NRCPD - The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People

Sign language interpreters

There are three categories of registration for a sign language interpreter. The category that you can register in depends on your skills and qualifications. If you are unsure which category you fall into, the 'Routes to Registration' page will advise you.

Member of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters
A Member of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters (MRSLI) can be identified by their yellow photo ID badge. To register as an MRSLI, you need to have met the National Occupational Standards in Interpreting (NOSI) (CILT 2006) and be a competent practitioner in a variety of settings. As an MRSLI, you will be highly skilled in the use of BSL and English. You will also have appropriate levels of knowledge about interpreting and professional conduct. There are some professional settings in which only Members of the Register should be employed, such as legal and mental health.

Trainee Interpreter
Trainee Interpreters (TI) can be identified by their purple photo ID badge. A TI is an interpreter who is working towards becoming a MRSLI. To register as a TI, you must have BSL skills that have been assessed at Level 4 NVQ or equivalent, together with an agreed standard of English skills. You must also have completed a recognised Interpreter Training Programme or, be in the process of working through an assessment programme for the Level 4 NVQ in Interpreting (BSL/English).

You should have a good knowledge of the deaf community and interpreting issues and have achieved the required language skills. However, you may not yet have the amount of practical experience of interpreting required to meet MRSLI standards.

Junior Trainee Interpreter
Junior Trainee Interpreters (JTI) can be identified by their blue photo ID badge. A JTI is someone who is working towards becoming a TI. To register as a JTI, you must have BSL skills that have been assessed at Level 3 NVQ or equivalent, together with an agreed standard of English skills and have completed, or be working through, a recognised Interpreter Training Programme or be in the process of working through an Individual Interpreter Development Programme with an Approved Assessment Centre for the Level 4 NVQ in Interpreting (BSL/English).

You will have a good knowledge of the deaf community and interpreting issues. As you are still developing your language and interpreting skills, you may not have had a great deal of practical experience of interpreting.

By becoming registered sign language interpreters are agreeing to be subject to a Code of Conduct and a Complaints Procedure. These can be viewed below. As part of the registration sign language interpreters are required to provide evidence of a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Enchanced Disclosure certificate and Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII).

Code of Conduct
Complaints Procedure
CRB & PII (PDF)

Restrictions on Practice

Individual sign language interpreters are expected to know their own limitations and act within the spirit of the Code of Conduct in deciding which assignments they are currently experienced and competent to accept.

However, there are currently no limitations in force regarding particular domains for Trainee and Junior Trainee Interpreters (TI/JTI) other than in a legal setting where the National Agreement stipulates that only Members of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters (MRSLI) should be used. In order to be seen to be actively promoting best practice, we reserve the right to contact TIs and JTIs who indicate a willingness to work in settings considered unsuitable for interpreters in these categories, e.g. mental health. If it is deemed necessary, we may refuse to include this information.

Want to Register?

If you have the skills and qualifications to become a sign language interpreter, then you can start the registration process by clicking here.