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What is it?

This is a test of BSL comprehension for deaf children between the ages of 5 and 16. It will generate an overall score of BSL comprehension.

What is involved?

This test takes around 20 minutes, depending on age and ability. Each test taker is required to watch three short stories in BSL, each lasting between 1.5 and 2.5 minutes. After each story, they are then expected to answer five questions in relation to the story they have just watched. After answering five questions, they will be led to a review page where they can review their answers and change them if they wish to do so. Each test taker will have to watch all three stories and complete all the questions to obtain an overall score.

This test is entirely web based, and test takers can complete it on their own. However, for younger children or children with additional learning needs, it is recommended that an adult guides them through the test. This does not mean assisting them with answering the questions but ensuring they watch the instructions, the story and answer all five questions in relation to the story.

Who is it suitable for?

• Deaf children aged 5 to 16 including those with additional learning needs.
• Deaf children who know and/or use BSL.

What normative data is available?

Key stages	Age range
KS 1	5-6 years old
KS 2	7-10 years old
KS 3	11-13 years old
KS 4	14-16 years old

The standard score will be based on both age and parent group (DD as in deaf parent or DH as in hearing parent). For example, if the child’s parents are hearing, the child’s score will be compared within the group of hearing parents (DH) in addition to Key Stage.

Who should use this test?

• Practitioners working with deaf children who wish to measure deaf child or young person’s BSL comprehension skills, including how it develops over time.
• Practitioners include speech and language therapists, clinicians, teachers of deaf children, teacher assistants.
• Researchers can also use the test for research purposes.
• Lecturers and teachers for demonstration purposes.

Test citation

Rosenburg, P., & Rowley., K. (2026). The British Sign Language Comprehension Test (BSL CMP). University College London.

Questions

If you have any questions about the test, please contact Dr. Patrick Rosenburg on p.rosenburg@ucl.ac.uk and/or Dr. Kate Rowley on kate.rowley@ucl.ac.uk.