Certify your language proficiency through the Global Seal of Biliteracy
Interested in a formal assessment of your language proficiency to share with prospective employers? The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a micro-credential for certifying your proficiency in two languages. (In the United States, one of those languages must be English.)
You can add the Global Seal of Biliteracy to your LinkedIn page and resume as an external verification of your language abilities.
The Global Seal of Biliteracy is available in over 100 languages and at three levels:
- Functional fluency (Intermediate Mid on the ACTFL scale)
- Working fluency (Advanced Low on the ACTFL scale)
- Professional fluency (Advanced High on the ACTFL scale)
While the Global Seal of Biliteracy itself is offered at no cost, applicants pay for the associated assessments (proficiency tests) required to be awarded the Seal.
The Global Seal of Biliteracy is not offered through UW-Madison; students should submit applications as individuals.
What is language proficiency?
Language proficiency is the ability to use a language spontaneously for real-world purposes.
There are many different ways to describe and measure language proficiency. One widely recognized framework is the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines, which describe characteristics of proficiency in four different skill areas: speaking, writing, reading, and listening, and at different levels.
The Global Seal of Biliteracy uses language assessments based on the ACTFL scale (and others, such as the Common European Framework of Reference) to certify proficiency at three levels: Functional Fluency, Working Fluency, and Professional Fluency.
Having a formal assessment of your language proficiency can help you to understand your strengths and areas for growth when it comes to your language abilities.