages as one of their languages on the 4-year course.)
• Signature Level 6 NVQ Certificate in British Sign Language.
• Signature Level 6 Certificate in British Sign Language (2019).
• IBSL Level 6 Certificate in British Sign Language Studies.
• Wolverhampton University BA (Hons) in Interpreting (BSL/English). (Modules 6IG001 and 6IG004 at 60% or above).
• University of Wolverhampton BA (hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting). (Module 5DI004)

Approved courses for interpreters for deafblind people:

• Signature Level 6 Certificate in Working Effectively with Deafblind Manual and Visual Frame and Hands On Signers (Applicants to the NRCPD register will also require a recognised Level 6 qualification in BSL or other sign language as appropriate)
• CACDP Level 3 Certificate for LSPs working with Deaf and Deafblind People (Deafblind Manual)
• CACDP Level 4 Certificate in Deafblind Interpreting (Manual)