+ What is the Global Seal of Biliteracy?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a free international certificate that officially documents and recognizes a person's ability to communicate (written and oral) in two or more languages. To earn the certificate, individuals must demonstrate their language skills through approved testing.

This credential is stackable (you can earn higher-level certificates as your skills grow), portable (recognized in different places around the world), and verifiable (each certificate has a unique serial number that can be confirmed online). The Global Seal of Biliteracy can be added to a curriculum vitae (CV), resumé, or LinkedIn profile to show employers and schools verified language skills. It can also help recipients qualify for higher pay, university credit, or advanced placement in academic programs.

+ What does a Seal of Biliteracy do for you?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a credential that officially recognizes your ability to communicate in two languages. (In the United States, one of those languages must be English.) It is awarded based on proficiency demonstrated on an approved language test that confirms your level of fluency using internationally recognized standards, such as the ACTFL or CEFR proficiency scales. This certificate can open doors for:

• Advanced placement or credit in academic programs
• Employment opportunities where language skills are valued
• Language pay differentials or bilingual pay

Each certificate includes a unique serial number that can be activated to create a Digital Language Profile, allowing you to verify and share your credential online. You can easily add it to your C.V., resumé, or LinkedIn profile—giving you a tangible way to showcase your bilingual skills to schools, employers, and beyond.

+ Who can get a Global Seal of Biliteracy?

The Global Seal is available to anyone who can meet the criteria for one of our three award levels, “Functional Fluency”, “Working Fluency” or "Professional Fluency", by providing documentation for both languages. There is no age or grade-level requirement for the Global Seal of Biliteracy. The Global Seal has been awarded to middle school, high school and university students as well as bilingual adults. The Global Seal can be issued to qualifying candidates by a school, university, organization, or employer or be earned by an individual applying on their own behalf.

+ How do you get a Global Seal of Biliteracy?

The Global Seal website describes the process which includes:

1. Apply by clicking the APPLY tab or button. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is free (cost of testing not included).
2. Submit qualifying scores on an approved test. A referral for testing will be provided upon request. The Global Seal of Biliteracy list of qualifying tests can be found on this website.
3. The Global Seal of Biliteracy award and award certificate with embossed seal is issued to qualifying candidates at no charge. Schools and/or recipients may choose to select and pay for optional recognition medals or pins.

+ Who issues the Global Seal of Biliteracy?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy organization processes and issues the Global Seal credentials after receipt and verification of a candidate’s qualifying documentation. This documentation may be submitted by a school, organization or company on behalf of their language learners or bilingual employees or by an individual. In the first case, the school, organization or company awards the Global Seal of Biliteracy recognition, often in a celebratory event. Individuals may also earn a Global Seal certificate. In this situation, test scores must be submitted directly to the Global Seal by the test company. Test scores submitted directly by candidates are not accepted.

Schools, organizations, and employers awarding the Global Seal of Biliteracy are provided a centralized hub on our platform to submit, track, and award certificates.

+ Where can the Global Seal of Biliteracy be awarded?

The Global Seal can be issued to anyone anywhere in the world. The languages and qualifying tests may differ, but the criteria and process is the same. The Global Seal of Biliteracy has been issued in multiple countries and languages by business, educational and governmental entities. The Global Seal of Biliteracy universal credential offers three levels of certification on both the ACTFL and CEFR proficiency scales. A map indicating where the Global Seal has been awarded can be found on our website’s Statistics page.

+ How to implement a Global Seal of Biliteracy program?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy provides a number of program implementation guides known as Global Guides. Please select one of the most applicable below.

• Charter, Private or Independent Schools
• Colleges and Universities
• Community-Based Heritage Language Schools
• Homeschooling
• Individuals
• Public Schools

+ What is the difference between bilingual and biliterate?

A bilingual person can speak two languages. A biliterate person can comprehend two languages (reading and listening) as well as speak and write in two languages.

+ Why was the Global Seal of Biliteracy created?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy was inspired by the U.S. State Seal of Biliteracy, a program that recognizes bilingual skills among graduating high school students in American public schools. These U.S. initiatives have increased student enrollment and retention in language programs and promote multilingualism as a valuable asset.

Recognizing and documenting language skills benefits individuals, communities, and employers. The Global Seal of Biliteracy fills the gap by offering an opportunity for anyone, anywhere in the world to certify their language proficiency.

In addition to verifying current skills, the Global Seal encourages lifelong language learning through a three-tiered certificate pathway.

