Spanish Sign Language Diplomas 2026: what companies and entities must do

Key data

Entities with communicative accessibility obligations towards deaf people have had, since 1 April 2026, a new regulatory reference framework: the Diplomas de Lengua de Signos Española (DLSE), created by Real Decreto 262/2026. This regulation, published in the BOE on 7 April 2026, establishes an official level-based certification system to accredit LSE proficiency and amends various regulatory provisions to integrate these diplomas into the education and competence accreditation system.

Until now, accreditation of knowledge of Spanish Sign Language lacked a uniform official framework. The new DLSE system resolves that gap and has direct implications for the hiring of interpreters, requirements for teachers and compliance with the accessibility obligations that Ley 27/2007 imposes on public and private entities.

What does this regulation establish?

Real Decreto 262/2026 articulates three main elements:

• Creation of the Diplomas de Lengua de Signos Española (DLSE): An official level-based certification system is established to accredit LSE proficiency. These diplomas have official status and are recognised within the education and competence accreditation system.
• Amendment of regulatory provisions: The regulation amends various regulatory provisions to integrate the DLSE into the existing competence accreditation framework and the Spanish education system.
• Facilitating compliance with accessibility obligations: The new diplomas allow public and private entities to objectively certify that their professionals have the LSE level required to fulfil their communicative accessibility obligations.

The regulation represents a direct step forward in the standardisation of Spanish Sign Language, recognised as an official language by Ley 27/2007, which until now lacked an official certification system equivalent to that of other languages.

Economic and operational impact

The economic impact of this regulation does not translate into new fees or direct penalties, but it does have relevant operational consequences for the organisations affected:

• Training and certification costs: Entities that need to certify the LSE level of their professionals will have to bear the costs associated with their workers obtaining the DLSE. The specific cost of the diplomas is not set in the decree and will depend on the centres authorised to issue them.
• Workforce review: Public and private entities with communicative accessibility obligations will need to review whether their LSE interpreters and professionals hold the official accreditation corresponding to the required level.
• Differentiation opportunity: For companies providing services to deaf people, having professionals with an official DLSE may become a public procurement requirement or a competitive differentiator.
• Impact on selection processes: Selection processes for LSE interpreters and teachers in the public sector will foreseeably incorporate the DLSE as an evaluation criterion or minimum requirement.

Who is affected?

• Spanish Sign Language interpreters: They will need to certify their level through the new DLSE to access certain positions or contracts.
• LSE teachers: Teachers delivering LSE training will need to hold the corresponding official certification.
• Public sector workers: Especially those in positions requiring communication with deaf people or with communicative accessibility obligations.
• Public entities with accessibility obligations: Public administrations, public bodies and essential services that must guarantee accessible communication for deaf people.
• Private companies with accessibility obligations: Private entities providing services to deaf people or subject to communicative accessibility requirements under Ley 27/2007.
• Deaf people: They directly benefit from a system that guarantees that the professionals they interact with have a certified and officially recognised level of LSE.

Practical example

A private company managing a customer service operation for a financial institution is required to offer accessible service to deaf people. Until now, it accredited the competence of its LSE interpreters through heterogeneous qualifications or private certifications without uniform official recognition.

With the entry into force of Real Decreto 262/2026, this company can require its interpreters to certify their level through the corresponding official DLSE. This allows it to demonstrate to an inspection or in a public tender that it meets communicative accessibility requirements in an objective and verifiable manner, reducing the risk of challenges or penalties for non-compliance with Ley 27/2007.

Similarly, a freelance interpreter working with public administrations will be able to include their DLSE in their CV as an official accreditation, improving their position in competitions and selection processes compared to candidates without an officially recognised certification.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify whether your entity has communicative accessibility obligations under Ley 27/2007. If you provide services to deaf people or are subject to accessibility requirements, this regulation directly affects you.
2. Review the contracts and profiles of your LSE interpreters and professionals to determine whether they will need to obtain the official DLSE. Consult your HR department or legal advisors.
3. Monitor the regulatory development of the DLSE to find out the specific levels required according to the type of position or service, as well as the centres authorised to issue the diplomas.
4. Update procurement specifications and selection requirements to include the DLSE as an evaluation criterion or minimum requirement for profiles requiring LSE, especially in public tenders.
5. Plan the training and certification of professionals who need to certify their LSE level, allowing for the time and cost required to obtain the official diploma.

Official source

View full regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-7824