Student practicing sign language

Completion of this noncredit certificate program provides students with a strong foundation in ASL language skills and the cultural awareness necessary to interact with the deaf community. The successful completion of this program gives students a communication skill set that is an asset in current and future employment.

Certificate code: CE.CONV-SIGN


General Courses

Try our introductory class:

SLG-304 A Beginner's Guide to Sign Language

Practice as you learn:

SLG-309 Understanding ASL Imagery

SLG-351 Mindful Signing

SLG-352 Themed Conversations: Voice-off

NOTE: The introductory course is designed for students with no previous knowledge of American Sign Language who wish to communicate with deaf individuals.


Continuing Education Certificate

What is the training?

AACC's Beginning Sign Language certificate consists of four core courses and one elective. The program is designed to prepare students to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Students learn to use receptive and expressive forms of communication, finger spelling, numbers and conversational skills. 

Total hours: 76

What courses will I take?

CSL-303 Conversational Sign Language: Level 1 

CSL-304 Conversational Sign Language: Level 2 

CSL-305 Conversational Sign Language: Level 3

Then choose one elective:

CSL-300 Sign Language Lab Vocab/Syntax

CSL-301 Sign Language Lab: Expressive Rules and Idioms 

CSL-302 Sign Language Lab: Historical Figures and Events (Not available for 2026)

What credentials can I earn?

Upon successful completion, students will earn an AACC continuing education certificate and be prepared to complete the ASL screening for entry into higher level credit classes. To receive the certificate, students complete and submit the form to our office.

What will it cost?

The total program cost is $639 for Anne Arundel County residents, including tuition and fees but excluding books.

What are the requirements?

Student must be at least 16 years old.


Certificate - Conversational Sign Language

What is the training?

AACC's Beginning Sign Language certificate consists of four core courses and one elective. The program is designed to prepare students to communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Students learn to use receptive and expressive forms of communication, finger spelling, numbers and conversational skills. 

Total hours: 76

What courses will I take?

CSL-303 Conversational Sign Language: Level 1 

CSL-304 Conversational Sign Language: Level 2 

CSL-305 Conversational Sign Language: Level 3

Then choose one elective:

CSL-300 Sign Language Lab Vocab/Syntax

CSL-301 Sign Language Lab: Expressive Rules and Idioms (Not available for 2026)

CSL-302 Sign Language Lab: Historical Figures and Events (Not available for 2026)

 

What credentials can I earn?

Upon successful completion, students will earn an AACC continuing education certificate and be prepared to complete the ASL screening for entry into higher level credit classes. To receive the certificate, students complete and submit the form to our office.

What will it cost?

The total program cost is $639 for Anne Arundel County residents, including tuition and fees but excluding books.

What are the requirements?

Student must be at least 16 years old.


How to Register

Students taking noncredit classes don't need to apply for admission to AACC. Just check out our course search, choose a program or course that interests you, register and make your payment. Registration for summer courses is open. Registration for fall 2026 opens July 14! Please check course availability prior to registration.

Learn more about registering.

If you have previously taken classes at AACC, you must log in using your AACC account. New students will be able to create a temporary account in the checkout process.

If you would like help, email the Continuing Education Office or call 410-777-2325.

CALT CLOSURE ALERT

The School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development offices located in CALT 115 will be CLOSED from June 7 through June 27. The Continuing Education registration desk will be temporarily located in the Student Services Center (SSVC), first floor on the main Arnold campus.

Visit our campus map to locate these offices.

MyAACC Email

Upon registering for your course, regularly check your MyAACC account and AACC email for class and general updates from the college. Due to FERPA regulations, all official college communications must be sent to your AACC student email. This includes class cancellation and waitlist notifications. For assistance accessing MyAACC, visit our email instructional page or contact the Technical Service Desk. For Spanish translation, visit our translated webpage.