Is the test required at the 200-level?
For the pilot period, the test will not be mandatory at the 200-level. However, it is HIGHLY recommended because:
- It is an excellent way for you to test your four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- You could earn a credential to add to your resume!
- It will tell you exactly what you need to work on in order to move up to the next proficiency level.
- It will familiarize you with proficiency testing that you may need for your career (eg. certification exams for World Languages Education majors.
- Finally, it will likely become a degree requirement, so why not complete it sooner rather than later?
Are minors required to take the test at the 400-level if they aren't taking the capstone?
No, but it will more accurately reflect how your proficiency has improved since the 200 level, AND you may earn a credential. We suggest testing in your first 400 level course in your minor.
If a student is not part of a group identified as needing to take the test (i.e. , finishing 6cr of 2xx language courses or taking a Capstone class), can they still take the test to get the Global Seal?
Absolutely! Everyone interested is welcome and encouraged to test! Anyone will be able to register for the test online (DLLC makes no profit on test sign ups). The Avant STAMP 4S is much more affordable than the ACTFL OPI, WPT or other well-known proficiency tests and students can take it as often as they want in order to move up to the next proficiency level (e.g. intermediate, advanced, superior).
What is the structure of the test?
There are four parts: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
The exam is adaptive, meaning that it adapts the difficulty of questions to each test taker. This helps to accurately ascertain your highest level of proficiency in each skill. There are 30 multiple choice reading and listening comprehension questions and 3 speaking and writing prompts.
You can access a STAMP Avant4S practice tests to help prepare.
Choose your target language from the first set of languages listed (under “Avant STAMP 4S, grade 7-higher education"). Bear in mind that a practice test will not give you a final language proficiency score, but it will give you a sense of what the questions are like.
How long does the test take?
Early reports indicate 2-3 hours. You take it at your own pace. Computer proctoring will, however, run out at 3 hours and the test needs to be taken in 1 sitting.
Will Avant grant testing accommodations?
Yes. Accommodations such as extended time, additional breaks, etc. are possible. Students rarely need more than 3 hours to complete the test. However, if you think you may need longer, please refer back to the DLLC Avant website section about accommodations.
Will my proficiency level or Global Seal show on my transcript?
If you earn a Global Seal, you can easily apply the credential to your LinkedIn profile. You will also receive a certificate. Pending the outcome of the pilot, we will decide whether to build the testing into our curricula via degree audit and whether proficiency levels will appear on transcripts.
How do I add my Global Seal credential to my LinkedIn?
Watch the Global Seal YouTube video or follow the directions below.
- Login to your LinkedIn account and click "Edit public profile."
- Scroll down past Education to the profile section "Licenses and Credentials."
- Click the + in the top right corner to "Add Licenses and Credentials."
- In the "Name" box add: Global Seal of Biliteracy "Working Fluency" in English and Japanese (changing it to your appropriate Fluency level and languages).
- In the "Issuing Organization" box, enter "Global Seal of Biliteracy" and our icon will appear.
- Add the issue month and year.
- Finally, add your unique Global Seal of Biliteracy serial-number in the "Credential ID" box.
- Click SAVE and your new language credential will now appear on your LinkedIn profile
If I tested in high school and earned a Global Seal of Biliteracy then, do I need to take it again?
No, for the pilot period, you would not be required to take it again, but it is strongly encouraged for a few reasons:
- You might attain a higher level seal! The Global Seal of Biliteracy can be awarded at three different proficiency levels: Functional Fluency, Working Fluency and Professional Fluency.
- It is also an excellent way to check your progress since you last took it.
When should I take the test? Is it due on a specific date?
You can decide when would be the best time for you to complete it. The choice to open the test in the later half of the semester will allow you to benefit from your current language course.
How do I sign up?
Sign-up will be available when the test window opens
- Go to the Avant Online Store where you can purchase the test:
- After buying the test, test takers will receive technology preparation information in the Order Confirmation email they receive after paying for the test on the online store.
- After test takers complete the Technology Preparation steps, they can click on the registration link in their Order Confirmation email to register for the test. Please use your UD email for registration and to complete your profile. After you register, you will receive an email that outlines the steps to schedule your testing time, and take the test
How and when do I receive my scores?
Avant test scores are typically available within 1-2 weeks (7-10 business days) after testing. The Listening and Reading sections are scored quickly, but it's the production-based skills (Speaking and Writing) that require this additional time. Blythe Milbury-Steen, the UD Avant Testing Administrator, will be able to retrieve and share scores with you by email when they're ready. You'll receive some information about how to interpret your scores, and feedback on whether or not they qualified for a Global Seal of Biliteracy credential (and if not, what you could do to improve!) You will also be invited to meet with Blythe if you'd like to discuss your scores in person.
