Preparing for NEWL

Exam Overview and Sections

NEWL measures 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 It does not assess knowledge of specific curricula, literary works, or cultural and historical content.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 is based on the ACTFL scale and covers levels Novice High to Intermediate High.

The exam has four sections: Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Integrated Speaking, and Integrated Writing.

Reading (60 min): Examinees read short, culturally and linguistically authentic texts, such as lists, ads, schedules, brochures, and paragraphs, followed by 1–3 multiple-choice questions in English. Topics range from daily routines and social interactions to formal announcements and more advanced content.
Listening (45 min): Examinees listen to brief audio scenarios, including dialogs, newscasts, and radio shows, and answer questions on similar topics as the reading section. All content follows ETS Fairness and Equity guidelines (2009).
Speaking (45 min): Prompts (audio and written) require spoken responses on everyday topics like school, friends, and social situations. Responses are recorded via the browser; no software installation is required. Scratch paper may be used.
Writing (45 min): Prompts (audio and written) require written responses, such as notes, emails, letters, or expressing opinions in the target language. An appropriate keyboard layout is supported on both Mac and Windows, and scratch paper may be used.

Total Exam Time (without accommodations): ~3½ hours

Familiarization with the Exam

The best way to prepare for NEWL is to engage with culturally authentic materials, including conversations, dialogues, books, websites, news reports, and TV shows, intended for native speakers. You can also view here the sample exam items for each language.

Starting October 13, 2025, a practice exam is available year-round in all four languages. It is offered in both short and full-length formats, depending on the language, is unproctored, and can be taken remotely. Scores are reported as percentage correct, helping you assess your readiness for the main NEWL exam in April.

Students can prepare on their own schedule and become familiar with the exam format and content before taking the main exam.

Why Take a Practice Exam?

A NEWL Practice Exam can help you:

Set up your computer correctly
Ensure that your system meets the technical requirements for the actual exam.
Familiarize yourself with the test questions
Experience the content, format, and difficulty level of the questions.
Navigate the testing platform confidently
Practice using all system features so you can focus on performing your best on exam day.

Read Before You Buy

No returns or exchanges are offered for used or unused practice exams.
If you are unsure about taking the exam, please do not proceed and do not pay.
You may take the practice exam more than once; however, the content will not change from your first attempt, and you will need a different email address.
Taking a practice exam is a great way to become familiar with the format before the April 2026 main exam, though it is not required.
Portuguese and Russian exams are available in two versions: short and full (see options below).
For Reading and Listening, you will receive a percentage correct rather than a score report. For Writing and Speaking, you will receive your responses to review or share with your teacher for further preparation.

To learn more about the main exam dates for 2026, click here.

Ready to Take a Practice Exam?

Follow the instructions below to start your session and select the language and exam version that is right for you (link will be made available October 13.

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