Migration guide · Work
How to become an interpreter in Australia: NAATI certification to work
By XINGO teamUpdated 5 min read
Interpreters help people use hospitals, courts, Centrelink, schools and other services in their own language. If you speak English and another language well, interpreting can turn a skill you already have into work, often in your own community.
In Australia, the credential that matters is from NAATI, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. This guide walks through the usual path to an entry-level NAATI interpreting certification and then into work. It's general information based on NAATI's and TIS National's websites, checked in October 2026; NAATI's own pages are the final word on eligibility.
At a glance
- To work as an interpreter you generally need a NAATI credential. The CCL isn't one: it's for migration points only.
- Certified Provisional Interpreter (CPI) is NAATI's entry-level generalist certification. You meet eligibility requirements before you can sit the test.
- The CPI test has three live role-play dialogues, two face to face and one remote, each in a different domain.
- NAATI credentials last three years, then you recertify with professional development.
- XINGO is partnered with 2M Language Services. Once you're NAATI certified, you can apply to work with 2M as an interpreter.
NAATI's interpreting credentials
NAATI's certification system has several levels for spoken-language interpreters:
- Certified Provisional Interpreter (CPI): the entry-level generalist certification, and where most people start.
- Certified Interpreter (CI): a higher generalist level. You need to pass both the CPI and CI tests.
- Certified Specialist Health Interpreter and Certified Specialist Legal Interpreter: specialist levels.
- Certified Conference Interpreter: for conference settings.
- Recognised Practising Interpreter: for languages where NAATI doesn't offer a test, based on training and work references. It isn't certification.
The CCL is not on this list
NAATI says passing the Credentialed Community Language test doesn't certify you to work as an interpreter or translator. It's used for migration points. See community language points.
Step 1: Become eligible for the CPI test
You can't book the CPI test straight away. At the time of writing, NAATI describes four ways to become eligible:
- A NAATI-endorsed interpreting qualification at Diploma level or higher (such as a Diploma of Interpreting), completed no more than three years before you apply.
- A Diploma or higher qualification that isn't endorsed, plus evidence of language, ethical and intercultural competency and English proficiency.
- A NAATI interpreting credential in another language.
- Specific training units or a short skill set course, plus the language, ethical and intercultural competencies.
Which route suits you depends on your languages, your existing study and how much time you have. NAATI's prerequisites page lists the details for each.
Step 2: Sit the CPI test
According to NAATI, the CPI test has three interpreting tasks: two face-to-face dialogues and one remote dialogue. Each is a live role-play of about 10–12 minutes, set in a different domain, and you interpret consecutively in both directions. Examiners assess how accurately you transfer meaning and your competency in both languages.
The skills are different from the CCL: longer turns, note-taking, managing the flow of the conversation and handling a phone or video call without visual cues. Our CPI test preparation guide and telephone interpreting tips go into more depth.
Step 3: Stay certified
NAATI credentials expire after three years. To recertify, you show professional development across several categories (at the time of writing, 120 points over the three years, with a minimum in each category). Since June 2026, NAATI says work practice is no longer a separate requirement and can be claimed as points instead. Keep a record of your training and work from the start.
Step 4: Find interpreting work
Many interpreters in Australia work as contractors for one or more language service providers, which match them with bookings from hospitals, courts, government agencies and businesses. A few things are worth knowing:
- Your credential level matters. TIS National, run by the Department of Home Affairs, allocates work by tier, with higher NAATI credentials offered work first. TIS says it will consider any language for interpreters with NAATI Certified level or higher; for other levels it depends on demand.
- Residency can matter. TIS National's panel asks interpreters to be Australian citizens, permanent residents or New Zealand citizens living in Australia, aged 18 or over, with the required NAATI credential.
- List yourself in the [NAATI online directory](https://www.naati.com.au/online-directory/) so clients and agencies can check your credential.
XINGO is partnered with 2M Language Services, an Australian language services provider. Once you're NAATI certified, you can apply to work with 2M as an interpreter. 2M makes its own decisions about who it engages: applying doesn't guarantee work, and practising on XINGO doesn't give you a credential by itself.
How XINGO helps
XINGO gives you CPI-style dialogues on demand: two AI speakers, you in the middle, interpreting consecutively in both directions, including phone-style calls without visual cues. Assessed sessions end with scored feedback on accuracy, terminology and delivery. There are also specialist courses for medical, legal, NDIS and telephone interpreting.
It's independent practice, not a NAATI course, and XINGO isn't affiliated with NAATI. When you're certified, 2M Language Services is a partner you can apply to.
Questions
Do I need a Diploma of Interpreting to become an interpreter?+
Not always. A NAATI-endorsed qualification such as the Diploma of Interpreting is one way to become eligible for the CPI test. NAATI also lists other routes, including shorter training plus ethics and intercultural competency. Check NAATI's website for the current options.
Can I work as an interpreter with the CCL?+
No. NAATI says the CCL isn't a professional certification. You need NAATI certification, such as Certified Provisional Interpreter.
What if NAATI doesn't test my language?+
NAATI offers Recognised Practising for languages where testing isn't available, based on training and work references. It isn't certification, and it can't be used for community language points.
Can I work with 2M after practising on XINGO?+
XINGO is partnered with 2M Language Services. Once you're NAATI certified, you can apply to work with 2M as an interpreter. 2M makes its own decisions about who it engages, and practising on XINGO doesn't give you a credential by itself.
How long does NAATI certification last?+
NAATI credentials expire after three years. You recertify by showing professional development, as set out on NAATI's recertification page.
Official sources
- NAATI — Certification system
- NAATI — Certified Provisional Interpreter
- NAATI — Recognised Practising
- NAATI — Recertification
- NAATI — Online directory
- TIS National — Your career as an interpreter
- TIS National — NAATI credentials explained
Checked 3 October 2026. Rules, fees and requirements change, so check the official source before you act. XINGO is independent and isn't affiliated with Home Affairs, NAATI, Ahpra or any test provider.