Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Deaf or Hard of Hearing for Sign Language Communication

Endorsement Code: 2423

Note: Requirements, passing test scores, and fees are subject to change without notice. All credits must appear on an accredited two- or four-year college or university transcript.

This endorsement authorizes the holder to teach deaf or hard-of-hearing students using sign language communication strategies in all public schools.

The holder may also provide the following to students with disabilities in general education programs (grades preschool–12):

  • Consultative services
  • Supportive resource programs
  • Modification and adaptation of curriculum and instruction

Licensure Requirement

Hold a Certificate of Eligibility (CE), Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) or standard certificate with an endorsement appropriate to the subject or grade level to be taught.

Professional Teacher Preparation Requirements

Certificate of Eligibility

During the Provisional Teacher Process, a candidate must complete a Teacher of Deaf or Hard of Hearing for Sign Language Communication program offered by an approved Certificate of Eligibility Program Provider.

Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing and Standard Certificate

A candidate must have completed an approved Teacher of Deaf or Hard of Hearing for Sign Language Communication educator preparation program that included supervised clinical practice.

Testing Requirement

Achieve an intermediate or higher score on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) or a score of three or higher on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI).

Testing information may be obtained from the following websites: Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the National SLPI: ASL Services at North Carolina American Sign Language Teacher’s Association, or American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) at Gallaudet University.

Note: Requirements, passing test scores, and fees are subject to change without notice. All credits must appear on an accredited two- or four-year college or university transcript.

Candidate Requirements