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.
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.
CACDP is formed with 12 member-organisations.
Following a skills project in 1982, CACDP becomes anÂ
independent Charity.
In 1983 we launched first stage level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications in Sign Communication.
1985 sees the introduction of the first lipspeaking course and examination.
1985 also seen the introduction of the first course and examination in interpreting for Deafblind
CACPD Directory of interpreters launched - which ultimately allowed them to creat NRCPD, another independent charity.
In 1992, we received confirmation from the Department of Education that their Stage 2 and 3 Certificates were approved vocational qualifications.
We launched 'Deaf Awareness - Communication with Deaf People'.
In 1995 CACPD were accepted as an Awarding Body in Sign Language Interpreting.
In 1998 the first CACPD website was launched.
In 2002 17 CACPD qualifications became accredited with the QCA (Qualification and Curriculum Authority).
In 2009, the CACPD was rebranded and became Signature.
The first Signature Annual Awards were held in London.
In 2015, Signature piloted a qualification in Secondary Education.
Signature level 3 qualifications were mapped to the UCAS points tariff.
Signature provided the DfE and OfQual with a proposal into a potential British Sign Language GCSE.
Signature launch the loyalty scheme for our centres.
Launched online assessments for all of our Qualifications
Leave your Name, Email and the manner of your enquiry and member of our very helpful team will get back to you as soon as possible.