Seal of Biliteracy
The World Languages Department officially opens the 2025-26 window for Seniors to take the qualifying tests to earn the coveted New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy between Monday, October 20, 2025 and Monday, January 5, 2026.
What is the Seal of Biliteracy?
- The NJ Seal of Biliteracy is a high school transcript notation and certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Education which honors graduating seniors who have attained multiple language proficiencies and signals this achievement to colleges and potential employers.
- It was legislated in New Jersey in January 2016 and became administrative code in 2017.
How will it benefit students?
- Provides nationally accredited means of demonstrating language skills to universities for the purpose of receiving academic credit: A growing number of U.S. Universities & Colleges offer credit for the Seal of Biliteracy
- Provides nationally accredited proof of language and biliteracy skills to potential employers
- Encourages study of languages, and the development of 21st century skills and global competence
Qualifying Tests
- Students are required to meet minimum cutoff scores for only one test.
- Multilingual Learners (MLs) must demonstrate proficiency in both English (through the ACCESS or NJSLA) and in their native or other language(s).
- Students in World Language classes are tested by the district. The cost of testing additional or other languages must by paid for by the student. Eligible students may apply for a financial waiver due to economic hardship.
| Assessment | Minimum Score | Minimum Requirements/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) Form B | I-3 | A level of I-3 is required on all four components of the assessment: Interpretive Listening, Interpretive Reading, Interpersonal Listening and Speaking, and Presentational Writing |
| ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA) | I-3 | Interpretive Reading Test |
| Advanced Placement Language and Culture (AP) | 4 | Full Assessment |
| ALTA |
ALTA 6/ |
A score of ALTA 6 or ILR 1+ in both components of the assessment: Listening/Speaking and Writing |
| American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) | 3 | Full Assessment |
| B1 | ||
| Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) | B1 | |
| B1 | ||
| Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française (DELF) | B1 | |
| Ellinomatheia | B1 | |
| Goethe Zertifikat | B1 | |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Language B Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL) | 4 | Available only to students currently enrolled in IB programs |
| National Examinations in World Languages (NEWL) | 4 | Full Assessment |
| Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) |
Intermediate Mid/ ILR 1+ | Both tests must be taken |
| Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer (OPIc) Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) |
Intermediate Mid/ ILR 1+ | Both tests must be taken |
| Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE) | B1 | |
|
Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI ASL) |
Intermediate Plus | Full Assessment |
| STAMP | 5 | A score of 5 or higher in all four components: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening |
| STAMP for ASL | 5 | Must achieve a score of 5 or higher in all components: Receptive and Expressive |
| STAMP for Latin | 5 | Interpretive Reading Test |
| STAMP WS (Formally known as WorldSpeak) | 5 | A score of 5 or higher in both components: Writing and Speaking |
NO Action is Required
- Senior students who are enrolled in World Language classes are administered STAMP tests by the department in the Fall and do not need to take further action. The district and the state have a record.
- Junior students who take the AP Language and Culture exams in their junior year do not need to take further action. The district and the state have a record in the Senior year. AP Language and Culture exams are available in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin and Spanish but scores are only valid from the previous Junior year. Per state requirements, scores for assessments taken prior to the second semester of the junior year are not admissible for the Seal of Biliteracy.
- Multilingual Learners who need to demonstrate literacy in English are administered the NJSLA and/or ACCESS tests by the school district as a graduation requirement. However, to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, MLs must demonstrate literacy in a language in addition to English. Language proficiency testing will take place in the MLed (ESL) class.
YES Action is Required
- Students wishing to demonstrate literacy in languages other than that of their World Language courses.
- Students choosing to apply for multiple certifications (two or more of the languages in which they are literate) by taking multiple tests.
- Former MLs / ESL students inquire with the MLed teacher.
REGISTRATION & SCHEDULING
DEADLINE for test purchase & scheduling window- Saturday, December 20, 2025
DEADLINE for testing - January 5, 2026
To view additional information about testing for the Seal of Biliteracy (including registration instructions), please use the links below:
Seal of Biliteracy Testing Information