Course info

Start date:

Monday 15th September 2025

Duration:

Will depend on students progress

Class location:

50 weeks, depending on students progress

Class time:

Part time

6:30pm – 8.30pm

Qualification aim

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.

The assessment criteria is taken from the UK Occupational Language Standards at Level 4
(‘extended’ language use). This qualification is at Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications
Framework (RQF), ‘Extended Level’ on the Language Ladder, and Level B2/C1 on the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Objectives

Successful completion of this qualification can be used as evidence of the language skills
needed, 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, 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.

Unit structure

Candidates must demonstrate both receptive and productive BSL skills at level 4, and in all of
the six topics that make up this qualification. Assessments may cover any of the topics listed in
this qualification.

• Employment and Business
• Education
• Health and Wellbeing
• Society and Politics
• Science and Technology
• Media and Culture

The natural context of using BSL is in two-way interactions (discussions, conversations,
debates etc.), as well as one-way interactions (monologues, presentations etc.). The candidate
is therefore expected to demonstrate receptive and productive skills in both two-way and one-way interactions.

Assessment	Assessment method	Duration
Formal Presentation	External	10-12 minutes
Information Conversation	External	12-14 minutes
Receptive Skills	External	1 hour 15 minutes approximately

In addition to the 3 external assessments above, candidates are required to work through a coursework file in which they will complete an additional 3 formative assessments. These assessments are informal discussions with native BSL users in the Deaf community, and will be marked by the teacher.

Signature recommends the best approach to teaching and assessing this qualification is by covering both receptive and productive skills together.

Essential Requirements

In order to be entered for a course and assessment leading to this qualification, learners must be able to demonstrate competence in BSL at Level 3. Learners will be assessed at during their application to demonstrate their competence at Level 3 BSL.

This qualification is listed as appropriate for learners aged 19 and over.

Progression

On completion of this qualification, the learner may wish to progress to the following qualifications:
Signature Level 6 Certificate in British Sign Language

Costs

The cost of the signature awarded course is £1,250 including assessments. This cost covers all your lessons, handouts, feedback paper, tutor support.  A deposit of £200 will secure you place.

For work organisations plus £200

For more information contact us on
info@signcore.co.uk