Becoming an Interpreter
To become an interpreter you need to conform to the national interpreting standards established for both spoken and signed languages. The national standards define three areas required for an interpreter: theoretical knowledge, language and practical interpreting. There are three different levels of BSL/English interpreters.
This system allows for interpreters to either follow a university qualification or to compile an individual portfolio under the NVQ system of assessment to meet the national interpreting standard’s requirements.
Levels of Interpreter Training
1. Those who are acquiring theoretical knowledge in accordance with the national interpreting standards and have the equivalent of NVQ 3 BSL can register as Junior Trainee Interpreters (JTI) with CACDP via Independent Registration Panel (IRP). JTIs are eligible to join as Associate Members of ASLI when they have successfully completed an approved course.
2. Those who have proven knowledge in accordance with the national interpreting standards and the equivalent of NVQ 4 BSL can register as Trainee interpreters (TI with IRP/CACDP) and are eligible to join as Associate Members of ASLI if they have successfully completed an approved course
3. Those that have proven knowledge meeting the national interpreting standards, NVQ 4 BSL and proven practical interpreting meeting the national interpreting standards are eligible to be Full Members of ASLI (MASLI) and are eligible to apply to the Independent Registration Panel (IRP) to become Members of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters (MRSLI).
Initial University Training
The University of Bristol Centre for Deaf Studies has a 3 year BSc (Hons) degree in Deaf Studies with an interpreting stream. If a student successfully completes the interpreting stream with a minimum of 45% in the BSL Advanced for Interpreters module, s/he is eligible to become an Associate Members of ASLI and a JTI. Passing the interpreting stream with 65% BSL Advanced BSL for Interpreters means that a student is eligible to be an Associate Member of ASLI and a TI. The student is expected to have passed the degree overall and the interpreting stream modules. Applicants to ASLI should send their Unversity transcript with their application form.
Heriot-Watt University currently offers a Certificate Course in Interpreting Studies and Skills (BSL/English) as a part-time course over a 2-year period (contact SASLI for details). A successful graduate can apply to be a Junior Trainee Interpreter if they also have BSL Level 3. This is one of the criteria for Associate Membership with or without BSL qualification.
The University of Wolverhampton offers a foundation year for students with no knowledge of BSL and then a 3 year, or part time equivalent, BA (Hons) Interpreting (BSL/English) degree. If a student successfully completes the BA (Hons) s/he is eligible to become an Associate Members of ASLI. The student is eligible also to become a TI (CACDP). Applicants to ASLI should send their Unversity transcript with their application form.
The University of Central Lancashire offers a BA (Hons) in Deaf Studies. If a student successfully completes this course (including all of the Graduate Diploma modules) then s/he is eligible to become a JTI and an Associate Member of ASLI. Applicants to ASLI should send their Unversity transcript with their application form.
Durham University offers the ‘Postgraduate Diploma in Interpreting with the Deaf Community’ (in alternate years). This one-year part-time course introduces students to BSL/English interpreting. The qualification (with external experience) allows eligibility for Associate interpreter membership of ASLI and Trainee Interpreter status with CACDP.
Advanced University Training
The University of Central Lancashire offers a part time postgraduate diploma in BSL/English interpreting and translation.
If a student successfully completes this diploma, they are eligible to become a Full Members of ASLI (and to become MRSLI via the IRP/CACDP)SLI/UCLAN offers a part time postgraduate diploma in BSL/English interpreting. If a student successfully completes this diploma, they are eligible to become a Full Member of ASLI (and to become MRSLI via the IRP/CACDP)
The University of Leeds offers a postgraduate diploma and a M. A. in Interpreting and Translation Studies: BSL/English. If a student successfully completes the diploma or the M. A. they are eligible to become a Full Member of ASLI and to become MRSLI via the IRP/CACDP.