Our mission is to support and validate all types of language learning—whether acquired through school, at home, in heritage or minority language communities, through personal experiences, or on the job. By providing a free, internationally recognized credential, the Global Seal empowers bilinguals to celebrate, share, and use their language abilities in meaningful ways.

+ Can an individual earn more than one Global Seal of Biliteracy?

Yes! We are thrilled to certify multilinguals. Because an individual’s skills differ from language to language, each language must be individually tested and certified at one of the Global Seal’s three levels of fluency. For example, if a person’s first or native language is English, they might earn a Functional Fluency Global Seal in Chinese and a Working Fluency Global Seal in French. We also encourage Global Seal recipients to continue “leveling up” their language skills in order to earn a higher fluency Global Seal of Biliteracy certificate in the same language as a previous award. For individuals with two or more Global Seals of Biliteracy, the most recently awarded certificate will appear at the top of their Digital Language Profile, but previously issued Global Seals will also appear, evidencing growth and increasing skills.

+ MEDIA: We would like to interview someone re: the Global Seal. Who do we contact?

Contact the Global Seal’s Executive Director: linda.egnatz@theglobalseal.com. Also take a look at our Press Kit

+ Can a person apply for the Global Seal of Biliteracy as an individual?

Multilingual? You can earn a Global Seal for each language you know! Applying is easy and free! Visit www.theglobalseal.com and click APPLY. Choose the option to earn a Global Seal for yourself and complete the short form.

You can apply before or after taking a language test. If you’re new to testing, our website lists approved tests and score requirements to help you choose the right one.

To qualify, you’ll need to show proficiency in two languages. U.S. applicants must include English as one of them. After applying, we’ll send instructions on how to submit:

• Proof of your first or dominant language, the language in which you are most comfortable speaking, listening, reading, and writing, and . . .

• Your test results for the second language. (or third, fourth, etc.)

We accept test scores from the past 12 months or can refer you to online testing with remote proctoring. For individual certification, we only accept test score results provided to us directly from the testing company. Once we receive all documentation, you’ll receive a free certificate with a unique serial number and a fluency-level seal, ready to activate to create your own Digital Language Profile or share on your résumé, CV, or LinkedIn.

+ Can Higher Education institutions award the Global Seal to their students?

Yes! University students benefit from micro-credentials that articulate their language skills. Because each Global Seal is serial-numbered and verifiable, they can easily leverage their language skills by adding their certificate to a resume, C.V. or LinkedIn profile or share their certificate digitally using our Digital Language Profile. This is especially helpful to those non-majors/minors who otherwise may not have a way to highlight their bilingualism. Many universities offer students with language skills an opportunity to document their skills to enhance their future employability.

Studies show that Higher Education programs that offer micro-credentials have increased their retention up to 20%. VerifyEd reports that students with digital credentials have a 28% higher earning potential.

Digital Language Profile making it easy to set themselves apart in the job search and access language pay differentials. This is especially helpful to those non-majors/minors who otherwise may not have a way to highlight their bilingualism. To learn more about how the Global Seal works with Higher Education programs, or to see a list of higher education institutions that have recently issued the Global Seal, click here: https://theglobalseal.com/higher-education.

+ How do schools or companies outside of the U.S. award the Global Seal of Biliteracy?

A school, organization or company may apply from anywhere in the world! To see where the Global Seal has been awarded, check out our map on our Statistics page.

The Global Seal is a universal credential that has approved a variety of tests on both the CEFR and ACTFL language proficiency scales. We offer an online application as well as a fully digital certificate that simplifies the awarding of an international certification. Many of our qualifying tests can also be delivered online without the need to go to a special testing center or wait for a specific testing date window. Some tests even provide remote proctoring services for schools serving online students as well as for individual applications.

+ Can homeschoolers get the Global Seal of Biliteracy?

Yes, homeschoolers can either test individually at home using any of our tests that offer online proctoring. Individual homeschoolers may apply using our Individual application process. A short video tutorial can be found on the page. Note: We do not accept test scores directly from Candidates, but candidates may request that their test scores be sent to us by their qualifying test company.

Please see our Homeschooler Global Guide for more information.

+ How do you get a Global Seal of Biliteracy?

If you are an individual that would like to receive a Global Seal of Biliteracy, you will need to take an approved test of your second (or third, fourth) language that measures your skills. If your test score qualifies for one of our three tiers of language credentials, it can be submitted for certification. Proctored test scores can be submitted up to 12 months from the date of testing by the test company on your behalf. To get an idea of what your likely proficiency level is, we offer free mini self-assessments for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Learn more about individual certification.

