Who we are

Signature is the leading awarding body for deaf communication and language qualifications in the UK.

Since Signature became an independent organisation in 1982 to promote and teach British Sign Language (BSL), we have supported more than 500,000 people to learn British Sign Language. We have also had thousands of other learners who have completed other deaf communication and language qualifications with us.

We create qualifications that provide our learners with the skills they need to build successful careers. While as a charitable organisation, we work tirelessly to improve communication, by creating learning opportunities for every stage of life.

All of our qualifications are accredited by The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) who regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.

In 2019, Signature was named ‘Awarding Organisation of the Year’ at the Federation of Awarding Bodies awards.

Who we work with

We are proud to work with highly skilled people; our staff, consultants and suppliers strive to make sure that our centres and learners gain the strongest qualifications on the market. We work alongside native BSL users to ensure that our assessments have the highest quality of language and content.

OUR HISTORY

1980
CACDP is born

CACDP is formed with 12 member-organisations.

1982
CACPD LOGO
CACDP becomes Independent

Following a skills project in 1982, CACDP becomes an 

independent Charity.

1983
First Examinations

In 1983 we launched first stage level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications in Sign Communication.

1985
The first Lipspeaking course

1985 sees the introduction of the first lipspeaking course and examination.

1985
The first Deafblind course

1985 also seen the introduction of the first course and examination in interpreting for Deafblind

1991
CACP directory of interpreters launched

CACPD Directory of interpreters launched - which ultimately allowed them to creat NRCPD, another independent charity.

1992
Stage 2 and 3 certificates approved

In 1992, we received confirmation from the Department of Education that their Stage 2 and 3 Certificates were approved vocational qualifications.

1992
Deaf Awareness is launched

We launched 'Deaf Awareness - Communication with Deaf People'.

1995
Awarding body status

In 1995 CACPD were accepted as an Awarding Body in Sign Language Interpreting. 

1998
CACPD Website

In 1998 the first CACPD website was launched.

2002
Qualifications become accredited with the QCA

In 2002 17 CACPD qualifications became accredited with the QCA (Qualification and Curriculum Authority).

2009
Signature's logo in a navy blue circle
CACPD rebrands to Signature

In 2009, the CACPD was rebranded and became Signature.

2009
The first Signature annual awards

The first Signature Annual Awards were held in London. 

2015
Secondary Education Qualification pilot

In 2015, Signature piloted a qualification in Secondary Education.

2017
UCAS points

Signature level 3 qualifications were mapped to the UCAS points tariff.

2018
A potential BSL GCSE?

Signature provided the DfE and OfQual with a proposal into a potential British Sign Language GCSE.

2019
Loyalty scheme

Signature launch the loyalty scheme for our centres.

2019
Awarding Organisation of the year
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2020
Online Assesements

Launched online assessments for all of our Qualifications

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Enquiries

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