Badging or Credentialing

CT Seal of Biliteracy

Overview: The Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy was established to recognize public high school graduates who have attained a level of proficiency in English and one or more languages. On June 6, 2017, the Governor signed the bill into law as Public Act 17-29. 

Purpose: Affixed on the high school diploma and transcript, the Seal of Biliteracy provides immediate recognition of a critical 21st-century language and communication skill. This award is given by a school district in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in English and one or more other languages by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes the value of students’ academic efforts, the tangible benefits of being bilingual and biliterate and prepares students to be 21st-century global citizens in a multicultural, multilingual world. The Seal of Biliteracy acknowledges that mastery of two or more languages is a valuable asset for both individuals and their communities. Also, the Seal of Biliteracy provides recognition to English learners (ELs) for the great value of developing English and maintaining their primary language. 

Proficiency in multiple languages has tremendous value in today’s global economy. Whether you learned your language in a classroom, at home, or through other experiences, the Global Seal of Biliteracy celebrates your accomplishment and certifies you for your language proficiency in two or more languages.

The Global Seal of Biliteracy complements and supports the individual state Seals of Biliteracy. We are committed to expanding the opportunity to demonstrate one's bilingualism to language learners not currently included in the state Seal programs. The Global Seal of Biliteracy credential meets or exceeds the requirements of all existing U.S. state Seal programs, and offers a uniform standard to recognize language skills at levels that are meaningful for academic and workplace environments. It allows recipients to showcase their language skills to any school or employer across state lines and national borders. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is proof of your language proficiency at the Intermediate Mid, Advanced Low and Advanced High levels.

Emergency Medical Response Certificate

Students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Response course can earn the EMR Certificate. Certified personnel provide immediate lifesaving care to patients who access the emergency medical services system while assisting higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport. Emergency Medical Responders are a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response. 

Individuals applying for Emergency Medical Responder certification must meet the following requirements:

  1. Successful completion of the EMR course, a state-approved Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course, that exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for the Emergency Medical Responder
  2. Have a current CPR-BLS for "Healthcare Provider" or equivalent credential.
  3. Successful completion of the EMR cognitive (knowledge) examination and a state approved psychomotor (skills) examination.

Briggs and Stratton–Engine Systems Certifications

The Briggs and Stratton Basic Small Engine Certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of operational theory, governor systems, ignition systems, fuel systems and carburetors, charging systems, diagnostics, failure analysis, and basic repair of small engine systems. 

Students who obtain the Briggs and Stratton Basic Small Engine certification will acquire marketable skills for a competitive edge and will require less additional training to obtain the Master Service Technician and other advanced Briggs and Stratton certifications. 

Students must pass all five exams within a 12-month span. 

Servsafe Manager Certification

The ServSafe Manager Certification verifies that a manager or person-in-charge has sufficient food safety knowledge to protect the public from foodborne illness. Individuals that successfully pass the high school Foods II course and the 90-question, multiple-choice exam will receive a ServSafe Manager Certification and wallet card. The ServSafe Manager Certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the Conference for Food Protection Standards.

During the course, students learn about the importance of food safety including: 

  • Good Personal Hygiene

  • Time and Temperature Control

  • Preventing Cross-Contamination

  • Cleaning and Sanitizing

  • Safe Food Preparation

  • Receiving and Storing Food

  • Methods of Thawing, Cooking, Cooling and Reheating Food

  • HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)

  • Food Safety Regulations

Servsafe Food Handler Certification

The ServSafe Food Handler Certificate verifies basic food safety knowledge and is for individuals in food handler employee-level positions. Upon successful completion of the Foods course and the national exam, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the National Restaurant Association. 

During the course, students learn:

  • Basic Food Safety 

  • Personal Hygiene 

  • Cross-contamination and Allergens 

  • Time and Temperature 

  • Cleaning and Sanitation

W!SE Financial Literacy Certification

The W!SE Financial Literacy Certification program is a groundbreaking innovation in financial education for high school students. The goal of the program is to help high school students graduate as financially capable young adults. West Hartford’s high schools offer courses in financial literacy which include the study of saving options, budgeting, use of credit, investing, planning for large purchases, insurance and other topics related to sound financial decision making. Students are given the opportunity to take the national, standardized Financial Literacy Certification Test.

Earning a Certificate: The hallmark program feature is the W!se Certified Financially Literate™ (CFL™) credential awarded to students who earn a passing score on this test. The credential demonstrates to colleges and employers that students have the knowledge and skills to be financially savvy.