Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is a valuable credential for students who speak at least one language in addition to English. Institutions, such as state high schools and local school districts, can offer this award to students who meet the minimum requirements set by their state.

Language Testing International^® (LTI) is the exclusive licensee of ACTFL^®, delivering assessments that allow students to demonstrate their proficiency in world languages.

What Is the Seal of Biliteracy?

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award presented to graduating high school seniors who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages by the time of their high school graduation. When a school, school district, or county office of education awards the Seal of Biliteracy to a student, they honor their abilities and achievements and recognize that mastering two or more languages is valuable.

Who Awards the Seal?

States, districts, and public and private schools can award the Seal of Biliteracy to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. Californians Together originally designed the award for states and school districts to give to students, but individual schools and programs can also implement it.

County offices can invite individual school districts or schools to implement the Seal of Biliteracy. However, schools and districts create an application process, engage students in the process, and certify students when they meet the requirements for the Seal. Schools organize the courses and materials to support student learning of second languages, and they administer tests to measure language proficiency and grant the biliteracy seal to students who demonstrate established minimum proficiency levels.

Benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy celebrates accomplishment and recognizes the value of language diversity. It helps inspire and motivate students to pursue biliteracy by instilling a sense of pride and encouraging other students to acquire the same skills.

The Seal also certifies a student's attainment of biliteracy skills, which can benefit their education and career aspirations. This achievement can potentially help students earn admission to their preferred college or university programs. Some institutions may accept it for college credit or course placement.

Demonstrating language proficiency also helps students secure a job following graduation. Proficiency in a second language can enhance an individual's marketability and increase their chances of securing a desired position.

Seal of Biliteracy Requirements

Each state has different laws and requirements regarding the Seal of Biliteracy, so it's important to consider state guidelines when implementing the award. Check your state's requirements before offering the Seal of Biliteracy at your educational organization.

How to Get the Seal of Biliteracy

Multilingual learners must demonstrate proficiency in both English and at least one other world language to earn the Seal of Biliteracy.

English proficiency requires completion of a high school course, such as AP English, with students achieving the minimum score for multilingual students. For the world language, students typically take a test to demonstrate the established minimum proficiency levels. For languages where a test is unavailable, the state might allow a portfolio, a project, or a presentation.

ACTFL is recognized as the gold standard in language testing and supports the implementation of the Seal of Biliteracy with the following assessments that measure a student's language proficiency:

FAQs About the Seal of Biliteracy

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from educators and administrators.

What Does the Seal of Biliteracy Mean?

The Seal of Biliteracy is an official distinction awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and one or more other languages.

Is the Seal of Biliteracy a National Award?

It is recognized and implemented in all 50 states. However, each state sets its own requirements and awarding process.

When Do You Get the Seal of Biliteracy?

The Seal of Biliteracy is presented as a seal on a student's diploma or transcript.

Is the Seal of Biliteracy Worth It?

Yes. Along with academic distinction, the Seal offers potential college credit and a competitive edge in college admissions and future careers.

Offer the Seal of Biliteracy with ACTFL Assessments Delivered by Language Testing International

ACTFL supports the Seal of Biliteracy with its assessments for students in Grades 3-12. These assessments are used globally as the gold standard in language testing. The OPI, WPT, AAPPL, and ALIRA measure students' abilities to use languages effectively, and their scores can determine students' eligibility for the Seal of Biliteracy.

Language Testing International delivers ACTFL language proficiency-based assessments to help qualified academic institutions award the Seal of Biliteracy, enabling students to pursue this recognition. As a leader in language testing delivery since 1992, LTI delivers ACTFL assessments designed to measure language proficiency in speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills in over 120 languages.

Taking an ACTFL language proficiency-based assessment can help students obtain the Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrate their language proficiency, and open doors to more educational and career opportunities. The Seal of Biliteracy can be incredibly beneficial. Browse our assessment offerings or learn more about our language testing services.