Nevada Seal of Biliteracy

About the Seal

The Seal of Biliteracy was an initiative started by Californians Together in 2008 to acknowledge and award hardworking bilingual and multilingual students. In 2011, it officially became legislation in California, and now over 30 states throughout the nation have implemented a statewide Seal of Biliteracy. On May 30, 2015, Nevada became the 13th state to implement a legislated statewide Seal of Biliteracy. By achieving the Seal of Biliteracy, students demonstrate that they can speak, read, listen, and write in two or more languages at a high level of proficiency. For more information about the Seal of Biliteracy in other states, go to sealofbiliteracy.org

The Clark County School District’s (CCSD) Curriculum and Instruction (CID) Division, in collaboration with the Nevada Department of Education, identifies candidates for this award, verifies their language skills, and publicly recognizes students for exemplary achievement.

Purpose

The Seal of Biliteracy seeks to:

• Encourage students to study world languages.

• Certify attainment of biliteracy.

• Provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills.

• Provide universities with a method to recognize and award academic credit to applicants seeking admission.

• Prepare students with 21st-century skills.

• Recognize and promote world language instruction in public schools.

• Strengthen intergroup relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and languages of a community.

What is biliteracy?

Biliteracy is the ability to effectively understand, speak, read, and write in two languages.

Who is eligible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy?

ALL graduating students are eligible to attain the Seal of Biliteracy based on evidence of achieving the designated level of language proficiency in English plus one or more other languages during their high school years. Students must demonstrate the state-determined level of proficiency in English, as well as one or more additional languages, be that language a native language, heritage language, or a language learned in school or another setting.

Why should a student earn the Seal of Biliteracy?

The Seal of Biliteracy opens up a sea of vast opportunities for those pursuing higher education or joining the workforce. As the world increasingly becomes more global, the need for employees with bilingual and multilingual skills has also been increasing. 

Employers seek bilingual or multilingual individuals for reasons such as: 

• Accessing expanding markets; 

• Better serving customer needs; 

• Reaching particular and broader ranges of audiences; or 

• Opening a channel of communication with customers.

How much does the Seal of Biliteracy cost a student?

All costs associated with the Seal of Biliteracy (certificates, diploma seals, and district-approved assessments) are paid for by the CID Division. There are no costs to the student outside of normal fees for Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examinations.

Eligibility Requirements

Complete all high school graduation requirements

1. Successfully complete all English language arts courses required for graduation (8 semesters) with a 2.0 or higher grade point average (on a 4.0 scale); or

2. Demonstrate proficiency in one or more languages other than English by satisfying either 2a. or 2b.

2a. Pass an advanced placement examination in a World Language with a score of 3 or higher; or pass an international baccalaureate examination in a World Language with a score of 4 or higher; or 

2b. Pass a Clark County School District (CCSD) approved proficiency examination with a score of intermediate-mid or higher in every communication skill available on the approved assessment.

3.  2.0 overall grade point average.

District-approved language examinations will be scheduled and proctored by individual schools in coordination with the CID Division.

 District-Approved Assessments

The CID Division will coordinate testing dates with each school. The schools are responsible for providing proctors and any necessary equipment (computers, headphones, telephone, etc.) for students to complete the assessments. All testing, including retakes, must be completed between January 5–March 13, 2026.

Once applications are received, the CID Division will verify student eligibility, order and pay for the exams, and provide access codes to schools.

Languages and Assessments

For a complete list of languages available and the district-approved assessments, please visit: bit.ly/CCSD_WL_Prof_Exams

Application

Applications will be accepted online beginning Tuesday, October 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. through Friday, December 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.  To submit an application, go to the application section on this web page.

Award Components

• Certificate of Recognition (Offered by schools at their discretion)

• Seal on Diploma (Provided by District)

• Transcript Notation 

For additional information, please contact the Social Studies and World Language Department of the CID Division:

• Supervising Administrator, Stephanie Morgan, morgasa@nv.ccsd.net

• World Language Coordinator, Jason Bidwell, bidwejc@nv.ccsd.net

• (702) 799-0931