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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10/8/25  1:20 pm
Commenter: Patrick Wright

Seal of Biliteracy Increases Employment Readiness
 

I work at a private technology company in Virginia and interact with coworkers and clients from across the globe daily. I appreciate fully my advantage having studied world languages in high school and college in Virginia and in my adulthood.

I was encouraged by the inclusion of the Seal of Biliteracy on Virginia's list of industry credentials and saw it as a welcome step forward. However, the decision to exclude it from 3E Readiness and CTE reimbursement undermines its value and sends a contradictory message to school divisions and students.

Multilingualism is not a niche skill but a workforce imperative. Sectors like technology, healthcare, education, and public safety increasingly rely on professionals who can communicate across languages and cultures. By treating the Seal of Biliteracy as less than other credentials, Virginia risks discouraging schools from supporting students in earning it, despite its clear relevance to employment readiness.

Last year, HB2360 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, recognizing the Seal as an industry credential. The removal of language tying it to school accreditation was a compromise, not a signal to marginalize its impact. Now, with the accreditation framework in place, it’s time to fully honor the intent of that legislation.

The current guidance creates a double standard. Unlike other credentials, the Seal is denied both recognition for accreditation and access to funding, even though the only other credential excluded from reimbursement (ASVAB) is free and federally administered. This inequity disadvantages students and school divisions alike.

Virginia should lead in valuing multilingualism, not sideline it. I urge the Board to revise the guidance to ensure the Seal of Biliteracy is eligible for both 3E Readiness and CTE reimbursement, aligning policy with workforce needs and legislative intent.

CommentID: 237422