Preparing for NEWL

The best way to prepare for NEWL is to engage with culturally authentic materials, including announcements, advertisements, phone calls, books, websites, news reports (print, radio, podcasts), editorials, interviews, lectures, and debates, intended for native speakers. You can also view here the sample exam items for each language: 

📣 NEWL! Practice Exam Now Available Year-Round!

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. For any technical issues,  please contact us at hmshamsi@americancouncils.org.

Why Take a Practice Exam?

A NEWL Practice Exam can help you:

1. Set up your computer correctly
   Ensure that your system meets the technical requirements for the actual exam.
2. Familiarize yourself with the test questions
   Experience the content, format, and difficulty level of the questions.
3. 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, see below.

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.

• 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

Accessing Your Practice Exam Results

After completing your exam, you may use the same code to view your percentage-correct score. Please ensure that you use the same email address you used to take the exam. Refer to the email you received after registration for your access code.