Last updated:
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The Utah Seal of Biliteracy is a transcript seal awarded under Utah State Board of Education rule R277-499 to students who are “proficient in English and at Intermediate-Mid level or higher in one or more world languages.” Its seal is one of the most inclusive: English learners can use WIDA scores, the list covers Navajo, Ute and Paiute, and several tests count on three of four components. This guide covers the English and world language requirements, the tests and scores, tribal languages and the May 1 application.
Table of contents
What the Utah Seal of Biliteracy Is
Quick answer: the Utah Seal of Biliteracy certifies English proficiency and Intermediate Mid or higher in at least one other language, including American Sign Language, American Native languages such as Navajo or Ute, and classical languages. The Superintendent places it “electronically on the student’s transcript,” and districts may also add it to the diploma.
Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Administered by | Utah State Board of Education, with districts |
| Rule | R277-499 (current version effective December 23, 2021) |
| English | Standard Utah diploma plus one English test, including WIDA for English learners |
| World language level | Intermediate Mid |
| Test grades | Grades 9 through 12, except WIDA |
| Application | To the school counselor, no later than May 1 |
The English Requirement
A standard Utah diploma plus one of: SAT English 480; ACT English 18; Utah Aspire Plus (grades 9-10) 3; Accuplacer 250 in each area; AP English Language 3; AAPPL English I-2 on 3 of 4 components or STAMP 4S English 5 on 3 of 4, with speaking and writing required; or, for English learners, WIDA “Overall Composite score of 4.2 or higher with a Speaking score of 3.5 or higher,” from any grade.
World Language Tests and Scores (April 2026)
| Assessment | Minimum |
|---|---|
| AAPPL | I-2 on 3 of 4 components, speaking and writing required (Arabic and Chinese I-1) |
| STAMP 4S | 5 on 3 of 4 (Arabic and Chinese 4) |
| STAMP WS | 5 |
| AP | 3 |
| IB | ab initio 5, SL 4, HL 3 |
| OPI or OPIc plus WPT; ALTA | Intermediate Mid |
| ALIRA | I-2 |
| HSK; TOCFL | Level III; Band A |
| ASLPI; ASLFAI | 3; “Emerging to Mid Range” |
| Languages without a test | District-approved process or portfolio |
USBE has published several versions of this list in the past year that differ on some cuts; this table follows the April 2026 document, and districts confirm the current one. How these rules compare with other states is in Seal of Biliteracy test.
Navajo, Ute and Paiute
For Navajo, Ute, Paiute and Southern Paiute, “Intermediate Mid Range or a letter from the Navajo, Ute, Paiute or Southern Paiute Nations is acceptable evidence of proficiency.” The tribal nation itself can certify a student’s proficiency.
How to Apply in Utah
- Test in grades 9 through 12 (WIDA scores from any grade count for English).
- Complete the district application with score reports.
- Submit to the counselor “no later than May 1.”
- The seal is added to the transcript electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Utah Seal of Biliteracy requirements?
A standard Utah diploma with a qualifying English test score, and Intermediate Mid or higher in another language on an approved test or process.
Can English learners use WIDA scores?
Yes: a WIDA overall composite of 4.2 or higher with a speaking score of 3.5 or higher, from any grade.
What AAPPL or STAMP score does Utah require?
AAPPL I-2 or STAMP 5 on 3 of 4 components, with speaking and writing required on the AAPPL.
When is the Utah Seal of Biliteracy deadline?
Students submit their application to the counselor no later than May 1.
Can students earn the seal in Navajo?
Yes. A letter from the Navajo Nation, or an Intermediate Mid result, is accepted evidence; the same applies to Ute, Paiute and Southern Paiute.
Related Resources
- Seal of Biliteracy Test
- Colorado Seal of Biliteracy
- Nevada Seal of Biliteracy
- Dual Language Programs
- Seal of Biliteracy by State
Conclusion
Utah’s seal is built to include: WIDA scores for English learners, three-of-four-component rules on the main tests, and tribal nations certifying their own languages. The practical constraints are the grade 9-12 testing rule and the May 1 deadline.
Sources: USBE, R277-499; USBE, Assessment Requirements (April 2026); USBE, student application. Verified September 28, 2026.
Speaking Is the Component Utah Requires
Utah’s AAPPL rule allows three of four components, but speaking and writing are required. For students who learned the language in class, speaking is usually the harder one, because a class of twenty-five leaves each student a few minutes of conversation a day. That is the Speaking Time Gap.
Some schools add speaking practice that does not depend on class time. Telo AI is one example: short conversation sessions in English, Spanish or French that adapt to each student’s level and ask follow-up questions instead of accepting one-word answers. See how that works across a school year.
The rule can skip a component. It cannot skip speaking.
Found this guide useful?
Preferred sources show up more often in your Google results, including AI Overviews.