Utah’s Seal of Biliteracy

What is a Seal of Biliteracy?

The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in English and one or more world languages* by high school graduation. The Seal encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills they attain, and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices.

A “Seal of Biliteracy” means a seal is placed electronically on a student’s high school transcript to indicate a student has achieved in English and in a world language a proficiency level of Intermediate Mid as described by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Read the ACTFL description of Intermediate Mid Proficiency. Seniors must be in a Level 3 World Language course or higher OR be a native speaker of the language in order to be eligible for testing. Currently, 27 states and Washington DC have approved a statewide Seal of Biliteracy.

Why get a Seal of Biliteracy?

  • Showcase language skills

  • Broaden opportunities with future employers

  • Add to resume/college applications

  • Receive seal on high school diploma

  • Wear a cord at graduation

The Utah State Board of Education has said, “This Seal of Biliterate Proficiency approach to learning languages prepares students to be college and career ready and builds state and national language capacity to improve economic competitiveness and strengthen national defense strategies. Equally, it answers the growing need for the critical skills of language and cultural competencies for relationship building—a keystone for success in global business and diverse social environments (Seal of Biliterate Proficiency, USBE, August 2015).

How do students apply for the Seal of Biliteracy?

  • Complete all requirements for a Utah High School Diploma

  • Provide acceptable evidence of proficiency in English

  • Provide acceptable evidence of proficiency at the Intermediate-Mid level or higher in at least one World Language

Seal of Biliteracy Acceptable Evidence of Proficiency– Updated September 2022

Steps for Applying for the Seal of Biliteracy

  1. If you are a high school senior, meet with your counselor and make sure you’re on track for graduation.

  2. Review the Seal of Biliteracy Checklist found here: Seal of Biliteracy Checklist– Updated November 2022

  3. If you qualify in both languages, download the application (see link below) and meet with your school counselor.

Seal of Biliteracy Student Application

Seniors interested in applying to receive the Seal of Biliteracy must turn in a completed application with accompanying documentation to their school counselor by April 1st (if April 1st falls on a weekend, then the following Monday)

Questions or to Schedule Testing: