Global Seal of Biliteracy

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The Global Seal of Biliteracy

What is it?

The Global Seal of Biliteracy (GSB) is an internationally recognized credential that certifies an individual’s language proficiency in two languages using the ACTFL or CEFR scales. This credential issues one of three certification levels (functional fluency, working fluency, professional fluency), allowing individuals to continue to grow their language proficiency and cultural competence and level up. The Global Seal of Biliteracy allows people to showcase their language skills regardless of age, educational background, or nationality and is issued to anyone who has met rigorous language proficiency requirements.

Why get it?

“For U.S. employers, the demand for foreign language skills is greater than ever before. Whether it’s in the boardroom, in the field, with customers and partners, or on social media, companies today are increasingly more likely to conduct business in a language other than English. Consequently, a command in multiple languages is a valuable asset for U.S. students and employees—not only in boosting their marketability in the workplace, but in helping them thrive in a global economy.” – Making Languages Our Business: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers report by ACTFL.

In an increasingly globalized workplace, language proficiency and intercultural competence are valuable assets that will help you communicate with, understand and respect colleagues and clients across cultural barriers. The GSB allows employers to easily verify your language skills and be reassured that you bring along the valuable soft skills associated with language learning. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a serial-numbered certificate and, as such, can be listed as a verified credential on a CV or LinkedIn digital profile. For instructions on adding it to your LinkedIn profile, see the GSB YouTube Channel video. 

How to get it?

Take advantage of your language study and/or study abroad experience to demonstrate your language proficiency and cultural competence and earn the GSA. Proficiency is generally demonstrated by completion of one of many accepted proficiency tests. The language classes you take at CSULB will help you hone all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), increase your cultural proficiency, and earn a higher certification level. More information on qualified tests and requirements.
 

RGRLL provides support for Avant Assessment testing services as their tests are widely accepted and are relatively inexpensive. The test can be taken online (proctored by Avant Assessment for $39.90) or in-person (proctored in the CSULB Language Lab in LAB-306 for $24.90). 

Benefits

Save time and money! For example, if you tested at the Intermediate-Mid or higher level on the AVANT STAMP 4S test or Global Seal of Biliteracy from your high school within the last two years, you could test out of up to four levels of lower-division language courses at CSULB! That is only five upper-level classes away from a minor!