Across the country, students are developing high levels of proficiency in languages that are not offered through Advanced Placement (AP®) exams. These include widely spoken community and heritage languages such as Arabic, Korean, Vietnamese, Polish, and many others.
A new collaboration between Avant Language and College Board helps schools recognize these language skills and expand pathways to college credit and advanced study. Through this initiative, schools are encouraged to expand credit opportunities for all multilingual students, regardless of their language learning environment. Avant assessments are offered in more than 150 languages, measuring up to the Advanced-High level, helping students demonstrate real-world communication skills alignment for upper division courses.
For schools and districts, this means a significant expansion in how language proficiency can be recognized—and how students can access opportunities for advanced coursework.
ACE-Recommended Assessments for College Credit
Avant language proficiency assessments, including STAMP, APT, and SuperLanguage, have been reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE) and are recommended for college credit.
ACE’s College Credit Recommendation Service evaluates nontraditional learning experiences and standardized assessments to determine whether they meet college-level learning standards. Colleges and universities across the United States use these recommendations when determining whether to award credit or course placement.
With assessments available in more than 150 languages, Avant makes it possible for students to demonstrate proficiency in languages that rarely appear in traditional credit pathways.
This recognition helps students:
- Earn college credit or course placement
- Begin language study at the appropriate proficiency level
Continue developing their language skills through minors, majors, and advanced coursework
From Language Proficiency to Advanced College Courses
When students can demonstrate their proficiency before entering college, they often have the opportunity to skip introductory language courses and enroll directly in higher-level classes.
This shift creates important opportunities for students who already have strong language skills:
- Completing a language major or minor more quickly
- Beginning upper-division coursework earlier
- Pursuing language majors alongside other fields of study
Programs across the country are already demonstrating how proficiency-based pathways support student success.
At the University of Texas at Arlington, the Department of Modern Languages uses Avant proficiency testing to place students into appropriate courses and award credit for lower-division language classes. Students who demonstrate sufficient proficiency can receive up to 14 college credit hours, allowing them to begin their studies in advanced courses.
This type of articulated pathway benefits both students and universities. Students receive recognition for their language skills, while institutions strengthen enrollment in upper-level courses and build sustainable language programs.
Why This Matters for Schools and Districts
For K–12 leaders, the ability to assess proficiency across a wide range of languages supports more equitable recognition of students’ linguistic abilities.
In many districts, large numbers of students speak languages that have historically lacked formal assessment pathways. Avant proficiency assessments allow schools to recognize these skills and connect them to academic opportunities.
Schools and districts can:
- Expand Seal of Biliteracy pathways across many languages
- Support heritage speakers and community language learners
- Provide evidence of proficiency for college placement and credit
- Create clearer bridges between high school and university language programs
By measuring what students can do with language, proficiency-based assessments help ensure that language learning continues beyond high school.
Helping Universities Grow Language Programs
Universities are also recognizing the benefits of proficiency-based placement and credit policies.
When institutions accept proficiency credentials—such as ACE-recommended Avant assessments—they gain access to more accurate data about incoming students’ language abilities. This allows departments to place students appropriately and support continued language development.
These pathways can help universities:
- Increase enrollment in upper-level language courses
- Attract heritage speakers and multilingual students
- Strengthen language majors and minors
- Build clearer connections with K–12 programs
Students who demonstrate higher levels of proficiency may also qualify for the Selo Global de Bilinguismo, an internationally awarded credential that verifies real-world language skills.
Through digital credential profiles, LinkedIn integrations, and stackable certifications, the Global Seal allows students to showcase their multilingual abilities throughout their academic and professional careers.
Recognizing Multilingual Skills for College and Careers
As schools and universities work to better recognize multilingual talent, proficiency-based pathways are becoming an essential bridge between secondary and higher education.
The collaboration with College Board represents an important step forward. By expanding access to assessments in 150+ languages, educators can create new opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills, earn college credit, and continue studying the languages that matter to their communities.
For students who already possess language proficiency—whether developed in school, at home, or in their communities—these pathways ensure that their skills are recognized and can open doors to future academic and professional opportunities.
