The National Examinations in World Languages®

Overview

National Examinations in World Languages® is a proctored online exam that measures the language proficiency of high school students in Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian. NEWL scores provide students with a reliable way to evaluate their readiness for college placement and, in some cases, to earn college credit.

Exam specifications align with the World Languages Framework (College Board, 2006) and the proficiency guidelines developed by American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The exams target language skills at levels of difficulty that are appropriate for high school language test-takers beginning with Novice High through Intermediate High on the ACTFL Scale.
 

Eligibility

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, to take the 2026 exams.
 

College Board Recognition

Endorsed by the College Board, NEWL is administered by American Councils for International Education in four languages considered critical by the U.S. government: Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian. Each year, over 1,000 high school students, both in the U.S. and abroad, take the exams. Modeled after the College Board’s AP® foreign language exams, NEWL is proficiency-based and designed for secondary school learners, including both heritage and non-heritage students. Examinees receive an AP®-style score report that can be used for college credit and/or placement. NEWL is offered online each spring, around the same time as AP exams.

The Seal of Biliteracy

NEWL is recognized as a qualifying assessment for the Seal of Biliteracy in many states, while in others, its acceptance is determined at the district or local level. Students and educators are encouraged to check directly with their state or local education authority to confirm whether NEWL meets Seal of Biliteracy requirements in their area.
 

Higher Education

The universities listed below have accepted NEWL scores as a valid measure for awarding academic credit or determining appropriate course placement.

While each institution maintains its own policies and protocols, it is important to highlight that the College Board actively encourages its member institutions to recognize NEWL scores for credit and placement, in the same way they do with AP® exam scores.

Please note that institutional policies may change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, students are encouraged to confirm directly with the university or program regarding admission and language proficiency requirements.

The table below offers colleges, universities, and department faculty suggestions for placement and/or credit, based on the scores.

Recommended College Placement by NEWL Score