British Sign Language interpreter
Social care

How to become a british sign language interpreter

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role
• a trainee scheme

University

You'll need a degree or level 6 award in both British Sign Language and interpreting.

You would also need an approved qualification in interpreting like:

• postgraduate or master’s degree in interpreting or translation
• Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Work

You could work for an organisation that supports deaf people, or in a school or college, for example, as an educational support assistant. You could then do your British Sign Language qualifications on the job to qualify as an interpreter.

Volunteering & Experience

Getting involved in deaf clubs or centres for deaf people is a good way of getting experience and may give you the opportunity to get relevant training.

Other routes

You could qualify by registering as a trainee sign language interpreter (TSLI). To register, you'll need:

• a degree or level 6 award in your first language – either English or British Sign Language (BSL)
• a minimum of level 4, above A level standard, in your second language – either English or BSL

More info

Registration

• you'll need to register with the National Registers of Communications Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a British Sign Language interpreter from:

• Signature
• Royal Association for Deaf People
• British Deaf Association
• Action on Hearing Loss

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• foreign language skills
• knowledge of English language
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work on your own
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• preparing before assignments
• listening carefully to, or watching, what is said or signed
• interpreting what is said or signed
• finding the best way to express everything that is said or signed

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, from home or in an office.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

You could teach and assess others, sign at theatre productions or television performances, or move into research. You could also become self-employed and work freelance.