RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

How to train as a lipspeaker?

The new level 3 lipspeaking qualification has recently been accredited by the awarding body the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP). The Level 3 Certificate for Language Service Professionals Working with Deaf and Deafblind People (Lipspeaking) is the professional qualification for all Lipspeakers.

The qualification is divided into 4 units. You will need to achieve all four units in order to gain the full award. You can do these one after the other, or take them separately, with a break in between. However, it is recommended that you complete unit L304 before T302.

The four modules are:

  • L304 Accessible english for deaf and deafblind people
  • T301 Lipspeaking strategies and skills
  • P301 Professional issues in facilitating communication with deaf and deafblind people
  • P302 Professional practice for language service professionals

There is no set prerequisite for this qualification, however, CACDP recommend the Level 2 Certificate in Communication with Deaf People (CDA2) as a progression route for candidates. This is now available in training centres across the country.

Work opportunities

Lipspeakers work in a variety of settings, including:

  • the workplace, for example in meetings, interviews or training courses
  • further or higher education
  • legal settings, such as in meetings with solicitors and barristers, at tribunals, in police stations and Courts of Law
    social services, including child protection and mental health
  • consultations with health professionals.

After qualification, a Lipseaker may work full time for one organisation, or work as a freelancer and deliver assignments across a range of locations and settings. Assignments can be coordinated by our Communication Services team.

Our courses

We're a CACDP registered training provider for this qualification. We work in partnership with the Association of Lipspeakers to support accredited training across the country.

Due to the recent changes to this qualification, we do not have a rolling programme of courses for this specialised training in 2008/09. However, if you register your interest in this course (opens new browser window) we'll contact you with further information when it becomes available.

Further information

Visit the CACDP website  (external link, opens new browser window)for details of other training providers in your area.

For further information on the Lipspeaking profession, or how to becoming a Lipspeaker, visit the Association of Lipspeakers website. (external link, opens new browser window)