First Language of Certification Tests & Requirements
All Global Seal recipients must meet the first language requirements. A first/dominant language of certification is the language a candidate is MOST comfortable reading, writing, listening, and speaking in and the one they generally used throughout their schooling. To award the Global Seal of Biliteracy, qualifying documentation and/or proctored test scores must be submitted to demonstrate language proficiency. The chart below outlines the qualifying criteria and/or tests and scores that have been approved to credential candidates for the Global Seal.
Candidates must meet either the grade level requirements OR take one of the tests listed below in their dominant language.
Click on the tests below to learn more about each test.
| FIRST/DOMINANT LANGUAGE OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT Global Seal candidates in the U.S. must MEET both English and other language qualifying criteria |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| APPROVED TESTS & ASSESSMENTS | FUNCTIONAL FLUENCY AWARD | WORKING FLUENCY AWARD | PROFESSIONAL FLUENCY AWARD |
| Met all first/dominant language requirements for graduation | Has met all 8th grade/primary school first/dominant language requirements, candidate may be asked to submit a transcript | Has met all 11th grade/secondary school first/dominant language requirements, candidate may be asked to submit a transcript | Has met all college or university first/dominant language requirements, candidate may be asked to submit a transcript |
| Any Approved Test on CEFR Scale (click to learn more) |
B1 | B2 | C1 |
| Any Approved Test on ACTFL Scale (click to learn more) |
Intermediate - Mid | Advanced - Low | Advanced - High |
| ACT Exam (English Only) | 18 | 21 | 26 |
| SAT Reading/Writing Exam (English Only) |
480 | 540 | 600 |
| GRE Verbal | Does not qualify | 300 | 500 |
| WIDA ACCESS 2.0 (Accepted as EL second language requirement) |
4.5 | 5.8 | Does not qualify |
First/dominant Language Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to learn more.
+ ** What is considered the First/Dominant Language of Certification?**
The first/dominant “Language of Certification” is generally the language learned in primary school in which the individual is most comfortable and which the individual can speak, listen, read and write. For example, if the candidate’s primary language of schooling is English, then English can be considered their first/dominant Language of Certification, even if another language is spoken at home and/or they began school as an English Learner.
+ ** If meeting graduation requirements are used for Global Seal qualification, do we need to submit student transcripts to prove first/dominant language proficiency?**
- For group submissions, transcripts or documentation of a candidate’s first language are not required upon submission, but must be available upon request if necessary.
- For individual applications, graduation documentation must be submitted.
+ ** Do First/Dominant language tests need to be submitted within 12 months of taking them?**
No, only second language tests are required to be submitted to us within 12 months of the test start date.
+ ** What are the First/Dominant Language of Certification Requirements for U.S. candidates?**
All Global Seal candidates must have a certain level of language proficiency in two or more languages. In the United States, one of those languages must be English, but English could be their first/dominant or second language.
+ ** For U.S. certification, what if the candidate’s home language is a language other than English, but they have only attended U.S. schools? Is English their first or second language?**
If the candidate’s primary language of schooling is English, then English can be considered their first/dominant Language of Certification, even if another language is spoken at home and/or they began school as an English Learner. If they have tested in a third or fourth language, then they are able to earn multiple awards but one certificate must still be awarded in English.
Ready to get started?
Earning a Global Seal of Biliteracy™ is quick and easy. Simply apply, test, and receive. Best of all, both the application and the certificate are free! The Global Seal of Biliteracy does not cover the cost of testing.