Community language points: the NAATI CCL and what counts for PR

The subclass 189 points table says you need a NAATI credential in a language other than English. At the time of writing, these count:

• A NAATI community language credential, which is what you get by passing the CCL test.
• NAATI certification at Certified Provisional level or above, for example Certified Provisional Interpreter or Certified Interpreter.
• An older NAATI accreditation at paraprofessional level or above, issued before the current certification system.

One NAATI credential that does not count is Recognised Practising. NAATI says it isn't certification and can't be used for community language points. You can claim the 5 points only once, however many credentials you hold.

According to NAATI, the CCL tests your ability to communicate at a community level between English and another language. At the time of writing:

• It's delivered online only, on NAATI's testing platform with remote proctoring.
• There are two recorded dialogues of about 300 words each, half in English and half in your other language, set in everyday community situations such as health, housing or employment.
• Each dialogue is split into segments of up to 35 words. After each segment a chime sounds, and you should start interpreting within five seconds.
• Each dialogue is worth 45 marks. You pass with at least 63 out of 90, and at least 29 in each dialogue.
• NAATI lists the test fee on its CCL page (A$814 when we checked) and offers the test in more than 50 languages.

If you fail with 58 or more, NAATI lets you apply for a review within 30 days. Our CCL format and marking guide explains how marks are deducted.

NAATI is clear that the CCL isn't a professional certification. Passing it doesn't certify you to work as an interpreter or translator, and agencies and government services that book interpreters look for NAATI certification instead.

It also doesn't last forever. NAATI says CCL credentials issued from 9 August 2022 are valid for five years (earlier ones were valid for three), and it can't extend a credential once it's issued. Make sure yours will still be valid at the point in your application where it matters.

Both routes can give the same 5 points, but they're built for different goals:

If you only want the points, the CCL is the direct route. If you'd like to work as an interpreter later, see how to become an interpreter in Australia: certification takes longer, but it's the credential that leads to paid work.

1. Start with NAATI's free practice materials so you hear the real format.
2. Build vocabulary in both languages for the community topics that come up. Our CCL vocabulary lists cover 12 domains.
3. Practise both directions, out loud, with a timer. The five-second start and segment-by-segment delivery need rehearsal, not just reading.
4. Review what you dropped. Omissions, numbers and names are easy places to lose marks, so check them after every attempt.

Language-specific tips are on our pages for Punjabi, Hindi, Nepali, Mandarin and other languages.