NEWL Test Center at LARC-SDSU

San Diego State University’s Language Acquisition Resource Center (SDSU-LARC) is a registered American Councils for International Education NEWL test center.  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 our center in person. We are located on the SDSU's Main Campus, on the second floor of Storm Hall. More information about registration, directions, and other details can be found below.

About NEWL

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.

Qualifications for NEWL

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, American Councils only allows students who are enrolled in the 9th grade or above OR have turned 14 before the scheduled exams.

Information on cost, as well as a reduced fee form, are handled directly by American Councils and can be accessed here.

Registration Details

NEWL has two types of institutions in the system: home institutions and testing institutions. A home institution is normally the school where the student is enrolled; this institution is responsible for registering the student for the NEWL test and for receiving reporting scores. A testing institution is the location where a student will take the exam; testing institutions are in charge of proctoring the exam and setting up the lab for the test.

Under the NEWL model, SDSU-LARC functions as a testing institution. For students taking the NEWL exam at SDSU-LARC, registrations are handled by the San Diego Unified School District, which serves the purpose of a home institution. NEWL test-takers who wish to attend SDSU-LARC as their testing institution must register through our partnership with the SDUSD.  

The 2024 NEWL Registration window is now closed. 

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.

Contact

General information about registration and frequently asked questions is available through American Councils.

For questions about registering for NEWL with 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