World Language Competency Credit Program

The World Language Credit Program allows students to earn high school credit(s) for a language they already know. Students who speak, read, and write a language other than English may earn up to 4.0 World Language credits, the equivalent of four years of classroom-based study. Meeting credit requirements through language competency testing provides students with greater flexibility to learn a third language, explore other course interests, or simply advance in the learning of the same language. The number of credits granted is based on the student’s proficiency level as measured by nationally recognized language proficiency assessments. Over the last three years, SVSD has awarded 275 credits to 80 students in 19 languages!

Seal of Biliteracy
|Students who earn four credits through testing are also awarded the Seal of Biliteracy at graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy is a special notation that appears on a graduating senior’s high school transcript and diploma as a statement of accomplishment. It can also be earned by scoring a three or higher on an AP language exam. Students who earn four World Language Competency Credits are also eligible for the Seal of Biliteracy.

2023-24 Testing Information

SVSD students in grades 7-12 will have two opportunities to test. SVSD will cover the cost of the first assessment.

Students	Dates:	Time	Location
Middle School Students	Jan. 25	8:00 a.m.	School Library
High School Students	Feb. 7-8	8:00 a.m.	Library

Registration

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: December 15

If you have any questions, please get in touch with your student's counselor or call (425) 831-8019.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my college accept World Language Competency Credits?

Most Washington universities accept competency credits for World Language entrance requirements, but be sure to check with the specific schools in which you are interested.

Competitive colleges prefer to see actual World Language coursework on a transcript. Students who earn credits through the World Language Competency Credit program should also have classroom credits.

Do I qualify?

Bilingual students in grades 7-12 qualify for testing.

If you answer “Yes, I can do this fairly easily” to each statement in a language other than English, then you will probably be able to earn at least 1-2 credits. If you can answer “Yes, I can do this very easily” to all of the statements, then you may be able to earn 3-4 credits when you get tested:

I can understand ideas on familiar topics expressed through phrases, short sentences, and frequently used expressions (Listening).
I can understand the main idea and some details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary (Reading).
I can exchange information with another person about familiar tasks, topics, and activities (Person-to-Person Communication).
I can use a series of phrases and sentences to provide basic information about familiar topics (Spoken Production).
I can write simple descriptions and short messages and request or provide information on familiar topics (Writing).

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