Minnesota Bilingual Seals

Students must do the following to receive a Bilingual Seal or World Language Certificate: 

• Complete the test registration linked here. Testing occurs in late March through early April. Students must complete a registration form between July 1 and February 23. Outside of the registration window, please email Kristie O'Brien for questions or to stay informed.
• If the student successfully demonstrates a certain proficiency level on all four domains of the language (reading, writing, speaking, listening), students will receive a certificate with their Bilingual Seal at the time of graduation and level of proficiency will be indicated on student’s transcript. A student must also demonstrate proficiency in English by having met the required English Language Arts credit for high school graduation. 
• Students must request the college semester credits from the college/university within three academic years of graduation from high school and upon enrollment.
• Students must register by Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.

To be eligible to take the test, students must be in 10th, 11th or 12th grade and meet one of the following:

• Use a language other than or in addition to English at home or in their community
• Be currently enrolled in German or Spanish level 4 or above, or in AP Spanish
• Be in Grade 12 with some level of world language experience in addition to English

• Initial Test Day: Saturday, March 28, from 8:15 a.m. until noon
• Make-up Day, if needed: Saturday, April 4 from 8:15 a.m. until noon. 

Students will showcase their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Each domain takes 45 -50 mins to complete.

The district is able to provide transportation for students who need it.

Students must register by Feb. 23, 2026.

Bilingual Seals recognize more than just language skills — they celebrate identity, culture, and determination. These awards can boost college applications, open career opportunities, and help students feel proud of their full linguistic and cultural story. Students can also earn college credit or advanced placement.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities ( formerly known as MnSCU) will award college semester credit to graduating high school students who receive the Bilingual Seal or World Language Proficiency Certificates. Students must request the college semester credit within three academic years of graduation from high school and upon enrollment in a Minnesota State college or university.

College credit may also be available at other colleges and universities in Minnesota. It is recommended that students speak to the admissions counselor at those schools to learn more information.

Proficiency assessments must be based on the ACTFL guidelines and taken through Winona Area Public Schools. A list of assessments can be found on the MDE World Language webpage. 

Students can take the proficiency assessment for free.

In addition to demonstrating the required proficiency levels in a world language other than English on an assessment based on the America Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), students must take a World Proficiency Test.

Students will be informed of their results when available (usually three weeks after testing). The state will be notified of the award earned and will send certificates. Certificates will be awarded during the Senior Academic Awards Ceremony in May.

The Bilingual Seal or World Language Certificate will be annotated on the student’s high school transcript. Students have three years after graduation to apply for the credits through the Minnesota State College or University of their choice.

Students going to other post-secondary institutions are encouraged to check with their admissions counselor for potential credit opportunities.
 

Students in grades 10-12 can take the test once a year. WSHS offers the test every spring.