MN World Language Certificates and Seals

Minnesota districts and charter schools may award Minnesota bilingual and multilingual seals to high school graduates who demonstrate the required levels of language proficiency for languages other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL) and American Indian (indigenous) languages in grades 10, 11, 12 regardless of how the language was learned. Bilingual and multilingual seals are awarded upon graduation. World language proficiency certificates can be awarded when students meet proficiency requirements. Read details of the legislation.

To learn more about bilingual seals, practice tests, information for students, families, and educators, visit Minnesota Bilingual Seals.

Learn about the Minnesota Bilingual Seals Program through the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) flyer:

English • Amharic • Arabic • Hmong • Karen • Oromo • Somali • Spanish • Vietnamese

Program Contact

Natalia Benjamin
Director of Multi-Lingual Learning
(507) 328-4214 | Email Natalia Benjamin

How do I sign up?

Students must do the following to receive a certificate and seal: 

  1. Complete all questions in the application

  2. If the student successfully demonstrates proficiency on all four domains of the language, students will receive a certificate with their Bilingual Seal at the time of graduation and level of proficiency will be indicated on student’s transcript. A student must also demonstrate proficiency in English by having met the required English Language Arts credit for high school graduation. 

  3. Students must request the college semester credits from the college/university within three academic years of graduation from high school and upon enrollment.

MN BILINGUAL AND MULTILINGUAL SEALS & WORLD LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATES APPLICATION

For infographic with information, please click here.

World Language Certification testing will occur the week of April 21-25, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I receive college credit?

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) will award college semester credit to graduating high school students who receive bilingual and multilingual seals and world language proficiency certificates. Students must request the college semester credit within three academic years of graduation from high school and upon enrollment in a MnSCU college or university.

How many semester credits will Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) award?

The chart below shows the number of college semesters for each award.

Certificates and Seals

ACTFL proficiency Level

Credits

World language proficiency certificate

Intermediate-Low

2 semesters

Gold bilingual or multilingual seal

Intermediate-High

3 semesters per language

Platinum bilingual or multilingual seal

Advanced-Low

4 semesters per language

What are the requirements for a bilingual or multilingual seal?

In addition to demonstrating the required proficiency levels in a language other than English on an assessment based on the America Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), students must:

  • Demonstrate English proficiency

  • Meet English Language Arts standards

What assessments can be used to assess students’ language proficiency levels?

Proficiency assessments must be based on the ACTFL guidelines. A list of assessments can be found on the MDE World Language webpage. 

Who do I contact if I am interested in obtaining a bilingual or multilingual seal?

Students may contact the following people:

  • High School Counselor

  • Office of Academics (507) 328-4301

  • Office of Schools (507) 328-4276