6 Reasons to Earn the Global Seal of Biliteracy

By: Dr. Karyn A. Koven | The Global Seal of Biliteracy is an internationally recognized credential that certifies proficiency in two or more languages. Best of all, the Seal is open to learners of all ages. You can earn it by achieving qualifying scores on assessments like the STAMP test. Whether you’re a heritage speaker, a language learner, or a student seeking recognition for your skills, here are six powerful reasons to earn the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

1. A Credential That Lasts a Lifetime

Many language assessments are tied to a course or expire over time. The Global Seal of Biliteracy, however, is a lasting certification.  In this way, you can add it to resumes, college applications, LinkedIn profiles, and job applications—and it stays with you long after graduation. 

It’s a tangible symbol of your bilingualism that travels with you through every stage of your academic and professional journey.

2. Opens Doors to Academic and Career Opportunities

For students looking ahead to scholarships, internships, or career opportunities, the Global Seal is a meaningful way to stand out. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 21.6% of people speak a language other than English at home. True biliteracy, which includes reading and writing skills, is even less common. 

What’s more, language skills can also unlock long-term career advantages, even with the increasing prevalence of AI-powered translation tools. The Global Seal of Biliteracy states:  “There’s clearly a great number of uses for language tools in the workplace, but no machine can replace the cultural and relational intangibles of human interactions…Multilingual employees not only bridge language gaps but also bring empathy, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—qualities that machines can’t replicate.” 

3. Turn Language Skills into Course Credit

Depending on your school or district’s policy, earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy may translate to high school or college credit. Still, even when it doesn’t count for credits, it’s still an impressive credential that strengthens college applications. 

For students who already speak another language, it’s a stress-free way to gain recognition—without the pressure of a year-long course or final exam.

4. Early Recognition Sparks Motivation

Recognition fuels progress. Research shows students who earn credentials early in their academic journey are more likely to stay engaged. In turn, they’re also more likely to persist through challenges and take meaningful risks in their learning. The Global Seal of Biliteracy also shared a “Vanderbilt University study among middle school aged students discovered that students chose to receive a certificate over $100 for their learning.” Citing that “credential-based incentives not only boost enrollment but also provide learners with a structured path toward success.”

The Global Seal gives students a clear milestone to work toward—and the satisfaction of achieving something real and valuable. It’s especially empowering for heritage speakers, offering formal validation of a skill often developed outside traditional school settings. 

5. Flexible, Accessible, and Built for Real Life

Taking the STAMP test for the Global Seal is simple and flexible. Better yet, you can complete it remotely through LanguageBird, on your own schedule. The adaptive format adjusts to your level, so you’re challenged but not overwhelmed. And there’s no required coursework—just an opportunity to demonstrate what you already know, whether you’ve learned at home, abroad, or in class.

6. Honors Linguistic and Cultural Diversity

The Global Seal of Biliteracy recognizes more than 100 languages—including many that schools don’t traditionally teach. As a result, this makes it especially powerful for heritage speakers, who often grow up speaking a language at home but may not have had formal instruction. 

The Seal offers a way to earn credit and recognition for those skills, validating lived language experience and affirming cultural identity. Whether you’re learning Spanish or Hebrew, Korean or Russian, the credential acknowledges your bilingualism and the unique strengths it brings to academics, careers, and beyond. 

As Education Week puts it: “Seals of biliteracy offer a symbolic and personal benefit to students. In particular, it can help English learners and heritage speakers feel more validated in their multilingual identities. The seal recognizes their home language skills as an academic honor and not a barrier to academic success, advocates and researchers say.”

Recognition That Makes a Difference 

By distinguishing and certifying students’ language skills, the Global Seal honors learner success while energizing them for what’s next. Ultimately, it transforms bilingualism from a vague aspiration into a meaningful, measurable accomplishment—fueling confidence and inspiring others to aim high. 

Ready to Earn Your Seal? 

Take the STAMP exam with LanguageBird—on your schedule, from anywhere. Learn more to get started and earn your Global Seal of Biliteracy!