If you are able to test with your school, organization, or employer, they will apply and submit your qualifying test scores on your behalf. The Global Seal does not accept test scores directly from candidates.

+ What is the cost of the Global Seal of Biliteracy?

Thanks to our generous annual sponsors and donors, the Global Seal of Biliteracy is a completely free program that certifies an individual’s biliteracy based on language testing. The Global Seal itself does NOT test candidates. All testing is contracted with test companies directly by educational institutions, organizations, businesses or by individuals themselves and the cost of testing is paid directly to test companies. The Global Seal’s certification program is free.

For group testing, the school or organization will determine which test(s) to administer and how testing will be funded. Once testing is completed and qualifying scores are submitted for each candidate, we will provide the Global Seal credential at no charge, including the Global Seal of Biliteracy Presentation Certificate and Embossed Seal, which are all mailed for free. Upon receipt of the certificates, there will be an opportunity to purchase additional recognition items which include a transcription service to provide universities and employers with the recipient’s language credentials.

+ What languages does the Global Seal of biliteracy test?

The Global Seal currently offers tests in over 160 languages. To find a test in a specific language, please see our Languages page.

+ What is on the Global Seal of Biliteracy Test?

In order to receive a Global Seal of Biliteracy, you must take a test of language fluency that measures speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. (Note: For some less commonly tested languages, a two skill test of the productive Speaking and Writing skills is accepted - see qualifying tests.) The test will require that the test-taker read and listen to authentic media (news, articles, radio, signage, etc.) and answer questions that demonstrate comprehension. Speaking and writing portions will require that the test-taker respond to open-ended questions and prompts or have a conversation.These tests use evidence to determine a language users’ "proficiency level" as determined by the ACTFL or CEFR Proficiency Scales.

To get a general approximation of your language level, take our free Self Assessments.

To learn more about how to prepare to take a Seal of Biliteracy test, check out these short tutorials from our free Global C.R.E.D. 2020 event:

10 STRATEGIES FOR PREPARING FOR A PROFICIENCY TEST TO QUALIFY FOR A SEAL OF BILITERACY

THE LANGUAGE GYM: STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

GAMECHANGER: HOW TO EARN A GLOBAL SEAL OF BILITERACY

HOW I EARNED THE GLOBAL SEAL OF BILITERACY IN 4 LANGUAGES

+ What test(s) do / can you take for the Global Seal of Biliteracy?

The Global Seal’s Board of Advisors determine which tests best meet proficiency-based criteria. All tests that qualify for the Global Seal of Biliteracy can be found on our test page and/or can be viewed by language. The Board of Advisors’ work is ongoing, and additional tests, including international tests, may be added. Additionally, deletions and/or modifications may be made to currently qualifying tests as the tests and or testing conditions or criteria may change.

+ How were the Global Seal of Biliteracy qualifying tests selected?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy’s Board of Advisors selected the first set of qualifying tests to meet the following criteria:

• Externally validated (not developed or scored at the local/district/state/provincial level)
• Assesses all 4 basic skills -- Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing*

*Exceptions made for languages such as Latin where a component may not be assessed or for less common languages where 4 skill tests may not be available. For these languages, the productive skills of speaking and writing must be measured.

• Results are aligned with or correlated to the [ACTFL Proficiency Scale][13].[13]: /actfl-language-proficiency-levels
• Tests must be human proctored by an impartial party, for example a school administrator, teacher or HR representative.
• For Global Seal of Biliteracy candidates in the US, English language is required and can be met by meeting state ELA standards, through qualifying testing, or fulfilling requirements for academic degrees.

Tests for languages other than English are those also accepted by State Seal of Biliteracy programs.

After extensive study, the Global Seal of Biliteracy certification expanded to include tests that use the CEFR Proficiency Scale for 2021. This includes several selected CEFR-based certificates tests.

• Selected tests that have a published detailed results of a linking study that follows the procedures outlined in the CoE’s Manual for Relating Language Examinations to the CEFR.
• Selected tests that have been awarded the ALTE Q-mark.
• Selected tests that have been awarded the SICELE Seal.

+ What proficiency level is required for a Global Seal of Biliteracy?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy can be awarded in three certification levels, “Functional Fluency”, “Working Fluency” or "Professional Fluency", by providing documentation for both languages. The Global Seal of Biliteracy credential can be earned by using either the ACTFL or CEFR scale. For more information on requirements please visit out test page.

