Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
 
Board
State Board of Education
 
Guidance Document Change: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) evaluates student credentials on an on-going basis against prescribed criteria for graduation requirements for the Standard Diploma 8VAC20-132-51(B) and verified credit(s) (8VAC20-132-110(C). The process for reviewing and validating student credentials for the purpose of awarding verified credit is based on the following criteria: (1) the test must be standardized and graded independently of the school or school division in which the test is given; (2) the test must be knowledge based; (3) the test must be administered on a statewide, multistate, or international basis, or administered as part of another state’s accountability assessment program; and (4) to be counted in a specific academic area, the test must measure content that incorporates or exceeds the Standards of Learning content in the course for which verified credit is given. Important to this process is ensuring that the credential is relevant and recognized in the workplace. The credential recommended for addition is the CAREER CONNECTIONS, Seal of Biliteracy. The credentials that are recommended for deletion as they have been discontinued by providers include the following: AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, (i) Agricultural Biotechnology Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) Floriculture Assessment (NOCTI); (iii) Floriculture: Greenhouse Assessment (NOCTI); and (iv) Natural Resources Systems Assessment. BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, (i) Banking and Related Services Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) IT Fundamentals Pro Examination (TestOut Corporation); (iii) Network Pro Certification Examination (TestOut Corporation); and (iv) PC Pro Certification Examination (TestOut Corporation). FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES, (i) Education and Training Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) Hospitality Management- Food and Beverage Assessment (NOCTI); (iii) Restaurant, Food and Beverage Services Assessment (NOCTI). HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES, (i) Diagnostic Services Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) Examination (American Medical Certification Association (AMCA); (iii) Practical Nursing Assessment (NOCTI); (iv) Therapeutic Services Assessment (NOCTI). MARKETING, (i)Lodging Assessment (NOCTI). TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING EDUCATION, (i) Mechanical Drafting and Design Assessment (NOCTI). TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION, (i) Automotive Technician- Advanced Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) CAD-CAM Assessment (NOCTI); (iii) Industrial Electricity Assessment (NOCTI); (iv) Protective Services Assessment (NOCTI); (v) Construction Masonry- Block Assessment (NOCTI); (vi) Emergency and Fire Management Services Assessment (NOCTI); (vii) Emergency Medical Services Assessment (NOCTI).
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9/18/25  11:33 am
Commenter: LUISA QUINTERO

Support Equal Recognition of the Seal of Biliteracy
 

Dear Members of the Board of Education,

I am writing to respectfully urge the Board not to treat the Seal of Biliteracy differently from other approved industry credentials. The Virginia General Assembly specifically included the Seal of Biliteracy on the industry credential list because it recognizes that language skills are highly valued career skills, essential in today’s global economy and workforce.

Achieving biliteracy requires years of sustained effort and dedication, just as other industry credentials demand rigorous preparation and mastery of specialized skills. Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy demonstrate advanced proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in more than one language—abilities that open doors in healthcare, education, business, government, and technology.

To single out the Seal of Biliteracy or limit its recognition would send a contradictory message to students, families, and employers and undermine the very purpose for which the General Assembly added it to the credential list.

I urge the Board to maintain the Seal of Biliteracy’s equal standing with other industry credentials so that students’ hard-earned language proficiency—built through years of dedication—is acknowledged as the valuable career asset it truly is.

Thank you for your leadership and for continuing to support pathways that prepare Virginia’s students for success in a competitive, multilingual world.

Respectfully,

Luisa Quintero

CommentID: 237196