The World Language Credit Program is a way for students who know a language other than English to earn credit, which is added to their high school transcript. All credits earned will be graded as a “pass”.
STEP 1 - Determine if you're eligible
Do you speak a language other than English? Can you read and write it too? If so, you may be able to earn high school credit for your language skills. Take a moment to think about your current language skills in the language you wish to be tested in (not English). If you can answer, “Yes, I can do this fairly easily,” to each statement, you could earn one or two credits when you take the language test. If you can answer, “Yes, I can do this very easily,” to all the statements, you could earn three or four credits.
- I can understand ideas on familiar topics expressed through phrases, short sentences, and frequently used expressions. (Listening)
- I can understand the main idea and some details in simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary. (Reading)
- I can exchange information with another person about familiar tasks, topics, and activities. (Person-to-Person Communication)
- I can use a series of phrases and sentences to provide basic information about familiar topics. (Spoken Production)
- I can write descriptions and short messages, and request or provide information on familiar topics. (Writing)
You must know English well, as the test questions will be in English.
STEP 2 - Prepare for the test
Preparing for the test can help you earn a better score. Students are strongly encouraged to practice speaking the language and answering questions. During the speaking test, students will be given questions by the computer test and will speak their answers into a microphone. It is strongly encouraged that students practice speaking into a microphone and recording device prior to the test. Students should also practice keyboard skills in the language to be tested. For all languages, take the free practice test at: https://avantassessment.com/sample-tests. If you have any questions on how to prepare for the test, talk to the world language teachers at your school.
STEP 3 - Take the test
Languages offered: Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Cabo Verdean, Chin (Hakha), Chuukese, Czech, Filipino (Tagalog), French, German, Haitian Creole, Hawaiian (‘Õlelo Hawai’i), Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Ilocano, Italian, Japanese, Kamada, Korean, Mandarin (Simplified), Mandarin (Traditional), Marathi, Marshallese, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Samoan, Somali Maay Maay, Somali Maxaa, Spanish, Spanish Monolingual, Swahili, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, Yoruba, Yup’ik, Zomi.
Pre-register for the test and pay the test fee. Your counselor has the pre-registration form. The cost of the test is $60 for the languages listed above. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Talk with your school counselor about testing dates and deadlines to pre-register and pay the testing fee. You must arrive early and bring photo identification to the testing.
STEP 4 - Earn credit
About a month after taking the test, your school counselor will receive your score and the number of credits earned. The school will add the credits to your high school transcript.
