NEWL: National Examinations in World Languages

National Examinations in World Languages (NEWL^®) is an AP^®-equivalent online proctored language proficiency exam for high school students in Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian. NEWL scores provide students a way to evaluate their readiness for college placement, to earn college credit, to achieve state seals of biliteracy, and to be recognized for their language proficiency. Each year, around 1,000 high school students, both in the U.S. and abroad, take the exams and receive the recognition that they deserve for their language proficiency skills. NEWL is offered online each spring, around the same time as AP exams, and registration begins in January.
 

NEWL is a proficiency assessment, measuring functional proficiency in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. It does not assess knowledge of specific curricula, literary works, or cultural and historical content.

The exam has four sections:

NEWL exam specifications align with the World Languages Framework (College Board, 2006). The exams assess language skills at levels of difficulty that are appropriate for high school level learners, meeting proficiency levels for state seal of biliteracy requirements. Students receive AP-style score reports, and they can choose which colleges and universities receive their reports. 

College Board Endorsement AP and the College Board endorse the National Examinations in World Languages (NEWL), recommending them to member institutions to use for credit and placement in the following world languages: Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian.

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.

Eligibility

All students of Arabic, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian who have turned 14 on or before September 1, 2026 are eligible for 2027 NEWL exams. While NEWL is intended for high school students wishing to continue their language studies at university, any learner meeting the age requirement can take the exam. Students in world language programs, language immersion programs, weekend and community language programs, and programs designed for heritage language learners are all eligible.

Colleges & Universities

Receive up to 5 semesters of college credit! Many universities accept NEWL scores as a measure for awarding academic credit or determining appropriate course placement, like Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores. While many universities award equivalent credit for NEWL scores as AP scores, it is important to check directly with universities and programs to confirm. 

Current Recommended College Placement by NEWL Score 

While College Board actively encourages its member institutions to recognize NEWL scores for credit and placement, each institution maintains its own policies and protocols. If you are having trouble understanding whether a university accepts NEWL for credit or placement, reach out at newl@americancouncils.org. 

Get Ready

NEWL now offers sample questions and practice exams for all four languages. Click here for more information on preparing for the exam and accessing NEWL practice exams.

Stay tuned for registration and other forthcoming information for the 2027 NEWL examinations. 

newl@americancouncils.org 

2027 NEWL Partners: