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The Credentialed Community Language (CCL) test is an assessment of your language abilities at a community level.
The CCL test is generally taken by the applicants who are looking to lodge a point-based visa application. On successfully passing the test, applicants are awarded five points towards the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), or Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).
These points are also referred to as Credentialed Community Language Points, and candidates should seek confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs or a migration agent as to their acceptance at time of application. NAATI does not set or administer immigration policy and the information provided here is general in nature.
This test is not a professional certification. If you pass the CCL test, you are not certified to work as an interpreter or a translator.
NAATI CCL tests are delivered online, Monday to Friday.
The test consists of two dialogue recordings. Each dialogue represents a conversation between a native English Speaker and a native Language Other Than English (LOTE) speaker. Each dialogue is approximately 300 words, with about half in English and half in the LOTE. The dialogues are divided into segments of 35 words or less.
Further information can be found through the Candidate Instructions.
As CCL tests are online, candidates overseas can sit the test. All tests are run on Canberra time.
The dialogues used will reflect real-life situations in Australian society. They are designed to examine a candidate’s ability to understand both languages and communicate in them. The topics may include:
A minimum of two examiners will assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English and a LOTE.
Two significant factors that contribute to assessment are:
Marks are deducted for errors. Examiners consider the types of errors in your performance and how these impact on your overall communication.
Errors for which the examiners deduct a candidate’s score are:
Each examiner awards your results individually. In situations where the examiners disagree about the performance of a candidate, additional examiners will assess your test to help determine your final result.
The test comprises of two dialogues; each worth 45 marks. In order to pass the test, a candidate requires at least 29 marks in each dialogue and an overall score of 63 out of 90.
The result for the CCL test will be given as:
In situations where a candidate achieves 23 out of 45 in Dialogue 1, 41 out of 45 in Dialogue 2 and an Overall Score of 64 out of 90, the result given will be CLEAR FAIL as the candidate hasn’t achieved required score in Dialogue 1 (i.e. 29).
Results are sent via email within 4-6 weeks of the test date and are valid for three years from the date of issue.
Clear Fail results are unable to apply for a review of their test due to the statistical improbability of the result being overturned
Make sure you read and understand the following information before sitting your test:
NAATI has created some free preparation materials. Read our guide on Getting The Most Out of the Practice Materials and click on the language needed below to download.
Click on your language below to download the practice material.
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NAATI are aware that some institutions and training organisations offer courses claiming to be preparation for the NAATI CCL test. While we encourage training and preparation for any language related test, we do not formally endorse any such courses. NAATI sets the test and is the authority which issues the result. Candidates should be aware that organisations offering training do not have unique information about the test.
Read Preparing Application Evidence and make sure you have everything needed before starting your application.
To apply, you will need to register in our customer portal, myNAATI.
After you’ve registered you can make your application from myNAATI.
Once we’ve processed your application, which can take up to seven business days, you will receive an email stating the outcome.
If successful you’ll be able to make payment and select a test date.
If you’re already booked in make sure to read the Candidate Instructions for information regarding the specifics of the test including equipment and technical requirements, test instructions, and specific conditions.
View the Credentials Community Language Frequently Asked Questions.
