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Seal of Biliteracy

What is the Seal of Biliteracy?

The Washington State Seal of Biliteracy is established to recognize public high school graduates who have attained an intermediate-mid proficiency in English and one or more world languages in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. This includes American Sign Language and Tribal languages. Students in all Graduation Pathways are eligible to earn the Seal. "Participating school districts with students eligible to receive the Seal, must place a notation on a student’s high school diploma and high school transcript indicating that the student has earned the seal." (RCW 28A.230.125)

When students earn the Seal:
  • Their diploma and transcript are annotated to reflect this achievement.
  • FWPS provides a medallion to wear at graduation.
  • It provides formal proof of language skills to colleges, scholarship committees, and employers.
The Seal of Biliteracy can be earned if students complete the following steps:
  • STEP 1: Show proficiency in a language other than English by taking an Approved Proficiency Assessment and earning 4 Competency-based Credits OR earning credits through coursework and/or testing in an Approved Proficiency Assessment
  • STEP 2: Show proficiency in English by meeting Washington State English Language Arts graduation requirements (ELA pathway, assessment, or equivalent).
  • STEP 3: Graduate
Who is eligible for the Seal?
  • Heritage Speakers who meet the criteria
  • Students who have lived abroad and developed language skills
  • Students who have learned another language through coursework, after-school programs, or other settings

What Is the World Language Competency Test?

The competency test is the tool students use to show proficiency in another language (for Step 1 above). Key points:

  • Available in many languages (check with your school’s assessment coordinator for which ones are offered).
  • It evaluates listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
  • Students can earn up to 4 world language credits through the test.
  • If students have already taken world language courses, the competency-based testing can award up to 4 credits per language. These can be added to seat-time credits, so students may have more than 4 total credits in a language.
  • Cost: Free for FWPS students taking the test for the first time (just bring a photo ID).
Who Can Test and When
  • November Testing: Available for FWPS high school students, grades 9–12
  • March Testing: Available for FWPS middle and high school students, grades 8–12

Testing takes place at school sites. Students must fill out the interest form and register to participate.

📌 Interest Form: https://bit.ly/WLCT

Benefits of the Seal & Language Proficiency

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy does more than reflect a personal achievement — it provides value for your future:

  • Stronger college applications — proof of advanced language skills demonstrates rigor and versatility
  • Career advantage — many employers favor candidates who are bilingual or biliterate, especially in fields like education, health care, business, tech, and government
  • Global opportunities — open doors for study abroad, international internships, or working across cultures
  • Recognition of your identity and skills — validating language(s) you use outside school
How to Get Started
  1. Fill out the interest form to let us know you’re interested: https://bit.ly/WLCT
  2. Talk with your school counselor or assessment coordinator about registering for the test
  3. Prepare in your language of choice (practice listening, speaking, reading, writing)
  4. Take the test during your school’s November (grades 9–12) or March (grades 8–12) administration
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which grades are eligible?
A: - FWPS High school students (grades 9–12) may test in November. Middle and high school students (grades 8–12) may test in March

Q: Which languages are available?
A: Many (not all) languages are available. You will need to know how to speak, listen, read and write in your selected language. Please see your assessment coordinator for the list of available languages.

Q: What if I already earned world language credits?
A: You may still take the competency test for additional credits, but you cannot go over 4 credits in that same language.

    • Example #1: You earn 2 credits in high school Spanish. Then you take the STAMP test in Spanish and earn 3 credits, the equivalent to 3 years of seat-time. On your transcript, it will show the additional Spanish credit for a total of 3 credits in Spanish.
    • Example #2: You earn 2 credits in high school Spanish. Then you take the World Language competency test in Korean and you earn 3 credits. Your transcript will show 2 credits in Spanish and 3 credits in Korean.

Q: Is there a cost?
A: No — the test is free for Federal Way students taking it for the first time. (Bring a photo ID.)

Q: How will I be recognized in FWPS?
A: On your transcript, diploma, and in FWPS with a graduation medallion.