Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is a tangible way to highlight an achievement that deserves recognition:

• Encourages students to study languages
• Certifies proficiency of two or more languages
• Recognizes the value of language diversity and multiple cultures of a community
• Provides employers with a method of identifying prospective employees with bilingual and biliteracy skills.  
• Provides universities with a method to determine the language placement of applicants seeking admission
• Gives biliterate students a competitive edge in the college admission and job application process
• Prepares students with 21st-century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and global society
• Promotes foreign language instruction in public schools

Students must meet the following requirements in order to be awarded the State Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation.

(EC 51460, 51461)

1. Complete high school graduation requirements, including English language arts requirements, with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above in those classes.
2. Pass the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) in English language arts administered in grade 11 at the proficient level or above.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in one or more languages other than English (including American Sign Language) through one of the following methods:
   1. Pass a world language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher.
   2. Complete a four-year high school course of study in a world language and attain an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in that course of study.
   3. Pass the SAT II foreign language examination with a score of 600 or higher.
   4. Pass an approved language exam from an authorizing educational or governmental agency.

Note: For students whose primary language is not English, students must be either reclassified as Fluent English Proficient or score “early advanced” on ELPAC.

• SAT II subject exams in French and Spanish with the listening component are in November.
• SAT II subject exams in French and Spanish without the listening component are in May, June, August, October, and December.
• For languages other than French or Spanish, see the SAT II website below for those dates
• For more information on The Seal of Biliteracy see the California Department of Education/State Seal of Biliteracy below.