British Sign Language Interpreter

Typical Salary

£20,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 variable

evenings / weekends flexibly

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

College / University

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

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

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

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.

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

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

good 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

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may have to:

prepare before assignments by finding out about the situation and any specialist vocabulary you may need
travel to different sites to interpret in a variety of situations
use technology to provide 'virtual' interpreting services
listen carefully to, or watch, what is said or signed
interpret what is said or signed
find the best way to express everything that is said or signed
do admin tasks like paperwork or booking appointments

Working Environment

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

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.

Volunteering Opportunities

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.

Tips & Information

Registration

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

Career tips

Many interpreters work freelance or through agencies and often get work through recommendations of people who have already used their services. It's important to have knowledge and an appreciation of deaf culture and the issues facing the deaf community.

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks