NAATI

NAATI welcomes the finding by the Commonwealth Ombudsman that the Australian Government's policy of giving preference to NAATI credentials should remain unchanged.

The Ombudsman's Office has advised the Department of Immigration and Citizenship that the Ombudsman does not consider the policy of government agencies preferring NAATI credentialed interpreters to be unreasonable and accordingly has not asked it be changed.

NAATI sought clarification from the Ombudsman's Office following questions from stakeholders, concerned the policy might be changed following a recent complaint to the Ombudsman about the policy, as expressed in the Department's Multicultural Language Services Guidelines.

The Ombudsman's Office has advised the Department that, although it does not think the policy is unreasonable, it considers that additional information could be provided to other departments and agencies in support of the policy.

The Ombudsman's Office also commented that NAATI appears committed to improving its credentialing model, having initiated the Improvements to NAATI Testing report, of which the Ombudsman has been asked to be kept informed of progress.

As a result of a fire in our premises in Perth on 11th March 2013, the NAATI office has now been relocated to temporary premises located at Level 18 Central Park, 152-158 St Georges Terrace, Perth. It is expected testing will recommence from Monday 25th March 2013. If you require information regarding  an upcoming test or an application please contact the Perth office on 08 9472 3588 or the NAATI National Office in Canberra on 1300 557 470, or email peroff@naati.com.au or  info@naati.com.au. If you wish to apply for NAATI testing you can do so via the NAATI website and logging onto NAATI Online https://www.naati.com.au/online where you can complete your application online by following the prompts, or you can download a pdf document form http://www.naati.com.au/forms.html complete and mail direct to NAATI at PO Box 223, Deakin West ACT 2600.

The Phase One INT Report is publically available and consultations will begin March 2013.

Further information CLICK HERE

Revalidation application form now available.

A system to revalidate NAATI credentials was developed in 2006 in consultation with industry, national professional bodies and other stakeholders. NAATI credentials awarded after 1 January 2007 were included, with credentials valid for three years. Practitioners with credentials issued prior to 1 January 2007 were provided with the opportunity to opt in to the system.

It was initially intended to commence revalidating credentials from 1 January 2010 but the Owners of NAATI subsequently decided that revalidation should be deferred because of the prevailing economic climate and the desire not to have practitioners bear additional costs at that time.

It has now been decided that revalidating credentials will commence from 1 July 2012.

Expiry dates for credentials were extended, where necessary, due to the deferrals. However all credentials will now need to be revalidated by the date of expiry to be retained. No further extensions will be granted.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Contact NAATI if you are unsure about the status of a credential.

Information sheet: Criteria for Revalidation
Information sheet: Opting in to Revalidation

NAATI testing for Chinese Professional Translator accreditation and Mandarin Paraprofessional accreditation are run differently to other languages tested. For Mandarin and Chinese the tests are conducted quarterly.

CLICK HERE for the Schedule and more information for Chinese Professional Translator testing
CLICK HERE for the Schedule and more information for Mandarin Paraprofessional Interpreter testing
CLICK HERE for the Schedule and more information for Mandarin Professional Interpreter testing

There are limited places available in all States for all the sessions. The maximum numbers vary depending on the location you wish to sit the test. To avoid the disappointment of not being able to be tested in your preferred session and location you should make your application as early as you are able to. Should NAATI not be able to offer you a test in your nominated testing location we will notify you as soon as we are able to and you may be given the option of another testing location or being assigned to the next available session.

NAATI will issue results for these tests as quickly as we are able to but it may take ten weeks or more.

Information about all arrangements for testing will be sent to each candidate in writing.

NAATI New Interpreters Project will continue to be run for the 2012-2013 year. Workshops will be offered in most capital cities and some regional centres (most dates to be confirmed). Places are strictly  limited, please contact your state office for full details. Requests to participate will not be accepted unless all relevant paperwork is completed in full and all required documentation is attached.

ACT - Canberra (16, 17 March 2013) - Applications not accepted after COB 15 February 2013
NSW - Newcastle (27, 28 April 2013) - Applications not accepted after COB 5 April 2013
Newcastle NIP Information session 18 March 2013 – contact NSW office for details and to register.
VIC - Melbourne (16, 23 February & 2 March 2013) APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
QLD - Brisbane (19 January and 2 February 2013 - Applications not accepted after COB 14 December 2012)
QLD - Toowoomba (16, 17 February 2013 - Applications not accepted after COB 18 January 2013)
WA - Perth (11, 12, 18 & 19 February 2013) APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
SA - Adelaide (9,16 & 23 February 2013) - Applications not accepted after COB 11 January 2013
TAS - Hobart (13 & 14 April 2013) – Applications not accepted after COB 2 April 2013

New Interpreters Project Application Form

New Interpreters Project Information Booklet