About the Seal of Biliteracy

Graduating seniors who have demonstrated their language skills through World Language Credit Testing (earning 4 credits) or by passing Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) language exams will have the honor of receiving the State Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal is intended to highlight the benefits in today’s world of speaking, reading, and writing English and at least one other language.

The Washington State Seal of Biliteracy was passed by the Legislature in 2014, and the first State Seals were issued in June 2015.

In the Graduating Class of 2025, 468 graduating seniors earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 29 different languages.

What Students Receive

Students receive a Seal of Biliteracy cord to wear at graduation and the Seal of Biliteracy is printed on student diplomas.

How to Qualify

Students can qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy by meeting all graduation requirements, plus demonstrating proficiency in a language besides English through the three testing options indicated above (AP score of 3 or higher; IB SL or HL with a score of 4 or higher, or 4 credits (overall Intermediate Mid or higher proficiency) through Competency-Based Credit testing). Use the OSPI Flow Chart to determine eligibility.

The district offers World Language Credit Testing monthly during the school year at the Seattle World School. Learn more at: World Language Credit Testing.

View the World Language Credit Program video to get inspired!

The Seal of Biliteracy is part of the Road Map Project’s campaign on Speak Your Language. 

For more background on the Seal of Biliteracy visit OSPI >  Seal of Biliteracy

Questions? Contact WLCreditTesting@seattleschools.org