The language certificate may be earned by completing three courses of language study or courses in literature and culture taught in the original language. Courses used for the language certificate must be at a level beyond that required for the Language Requirement by the relevant department. The courses must be taught in the original language.

Study abroad courses may be used with departmental approval.

Students must earn a minimum average grade of B+ in the three courses used for the language certificate. The courses may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. Students who would like to obtain a language certificate should apply to the department in which that language is offered. If it is not offered in any department, they should apply to the Director of the Penn Language Center. The department or Center will verify completion of the requirements for the certificate.

Completion of the certificate will be noted on the student's transcript at the time of graduation.