About the State Seal of Biliteracy
Benefits of the State Seal of Biliteracy
The State Seal of Biliteracy and Commendation Toward the State Seal of Biliteracy are important designations that reflect not only a high level of linguistic attainment in multiple languages, but also an exceptional commitment to working towards and accomplishing a challenging goal.
While bilingualism itself gives students many cognitive, social, and economic advantages, earning the State Seal of Biliteracy provides additional benefits. All public colleges and universities in the state of Illinois accept the State Seal of Biliteracy for up to two years of world language credit.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy, students must demonstrate proficiency in English and another language by meeting one of the following qualifications from each column:
| To Demonstrate Proficiency in English |
To Demonstrate Proficiency in an Additional Language |
- ACCESS for ELLs: 4.8 composite
- AP English Language and Composition exam: 4
- ELA Dual Credit: 3.0 GPA
- STAMPS 4S: 6
- ACT + Writing: 18 ELA
- AAPPL Form B: I-5 (Intermediate High)
- SAT: 480 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- IB Language A: 4HL or 5 SL
|
- AP Language and Culture exam: 4
- STAMP 4S, WS, or Avant SuperLanguage: 6
- AAPPL form B: 1-5 (Inter. High)
- The ACTFL OPI & WPT for the Seal of Biliteracy: Intermediate High
- International Baccalaureate Language B: 3 HL or 4 SL
- ALTA for the Seal of Biliteracy: 6
- NEWL: Intermediate High
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Students who do not meet the qualifications for the full State Seal of Biliteracy may qualify for the Commendation Toward the State Seal of Biliteracy. To qualify for the Commendation, students must demonstrate proficiency in English and another language by meeting one of the following qualifications from each column:
| To Demonstrate Proficiency in English |
To Demonstrate Proficiency in an Additional Language |
- ACCESS for ELLs: 3.5 literacy component
- AP English Language and Composition exam: 3
- ELA Dual Credit: 2.5 GPA
- STAMPS 4S: 4
- ACT + Writing: 18 ELA
- AAPPL Form B: I-1 (Intermediate Low)
- SAT: 480 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- IB Language A: 3
|
- AP Language and Culture exam: 3
- STAMP 4S, WS, or Avant SuperLanguage: 4
- AAPPL form B: I-1 (Intermediate Low)
- The ACTFL OPI & WPT for the Seal of Biliteracy: Intermediate Low
- International Baccalaureate Language B: 2
- ALTA for the Seal of Biliteracy: 5 (1 ILR)
- NEWL: Intermediate Low
|
All State Seals and Commendations are awarded in late Spring of the student’s junior or senior years. State Seals and Commendations appear on official transcripts.
Additional information from the Illinois State Board of Education. Acceda a esta información en español. Получите доступ к этой информации на русском языке.
Testing Information
In-school testing will take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2026. Tests are offered in a variety of languages, including Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, and Hindi. The testing fee is $40 and can be paid by cash or card. Fee waivers are available for students with Free and Reduced lunch. The deadline to register is November 2, 2026.
Please sign up via Omella using the following link: https://omella.com/snjiy or QR code.
If registering for the STAMP assessment through MHS, students are encouraged to prepare by using STAMP’s online resources.
Applying for the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy
If you believe you have met the requirements for the State Seal of Biliteracy, please submit the application below. Once it has been verified that you have met the requirements for proficiency in English and an additional language, you will be notified of your award.
Application for the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy
Contact Information
For questions about eligibility, testing, or program benefits, please contact: Autumn Graef, Division Chair of Multilingual Education, 847-949-2200 x1053, agraef@d120.org.