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).
Previous Comment     Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
9/25/25  5:46 pm
Commenter: Betsy Campagna

VA Seal of Biliteracy as a full industry credential
 

Dear Members of the Board of Education,

I am writing to request that Virginia Seal of Biliteracy’s be fully recognized as an approved industry credential in alignment with all others on the list.

I am encouraged by the Virginia General Assembly’s decision to designate the Seal of Biliteracy as an approved industry credential; this reflects a clear understanding that biliteracy is a powerful and marketable skill. Employers across the Commonwealth consistently identify bilingualism as a critical asset that enhances employability and strengthens our responsiveness to current industry needs. Virginia graduates who earn this Seal demonstrate, through assessment, effective oral and written communication skills in English and at least one other language—skills that are in high demand across many sectors here in Virginia such as agriculture, healthcare, government, hospitality/tourism, and technology.

However, I am concerned that the Seal of Biliteracy is designated as “Not eligible for 3E Readiness and CTE Federal and State Reimbursement.” This exclusion contradicts the very decision to include it on the credentials list and sends a mixed message to students, families, and employers. It suggests that while we recognize biliteracy as a valid credential, it is not perceived to be of equal value.

I respectfully urge the Board to remove the current restriction and affirm the Seal of Biliteracy’s eligibility as an industry credential and as a measure of 3E Readiness. Doing so will acknowledge the skills of our students, respond to the needs of Virginia’s employers, and reinforce our commitment to preparing globally competent graduates.

Thank you for your consideration.

CommentID: 237389