We offer research-based, collaboratively-developed, no-cost Checkpoint A and B world language exams in French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish to ANY New York State school district.
Coordinators:
Anastasia Gouvitsas, Ballston Spa CSD (agouvitsas@bscsd.org)
Brenna Muldoon, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake CSD (bmuldoon@bhbl.org)
Lindsay Higgins, Schenectady City SD (higginsl@schenectadyschools.org)
NYCAL is a group of language teachers and administrators from around New York State who sought to fill the void that was created when New York State-developed Regents and Proficiency Exams were discontinued. The consortium began as a small group of schools from the Capital Region and has grown to over 30 participating schools. All participants contribute to the annual creation of the Checkpoint A and B exams for French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish during the annual Item Writing workshop.
ALL school districts in New York State are welcomed to participate.
The NYCAL exams are administered on the dates in June that are recommended by the New York State Education Department. Check this link for NYSED's June 2026 exam dates. NYCAL Exam administration adheres to NYS Regents Exam testing protocols, as they are secure exams.
Complete this form by December 1, 2025. Please contact one of the exam directors listed above if an extension is needed.
The Checkpoint A Exam is being revamped to reflect the changes to the NYS Standards for World Languages (see above).
The Checkpoint B exam follows the framework of the former Regents Exams for Modern Languages.
Each exam is comprised of speaking, listening, reading, and writing components.
Participating districts agree to administer all parts of the exam and follow security protocols.
The exams are free to administer. Participating districts agree to:
attend the Item Writing Workshop and/or...
electronically submit questions and/or items to be used to create the tests;
participate in other aspects of the development and review of the tests as needed;
submit test result data at the conclusion of the school year
adhere to test administration dates and all Regents testing protocols
If you have concerns about your district's ability to accomplish any of the above requirements, but would like to participate, please contact us at one of the email addresses above.
Which schools participate in the NYCAL Exam?
Participating school districts have included:
Amsterdam CSD
Argyle CSD
Averill Park CSD
Ballston Spa CSD
Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD
Bethlehem CSD
Broadalbin-Perth CSD
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake CSD
Cairo-Durham CSD
Capital Region BOCES
Catskill CSD
Chatham CSD
Coxsackie-Athens CSD
Duanesburg CSD
East Greenbush CSD
Green Island UFSD
Greenville CSD
Guilderland CSD
Hoosick Falls CSD
Ichabod Crane CSD
Lake George CSD
Lansingburgh CSD
Mayfield CSD
Mohonasen CSD
Niskayuna CSD
Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville CSD
Queensbury CSD
Ravena Coeymans Selkirk CSD
Salem CSD
Schalmont CSD
Schenectady City SD
Schoharie CSD
Scotia-Glenville CSD
Shenendehowa CSD
South Colonie CSD
Stillwater CSD
Voorheesville CSD
Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD
Watervliet CSD
Wynantskill UFSD