Secondary school pupils could be able to take a GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL) from 2025 after the subject content was finalised.
Parents, teachers, and the deaf and hearing communities took part in a 12-week consultation on the content of the GCSE.
The government is aiming to have exam board syllabuses approved for the new qualification from September 2025.
It will teach students how to sign effectively using BSL, and it will give them an understanding of the history of sign language in the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) said.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: "Studying BSL can open so many doors for young people, giving pupils an understanding of how thousands of people communicate and ultimately even expanding job prospects.
"This new qualification will not only break down barriers and give young people valuable new skills, but also celebrate the history and rich culture of BSL."
In 2018, the government said it would consider introducing a GCSE in BSL after deaf schoolboy Daniel Jillings campaigned for the new qualification and his family launched a legal challenge to get one instated as quickly as possible.
It is understood the development of the GCSE was delayed due to the pandemic.
