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Why take the NEWL exam?
Why take the NEWL exam?
If scholars score well, they could earn college credit.
If scholars score well, they could earn college credit.
Endorsed by the College Board, NEWL® is administered by American Councils for International Education (American Councils) in four languages considered critical by the U.S. government:
Endorsed by the College Board, NEWL® is administered by American Councils for International Education (American Councils) in four languages considered critical by the U.S. government:
Arabic = April 2026
Arabic = April 2026
Korean = April 2026
Korean = April 2026
Portuguese = April 2026
Portuguese = April 2026
Russian = April 2026
Russian = April 2026
NEWL Practice Exam is now available year round for students who wish to prepare in advance of the main NEWL administration in April.
The practice exam is available:
In both short and full-length formats, depending on the language
Unproctored
Can be taken remotely at any time
Note that Scores are reported as percentage correct, allowing students to gauge their readiness and become familiar with the exam’s structure, question types, and overall expectations.
This flexible option enables students to practice independently and build confidence before testing day. To learn more, please read the first section of this page: https://www.americancouncils.org/preparing-newl and route any questions you may have to hmshamsi@americancouncils.org
Arabic Practice Exam: Short (1 hour) | $45
Korean Practice Exam: Short (1 hour) | $45
Portuguese Practice Exam: Full (3.5 hours) | $65
Portuguese Practice Exam: Short (1 hour) | $45
Russian Practice Exam: Full (3.5 hours) | $65
Russian Practice Exam: Short (1 hour) | $45
What is on the NEWL exam?
What is on the NEWL exam?
The exam measures functional language proficiency across four skills:
The exam measures functional language proficiency across four skills:
Reading Comprehension: 60 minutes
Listening Comprehension: 45 minutes
Integrated Writing: 45 minutes
Integrated Speaking: 45 minutes
Total: Approximately 3 1/2 hours with a 10-minute break
Targeted for traditional foreign language learners and heritage learners, NEWL® exams produce AP®-style score reports, which can be used to apply for college credit and/or placement.
Targeted for traditional foreign language learners and heritage learners, NEWL® exams produce AP®-style score reports, which can be used to apply for college credit and/or placement.
How do I register to take the NEWL exam?
How do I register to take the NEWL exam?
NEWL Exam Administration Update (Effective 2026)
Beginning in 2026, American Councils will partner with Honorlock Inc. to administer the NEWL exam through secure online proctoring. Honorlock is a professional exam monitoring service that supports secure, standardized, and fair testing.
In-Person Proctoring Is Not Permitted
NEWL exams administered through Honorlock may not be proctored in person under any circumstances.
Students must complete the exam:
In a quiet, private location
Without any other individuals present
The exam may be taken at home or in another private space.
If testing during the school day, students should coordinate with a teacher or guidance counselor to secure a quiet, private room. The exam cannot be taken in a traditional classroom or shared space where other individuals are present or where background noise may occur. Exams may be flagged if additional people are detected.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
NEWL is intended for secondary school students who wish to continue their language studies at university. Students must be enrolled in 9th grade or above, OR have turned 14 before September 1, 2025, in order to take the 2026 exams.
How do I get testing accommodations for the NEWL exam?
How do I get testing accommodations for the NEWL exam?
Indicate on the registration form that you need testing accommodations and they will send you next steps within two weeks.
Indicate on the registration form that you need testing accommodations and they will send you next steps within two weeks.
How do I access my scores?
How do I access my scores?
Scores will be available by early July and emailed to the email address used for registration.
Scores will be available by early July and emailed to the email address used for registration.
If you have any follow up questions or need your official scores sent out to a university or college, please fill out this form: Score Report Request Form
If you have any follow up questions or need your official scores sent out to a university or college, please fill out this form: Score Report Request Form
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