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Certificate of Multiliteracy

What is the Certificate of Multiliteracy?
The Certificate of Multiliteracy is an official recognition awarded to students who have demonstrated proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in more than one language. This certificate acknowledges a student’s ability to navigate and communicate in diverse cultural and linguistic environments, a skill that is increasingly valuable in our global society.
 
The certificate reflects the importance of multilingualism in the modern world and encourages students to broaden their linguistic and cultural competencies. Achieving this certification can enhance a student’s academic profile and provide a competitive edge in both higher education and career opportunities.
 
Earning the Certificate of Multiliteracy can significantly enhance a student’s resume and college applications by showcasing a valuable skill set that is highly sought after by both academic institutions and employers. The ability to communicate effectively in more than one language demonstrates cultural competency, adaptability, and global awareness—traits that are essential in today’s interconnected world. For college applications, this certificate sets a student apart, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence and their readiness to thrive in diverse, multilingual environments. On a resume, it signals to potential employers that the candidate is not only linguistically proficient but also capable of navigating cross-cultural challenges, making them a strong asset in fields such as international relations, business, education, and many others.
 
The Delaware Department of Education has established a Certificate of Multiliteracy to recognize high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English. Delaware high school students may apply for two levels of certificate:
  • Gold Level Certificate of Multiliteracy for Intermediate-Mid level of proficiency
  • Diamond Level Certificate of Multiliteracy for Advanced-Low level of proficiency
MLL Certificate example

 

MLL Levels

 

Available Languages
  • ASL
  • French
  • German
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Mandarin
  • Polish
  • Portuguese (Brazilian)
  • Russian
  • Spanish

* Ask about testing for other languages if you don’t see your language here.

 
 
Criteria for Earning the Certificate
To earn the Certificate of Multiliteracy, students must meet the following requirements:
  1. Language Proficiency
    • Intermediate or higher proficiency in at least one language other than English. This can be demonstrated through exams such as the  ACTFL OPI, or the STAMP proficiency tests
  2. English Proficiency
    • Receive at least a 480-cut score on the English Language Arts (EBRW) sections of the SAT
    • Receive a score of at least 390/410 on the English Language Arts (EBRW) section of the PSAT8/9 or 430 on PSAT10 or 460 on the PSAT/NMSQT, or
    • Score at least a composite PL score of 4.0 on the ACCESS for ELs assessment taken during middle or high school, or
    • Receive at least a rating of Proficient (3) on the 8th Grade State Assessment of English Language Arts, or
 
How to Apply for the Certificate of Multiliteracy
Eligibility
  1. To be eligible for the Certificate of Multiliteracy, students must be enrolled in high school and have reached a specific proficiency level in at least one language beyond their primary language.
  2. Application Process
    • Contact your World Language Teacher or school counselor to submit the application for Certificate of Multiliteracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a fee to apply for the Certificate of Multiliteracy?
No, there is no fee to apply.
 

Can I apply for the certificate if I am still learning a second language?
Yes, as long as you meet the proficiency level of 4.0 composite score in the ACCESS test. It’s important to continue progressing and practicing the language during the application process.

What languages count for the Certificate of Multiliteracy?
The certificate applies to any language beyond the English language. This could include commonly spoken languages like Bengali, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Vietnamese or almost any other language. 
 
Can I earn the certificate if I’m not a native speaker of the language?
Absolutely! The certificate is designed for any student who demonstrates proficiency in more than one language, regardless of whether it’s their native language or a language they learned later.
 
Will the Certificate of Multiliteracy help with my job prospects?
Yes! Employers highly value candidates with strong multilingual and cross-cultural communication skills. The Certificate of Multiliteracy can be an excellent way to stand out in a competitive job market, especially in industries that require or appreciate multilingual communication.
 
Can I apply for the Certificate of Multiliteracy after graduation?
This may depend on the institution’s policies. Some schools allow alumni to apply for certifications after graduation, while others may only permit current students to apply. Contact your institution for specific guidelines.
 
 
Contact Information
For more details about the Certificate of Multiliteracy, including specific application forms and additional resources, please contact your English Learner teacher, School counselor, World Language Teacher or department chair. We’re excited to help you embark on your multilingual journey!