Credentialed Community Language (CCL)

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:

• Language Quality – competency in both English and LOTE
• Language Register – the level of formality with which a candidate transfers the meaning

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:

• Accuracy (correctness of information)
• Distortions (misrepresentation of information)
• Omissions (removal of information)
• Insertions (addition of information)

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:

• Pass: 63 or higher (marks out of 90)
• Marginal Fail: between 58 and 62.5 (marks out of 90)
• Clear Fail: less than 58 (marks out of 90)

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.

All new credentials issued from 9 August 2022 have a five-year validity period.

Results issued before 9 August 2022 are valid for three years. NAATI is not able to amend the expiry date of a credential that has already been issued.

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:

• Candidate Instructions
• Identity Verification
• Language Policy for CCL Tests
• Terms and Conditions

Read our guide on Getting The Most Out of the Practice Materials and click on your language below to download the free practice material.

NAATI is 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.

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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 and lodge your application via your myNAATI account.

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.