Last modified: October 10, 2023

Seal of Biliteracy

What Is A Seal of Biliteracy?

A “Seal of Biliteracy” means a seal is placed electronically on a student’s high school transcript which certifies that a student is proficient in English and proficient in another language, other than English.

• Download Seal of Biliteracy Flyer

Why Get A Seal of Biliteracy?

This is a way to honor your skills and show your language proficiency to future employers and college admissions offices.

How Do Students Apply For The Seal of Biliteracy?

If you have already met criteria for the Seal of Biliteracy by showing proficiency in English and another world language, you will be notified by your school counselor in the spring. You will be recognized at graduation for receiving this honor with both a seal on your diploma and a notation on your transcript. 

If you have not met the requirements, but are interested in receiving the Seal of Biliteracy, you will need to make an appointment to meet with your school counselor. 

Next, you need to provide documentation of your English proficiency. The state accepts the following tests to show English proficiency: the ACT, SAT, AP English Language & Composition tests, WiDA ACCESS, or the Utah Aspire Plus. Check with your counselor to see if your score qualifies.

You will also need to provide documentation of your other world language. The state accepts the following tests to show world language (and ASL) proficiency:  the AP Language and Culture assessment, NEWL, AAPPL, ASLFAI, or a letter from a native Utah (Navajo or Ute) tribal council stating you are proficient in an indiginous language. 

If you would like to take one of these assessments to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy, your counselor can help you determine what test you need to take to qualify.

Seal of Biliteracy – Acceptable Evidence of Proficiency

A student may qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy by demonstrating proficiency in English and by demonstrating proficiency in another language other than English. Proficiency in both languages is determined by meeting proficiency standards in the approved assessments below.

For students whose language cannot be assessed using the assessments above please contact Nate Mitchell (natem@provo.edu).

Demonstrating proficiency in English in any of the following during grades 9-12

• Assessment: Utah Aspire PLUS – Grades 9th and 10th 
  • Minimum Score Required: 3 on the English section
• Assessment: SAT – Scholastic Assessment Test
  • Minimum Score Required: 650 on English Subtest
• Assessment: ACT – American College Test – Grades 9th – 12th
  • Minimum Score Required: 18 on the English section
• Assessment: AP English Language and Composition (not AP English Literature)
  • Minimum Score Required: 3

Demonstrating proficiency in English in any of the following during grades 2-12

• Assessment: WiDA – World-class Instructional Design and Assessment Proficiency assessment for English Language Learners (ACCESS) 9th-12th grade minimum score:
  • 5+ composite score before 2023
  • 4.2+ composite score with 3.5+ speaking level in 2023 or later
• Assessment: UALPA – Utah Academic Language Proficiency Assessment (valid only in years 2011-2013)
  • Minimum Score Required: 5

Demonstrating Proficiency in Languages other than English during grades 9-12

• Assessment: AP – Advanced Placement Language and Culture exam
  • Languages offered: Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Spanish
  • Minimum Score: 3, 4, 5
  • Cost: $100
  • Assessment Dates: Taken in AP Class
  • Scheduling: See AP Teacher
• Assessment: NEWL – National Exams in World Languages
  • Languages offered: Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Korean
  • Minimum Score: 3, 4, 5
  • Cost: $100
  • Assessment Dates: Taken in DLI May 2024
  • Scheduling: See DLI Teacher
• Assessment: AAPPL – Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages
  • Languages offered: Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Hindi, Italian, Japanese and Thai
  • Minimum Score: Average composite score of I2 on 3 of the 4 components; Speaking; Reading; Listening, Writing
  • Cost: $20*
  • Assessment Dates: January 26, Feburary 23, or March 22, 2024
  • Scheduling: See counselor for registration
• Assessment: Tribal Language Test
  • Languages offered: Navajo & Ute
  • Minimum Score: A letter from the Navajo or Ute nation is acceptable evidence of proficiency
  • Cost: No cost
  • Assessment Dates: Contact local Tribe Nation
  • Scheduling: Student responsible for scheduling & obtaining a letter
• Assessment: ASLFAI
  • Languages offered: American Sign Language
  • Minimum Score: Emerging Mid
  • Cost: $75*
  • Assessment Dates: TBD
  • Scheduling: See counselor for registration

*Provo City School District will cover the cost of testing for students who take the AAPPL and ASLFAI assessments.