+ What is the ACTFL Proficiency Scale?

The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines were updated in 2024 by ACTFL to break down language skills in multiple domains into levels of language proficiency. There are a total of eleven ACTFL language proficiency levels that fit into five primary proficiency levels, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Superior and Distinguished . Within the Novice, Intermediate and Advanced levels there are three sub domains (Low, Mid and High).

+ What is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Proficiency Scale?

The result of over twenty years of research, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) was launched in 2001. It was designed to provide a transparent, coherent and comprehensive basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses and curriculum guidelines, the design of teaching and learning materials, and the assessment of foreign language proficiency. The CEFR organizes language proficiency in six levels, A1 to C2, which can be regrouped into three broad levels: Basic User, Independent User and Proficient User, and that can be further subdivided according to the needs of the local context. The levels are defined through ‘can-do’ descriptors.

+ What are proctoring requirements?

It is part of the Global Seal of Biliteracy’s policy that each and every accepted test requires impartial human proctoring to protect the integrity of the test to the highest degree. For this reason, we only accept tests administered by an impartial human proctor such as a school official, teacher, etc. The virtual remote proctoring or home proctoring option, if selected, must be used in conjunction with an impartial human proctor, even if digitally remote. Tests that are solely proctored by parents/guardians will not be accepted. For any questions or concerns please email us at info@theglobalseal.com

+ Do universities recognize / accept the Global Seal of Biliteracy?

Many universities have provided college credit, advanced placement and even scholarships to Global Seal of Biliteracy recipients. Additionally, almost 25% of Global Seal certificates are issued by colleges and universities to their own students. To see a list of higher education institutions that have recently issued the Global Seal, click here: https://theglobalseal.com/higher-education.

Many universities recognize the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Each serial-numbered certificate includes the test scale used and proficiency level earned on each certificate, and recipients can share their certificate with a university using the Digital Language Profile or by requesting a transcript from the Global Seal.

Additionally, some universities have created their own pathway to university credit and/or advanced placement.

+ Can you receive college credit for the Global Seal?

Yes! Many universities award college credit or advanced placement based on the language proficiency level shown on your Global Seal certificate. Some schools have formal Global Seal credit policies, which you can find on our website’s College Credit page. Others may use your language test score or refer to ACE credit recommendations. To help your university evaluate your eligibility:

• Know your ACTFL or CEFR proficiency level (listed on your Global Seal)
• Know the test and score you used to qualify

We recommend reaching out to the Admissions or Registrar’s office and sharing your certificate with the World Language Department to ask about credit or placement options that match your skill level and their curriculum.

+ How do I add my "Global Seal of Biliteracy" credential to my LinkedIn profile?

Watch our YouTube video or follow the directions below.

1. Login to your LinkedIn account and click "Edit public profile."
2. Scroll down past Education to the profile section "Licenses and Credentials."
3. Click the + in the top right corner to "Add Licenses and Credentials."
4. In the "Name" box add: Global Seal of Biliteracy "Working Fluency" in English and Japanese (changing it to your appropriate Fluency level and languages).
5. In the "Issuing Organization" box, enter "Global Seal of Biliteracy" and our icon will appear.
6. Add the issue month and year.
7. Finally, add your unique Global Seal of Biliteracy serial-number in the "Credential ID" box.
8. Click SAVE and your new language credential will now appear on your LinkedIn profile.

+ What is Global C.R.E.D.?

Global C.R.E.D. 2020 was a FREE Global Seal of Biliteracy event that brought together more than 3,600 language learners, educators and stakeholders from over 55 countries #GlobalCRED2020 was designed to encourage and support language learners who want to LEVEL UP and LEVERAGE their language skills for future opportunities. C.R.E.D. hosted over 100 livestream and pre-recorded sessions in multiple languages and included topics ranging from how to earn a Global Seal of Biliteracy to gaming to career opportunities for bilinguals. Inspiring keynote speakers, informative panelists and insightful learners shared their language learning experiences and expertise. Access archived Global C.R.E.D. here.

+ Does the Global Seal of Biliteracy accept donations or sponsorships to offset the cost of its free program?

Yes! The Global Seal of Biliteracy certificate with embossed Seal is verified, certified, printed and mailed to all candidates free of charge. While we do offer the optional purchase of our celebratory Global Seal medals and lapel pins help defray some of those costs, we very much appreciate our sponsors and the generous donations of our program supporters. To donate, click: https://theglobalseal.com/donate.

