The ACTFL OPI® and WPT® for the Seal of Biliteracy® Test
The Seal of Biliteracy® is an award that a school, district, or state presents to students proficient in two or more languages. Language Testing International®, Inc. (LTI®) supports this initiative by delivering the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI®) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT®) for the Seal of Biliteracy, available in 24 languages, giving heritage speakers of less commonly taught languages an opportunity to earn their State Seal.
We also provide other ACTFL proficiency assessments, such as the Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages® (AAPPL) — available in 12 commonly taught languages, including American Sign Language (ASL) — and the ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA).
ACTFL OPI® and WPT® Eligibility
The OPI and WPT are appropriate for grade 11 and 12 students who wish to have their language skills formally recognized. Students receive proficiency scores, generally ranging from Novice Low to Advanced Mid, making it a suitable measure for heritage speakers and those in advanced language courses.
We deliver the Seal of Biliteracy assessment in Albanian, Amharic, Bangla, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Croatian, Dari, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Malayalam, Pashto, Polish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Yoruba.
OPI and WPT for the Seal of Biliteracy
OPI measures the student's functional speaking ability. During the test, a certified ACTFL tester converses with the student for 20 to 25 minutes. This interactive format enables the interview to continuously adapt to the test-taker's unique speaking abilities, ensuring a precise and personalized assessment.
The ACTFL WPT gauges a student's functional writing ability through prompts. The web-based test takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes and evaluates presentational and interpersonal communication skills.
Students should consult their district office about specific test recommendations or requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy.
ACTFL-Certified Testers and Raters
ACTFL-certified Testers and Raters deliver and score every OPI and WPT to ensure the highest standard of quality and validity. These professionals have completed rigorous training and must maintain their certification to ensure their ratings are consistent and aligned with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
Seal of Biliteracy Test Scheduling and Scoring
Given the specialized nature of the Seal of Biliteracy test and the fact that OPI must be scheduled with a live tester, institutions must schedule all tests 10 or 14 business days in advance. Following the assessment, ACTFL-certified Testers and Raters issue the scores within five to 10 business days.
Where Can You Take the ACTFL OPI & WPT for the Seal of Biliteracy Test?
The ACTFL OPI & WPT for the Seal of Biliteracy is administered through approved schools and educational institutions. Our remote proctoring platform offers the flexibility for students to take the ACTFL OPI and WPT from any secure, proctored location with an internet connection. This accessibility enables all students, whether learning in person or remotely, to test their language skills.
Why Choose LTI for the Seal of Biliteracy Testing?
As the exclusive licensee of ACTFL tests, LTI provides ACTFL scores and certificates, giving your students access to a globally recognized credential trusted by educational institutions, government agencies, and commercial businesses while opening doors to future academic and professional opportunities.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on test administration, please review the following guides:
ACTFL OPI and WPT for the Seal of Biliteracy Examinee Handbook
Out of School Testing and Proctoring Guide
In-School Testing and Proctoring Guide
Start Administering the ACTFL OPI & WPT for the Seal of Biliteracy Test
School administrators and educators interested in providing their students with access to the Seal of Biliteracy test should first become an LTI-approved testing site. To begin, email aapplhelp@languagetesting.com, and we'll guide you through the entire process.