World Language Credit by Proficiency

Yes. Any student who demonstrates proficiency in the language may take the test.

Yes. ELL students are welcome and encouraged to participate. We recommend taking the test when you have intermediate English skills, since most instructions are in English and may be difficult for students at the beginning level. 

You can earn credit in any language that has an assessment option through OSPI. 

You can earn up to 4 credits.

The cost of testing is covered by Highline Public Schools and testing is only available for current Highline Public School students.

There is no negative impact on your transcript or other academic records.

To register, students attend an information session and complete a self-assessment. Information sessions are held at high school campuses once per school year and are advertised at the building level.

Each high school offers the testing process once per school year.

During the information session, you will complete a self-assessment to help identify your proficiency level and determine whether testing is a good fit for you.

Test formats vary by language. Some tests are online, while others are completed using pen and paper. Assessments may include speaking and/or listening components, as well as reading and writing tasks.

In most cases, testing takes place at the student’s home school.

You can build your language skills by reading materials you enjoy in the language, writing regularly (such as emails, messages, or journal entries), and practicing speaking with friends or family members who use the language. You may also find opportunities in the community to study or use the language.

Talk with your school counselor about language learning options at your school that fit your schedule.

Credit by proficiency cannot duplicate credit already earned through coursework.

Students are expected to successfully complete and earn credit for any language course in which they are currently enrolled. 

Heritage classes are different than other World Language classes; a full range of proficiency credits can be earned via testing in addition to those earned though course enrollment. 

Students earn World Language credits with course names that indicate the language, level, and that the credit was earned through proficiency testing.

Processing test results can take approximately 8–12 weeks before credits appear on your transcript.

No. Proficiency-based credit does not receive a grade and therefore does not affect GPA.

Yes. Credits earned through this program appear on a student’s high school transcript as passing credits. These proficiency-based credits meet the world language entrance requirements for many colleges in Washington State. Students should confirm specific requirements with the colleges or universities they are considering.

The test is based on language proficiency and measures what students can do with language in real-world situations. It assesses speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills in spontaneous, non-rehearsed contexts, aligned with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines (2024).

You can’t really “study” for a proficiency test by memorizing vocabulary or grammar. Instead, the best preparation is to practice using the language in real, everyday ways and get feedback when possible.

• Read: children’s books, short stories, or current events articles and try to understand the main idea
•  Write: emails, short messages, or brief stories about what you did or what you like to do
•  Speak: talk about your life, your interests, and what’s happening around you
•  Listen: listen to podcasts, videos, or radio and focus on understanding the main idea, even if you don’t understand every word

Test Format (may vary by test language)