Overview & Quick Summary

You can learn ASL online by enrolling in a structured, self-paced course like American Sign Language from International Open Academy. Work through the eight modules and nearly 70 practice videos, then complete the assessments to earn your certificate. Signing is a skill you build by doing, so watch, copy, and repeat.

ASL is the third most-used language in the United States. Learning it opens the door to conversations with the 500,000 people who sign every day and the 2 million who use it as a second language. Along the way, you'll pick up grammar, vocabulary, Deaf etiquette, and even a few jokes. At the end, you'll have a certificate and 50 CPD points to show for it.

Tools & Materials Checklist

You don't need much to get started. A few simple items will help you practice comfortably and get the most out of every video lesson.

Comparison Reference Table: Choosing Your Study Approach

Important Precautions & Warnings

Step 1: Enroll in the International Open Academy ASL Course and Block Out a 50-Hour Study Calendar

Open the International Open Academy enrollment page on your laptop or tablet, choose a membership plan, and sign up for the ASL course. Then open your digital calendar or planner and schedule recurring study sessions. Write your certification goal in your notebook so you can see it every day.

Divide 50 hours across 8 modules, about 6 hours per module. For example, study 5 days a week for 1 hour, or 3 days a week for 2 hours, and you'll finish in roughly 8 to 10 weeks. You're set when every session shows up as a colored block on your calendar.

💡 Pro Tip: Schedule sessions at the same time each day, and add a 10-minute review block after each one so your signs stick.

Step 2: Practice the Module 1 Fingerspelling Alphabet and Module 2 Number Videos Until You Can Sign Them from Memory

Start with the Module 1 lessons on what ASL is, who uses it, and its history. Then watch the Alphabet video and copy each letter in front of a mirror or phone camera. Move on to the Module 2 Numbers video and repeat it until you can fingerspell your name and sign numbers without pausing.

Practice for 15 minutes a day on a timer. Hold your signing hand about 6 inches from your shoulder, with your palm facing outward, and check that each handshape matches the video. You are ready to move on when you can fingerspell your full name and sign numbers 1 to 20 in under 30 seconds with no hesitation.

💡 Pro Tip: Write each letter or number on a flashcard, shuffle the deck, and sign each card from memory before you flip it to check.

Step 3: Master Grammar, Facial Expressions, and Deaf Etiquette by Pairing Module 2 to 4 Videos with Mirror Drills

Stand in front of a mirror and watch each Module 2 to 4 video on parameters, grammar, name signs, and etiquette. Pause after every sign, then copy it while checking your handshape, location, movement, and palm orientation. Use your eyebrows and mouth to match the facial expressions you see, then sign a short self-introduction.

Drill for 20 minutes per session, repeating each sign 5 times. Keep your hands between chest and chin, about 12 inches from your body, and confirm that your face stays visible and expressive in the mirror.

💡 Pro Tip: Record your introduction on your phone, compare it with the video, and log any signs you missed in your vocabulary notebook.

Step 4: Rehearse Conversations, Jokes, Classifiers, and Job and Education Vocabulary from Modules 5 to 8 with a Practice Partner

Watch one lesson from Modules 5 to 8, then sign it back with your partner or an online ASL community. Take turns asking questions with raised eyebrows, describing objects with classifiers, and telling one short joke. Finish by making plans in a mini-conversation that uses your job or education vocabulary.

Practice for 20 to 30 minutes per session while standing about 3 feet apart, and record each round on your video app. Your partner should understand you without asking you to repeat yourself more than once.

💡 Pro Tip: Replay the lesson video at least 3 times, then compare your recording to it to catch missing facial expressions.

Step 5: Complete the Course Assessments and Claim Your 50-CPD-Point Certificate for Your Resume and Career Path

Open your International Open Academy student dashboard and finish the last lesson in Module 8. Then start the course assessment and answer each question, using your Step 4 practice notes to jog your memory. Once you pass, download your certificate and check the Accreditation section for any extra certification options.

Check that the certificate shows your name and the 50 CPD points, and save a PDF copy. Add it to your resume or LinkedIn profile within 10 minutes of downloading, while the details are fresh.

💡 Pro Tip: Alongside the certificate, list one concrete skill, such as "Deaf etiquette and ASL conversation," so employers see exactly what you can do.

Verification Checklist: How to Know You're on the Right Track

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem 1: I Can't Find My Course or Log In

Cause: The login email may not match the one used at enrollment, or the password may have been mistyped.

Fix: Double-check that you're using your enrollment email, then use the password reset option on the login page. If your course still doesn't appear, contact International Open Academy support with your enrollment details.

Problem 2: My Signs Feel Awkward or Hard to Remember

Cause: Learning too many new signs at once, without enough repetition, makes it hard for them to stick.

Fix: Focus on 5 to 10 signs per session and practice them in front of a mirror or record yourself. Review them the next day before adding anything new.

Problem 3: I'm Stuck on an Assessment or Haven't Received My Certificate

Cause: Some lessons or quizzes may still be incomplete, or the passing requirements haven't been met yet.

Fix: Review your progress page to spot any unfinished modules, then retake the assessments you need. Once everything is complete, check your account for the certificate or reach out to support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Support & Friendly Consultation

Have questions or need a little help along your ASL journey? The friendly team at International Open Academy is always happy to guide you, so don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy signing!