NYCAL Exam Consortium 2026

Welcome to the New York Capital Area Languages 

Checkpoint A and B Exam Consortium

Complete this form to register for the Item Writing Workshop being held at Capital Region BOCES on October 23, 2025.

Please complete this form by December 1, 2025 to use the 2026 NYCAL exams.

What is NYCAL?

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. 

Who is eligible to participate?

ALL school districts in New York State are welcomed to participate.

When are the NYCAL exams administered?

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.  

How do I register my district to join the consortium?

Complete this form by December 1, 2025.  Please contact one of the exam directors listed above if an extension is needed. 

What is the format of the exams?

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. 

What are participant expectations?

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:

1. Amsterdam CSD

2. Argyle CSD

3. Averill Park CSD

4. Ballston Spa CSD

5. Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD

6. Bethlehem CSD

7. Broadalbin-Perth CSD

8. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake CSD

9. Cairo-Durham CSD

10. Capital Region BOCES

11. Catskill CSD

12. Chatham CSD

13. Coxsackie-Athens CSD

14. Duanesburg CSD

15. East Greenbush CSD

16. Green Island UFSD

17. Greenville CSD

18. Guilderland CSD

19. Hoosick Falls CSD

20. Ichabod Crane CSD

21. Lake George CSD

22. Lansingburgh CSD

23. Mayfield CSD

24. Mohonasen CSD

25. Niskayuna CSD

26. Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville CSD

27. Queensbury CSD

28. Ravena Coeymans Selkirk CSD

29. Salem CSD

30. Schalmont CSD

31. Schenectady City SD

32. Schoharie CSD

33. Scotia-Glenville CSD

34. Shenendehowa CSD

35. South Colonie CSD

36. Stillwater CSD

37. Voorheesville CSD

38. Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD

39. Watervliet CSD

40. Wynantskill UFSD