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
SLG-304 A Beginner's Guide to Sign Language
SLG-309 Understanding ASL Imagery
SLG-351 Mindful Signing
NOTE: The introductory course is designed for students with no previous knowledge of American Sign Language who wish to communicate with deaf individuals.
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
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)
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.
The total program cost is $639 for Anne Arundel County residents, including tuition and fees but excluding books.
Student must be at least 16 years old.
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
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)
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.
The total program cost is $639 for Anne Arundel County residents, including tuition and fees but excluding books.
Student must be at least 16 years old.
Students taking noncredit classes don't need to apply for admission to AACC. Just check out our course search and choose a program or course that interests you, register and make your payment. Winter and spring term registration is now open. Registration for summer 2026 opens April 14!
Learn more about registering for noncedit courses.
If you have previously taken classes at AACC, you will need to 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 Instructional Support Center or call 410-777-2325.
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.