+ How to celebrate awardees?

It’s important to celebrate your Global Seal of Biliteracy awardee. Research and data show that offering awards for incremental growth fosters perseverance, even among at risk students. Hosting an award celebration in which you invite parents, teachers and other stakeholders is an opportunity to publicize the efficacy of your program. It serves as an incentive to students on the pathway and provides them with a tangible reward that creates greater engagement and can even accelerate language acquisition.

If you would like to extend the celebration with medals or lapel pins, they are now available for purchase on our website under the shop section. The purchasing link will be found in your confirmation email after your Global Seal certificates have been shipped.

+ What is the relationship between the Global Seal of Biliteracy and Avant Assessment?

Avant, the language proficiency company, is the proud founder and first sponsor of the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Avant launched the Global Seal to close the opportunity gap for learners that do not have access to a state Seal program. The Global Seal of Biliteracy operates independently and has its own independent international Board of Advisors that created the Guiding Principles and determines which tests can be used to qualify individuals for the Global Seal award. It is important to note that the Board of Advisors has accepted as qualifying assessments for the Global Seal many tests that were not developed by Avant Assessment. The Global Seal offers potential sponsors an annual sponsorship opportunity as well as the opportunity to financially support special events that serve schools and language learners.

+ What is the difference between the Global Seal of Biliteracy and the U.S. State Seals of Biliteracy?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy is an international language certification program that is completely independent of the individual U.S. State Seal of Biliteracy programs. The Global Seal criteria is universal and has been issued all over the world. Unlike the state seal programs which are generally limited to high school seniors, the Global Seal can be earned by anyone anywhere who meets the language criteria, including working adults. The Global Seal is stackable and can be digitally shared through our Digital Language Profile.

Many U.S. schools use both the state and Global Seal programs in partnership using gamification to create a full pathway of awards. Providing students with more than one recognition serve to raise the value of learning language and maximize student opportunities to highlight and leverage their bilingualism.

+ How can I highlight my language skills on the CommonApp?

Including your Global Seal of Biliteracy certification on a Common App is crucial for high school students as it not only showcases your language skills but also your dedication to multicultural understanding and global citizenship. Language can be highlighted in multiple areas of the CommonApp, including as an “International Honor”. Please check our blog to learn more.

+ Can I earn the Global Seal if I didn't study my second language in school?

Yes! Many of our Global Seal of Biliteracy recipients have learned the language of their certificate outside of a school or classroom setting. You may have a heritage language or learned a language independently online or through study or work abroad experience. As long as you score at a qualifying level on one of our approved tests, you can earn a Global Seal for each language in which you are both bilingual (listening and speaking) and biliterate (reading and writing).

+ Is there a minimum age to apply for the Global Seal?

No, there is no minimum or maximum age requirement to earn a Global Seal of Biliteracy. However, younger recipients who do not meet the grade level requirement for specific tier levels, may need to test to provide evidence of their first language proficiency level.

+ How does the Global Seal determine which language must be tested?

Each Global Seal of Biliteracy certificate recognizes proficiency in two languages and labels them as:

🥇 First Language of Certification The “First Language of Certification” is your dominant language—the one you are most comfortable using when speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For most people, this is the first language they spoke and the language in which they were educated. For those who first spoke a home language, but were educated in another language, it’s possible that their first language is no longer their dominant language, especially for reading and writing. You (or your school) will decide which language to list first. To meet the requirements for this language, you must either:

• Show your education was in that language, or
• Provide a test score showing proficiency.

Your level of education or test score will determine which Global Seal of Biliteracy level can be awarded.

🥈 Second Language of Certification This is typically the language you're less dominant in—often the one you're learning at school or acquired later. To certify this language, you must submit an approved language proficiency test score that meets the Global Seal’s requirements.

📜 Additional Seals for More Languages If you earn multiple Global Seals for additional languages, the First Language of Certification will remain the same, while the Second Language of Certification will change based on the new language being certified. That second language could be your third, fourth, or even fifth language overall. If you earn multiple Global Seals of Biliteracy, all of your certificates will appear in your Digital Language Profile.

+ What if my test results are more than a year old—can I still apply?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy only certifies based on tests that are less than 12 months or one year old. However, because documenting your language skills can provide you with academic or career benefits, we encourage everyone to retest and certify your bilingualism. If you are no longer in school, you can certify using our individual pathway and test at home at your convenience with an online proctor. You can even request a test referral when you apply.