About
San Diego State University’s Language Acquisition Resource Center (SDSU-LARC) is a registered American Councils for International Education NEWL test center.
The National Examinations in World Languages (NEWL®), developed by American Councils, is an online proficiency exam in four critical languages: Arabic (MSA), Korean, Portuguese (global), and Russian. The exams measure functional language proficiency across four skills: reading and listening comprehension, speaking, and writing. 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.
SDSU-LARC's Language Space is a state of the art facility equipped with the latest technology to meet the testing-taking needs required by NEWL. Test-takers interested in taking the NEWL exam at our facilities must register for the test through our partnership with the San Diego Unified School District. To take the test, test-takers registered through SDUSD must attend SDSU-LARC in person.
Who Can Take the Exam
The exam content of NEWL targets secondary school students who have completed a minimum of two to three years (or the equivalent) of academic work in the target language and culture and who wish to engage in rigorous university-level study before high school graduation. While both traditional and heritage learners are encouraged to take NEWL exams, test takers must be enrolled in 9th grade or above, OR have turned 14 before September 1, 2025, in order to take the 2025 exams. Information on cost, as well as a reduced fee form, are handled directly by American Councils and can be accessed here.
Registration
Registration for the 2025 exams will open on March 5, and close on March 18, 2025. NEWL test takers who wish to take their exam at SDSU-LARC must register directly on the NEWL website.
For 2025, please note that SDSU-LARC will only host the Main and Exam dates which run April 21-24, 2025. Practice Exams can also be taken, but these exams are remote and do not take place at our physical location.
Questions?
For questions about registration through SDUSD or about score reporting, contact:
Rachel Amato (ramato@sandi.net)
Advanced Studies Resource Teacher
Department of Equity, Access, and Opportunity
San Diego Unified School District
For questions about SDSU-LARC as a testing location, or about proctoring, and technology, contact:
Mari Ocando Finol (mocandofinol@sdsu.edu)
Learning Technologies Coordinator, SDSU-LARC
General information about registration and frequently asked questions is available through American Councils.
Location
NEWL Exams take place at SDSU-LARC's Language Space, located in SDSU's Main Campus, on the second floor of Storm Hall, in rooms 204 and 205.
Directions for reaching SDSU-LARC can be found in our contact page, and specific instructions on how to reach Storm Hall can be found here.
For Parking information about this location, please visit SDSU's Visitor Parking page.
