When it comes to getting more points for your Skilled Visa, it can be confusing sometimes to know where to focus your energies. There’s an expense associated with taking any test, in both time and money, so it’s important to feel confident that you’re putting your time and energy in the right place.
How do my language skills affect my points for a Skilled Visa?
As you likely know, the Department of Home Affairs gives cachet to Skilled Visa candidates based on their proficiency in speaking English, because it considers a higher level of English competency to correlate with a higher level of success in assimilating as a resident; So, it’s only natural that lots of points are awarded for your score in English tests. In a nutshell:
- Competent English = 0 points (at least IELTS 6 or PTE 50 for each of the 4 components)
- Proficient English = 10 points (at least IELTS 7 or PTE 65 for each of the 4 components)
- Superior English = 20 points (at least IELTS 8 or PTE 79 for each of the 4 components)
For details on all requirements and equivalence for other tests, have a look at Home Affairs Website.
In addition to getting up to 20 points in your English test, did you know you can add 5 extra points by passing NAATI CCL?
What’s the NAATI CCL test?
The Credentialed Community Language (CCL) Test is organised by The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). It is an assessment of your abilities in 2 languages (English + LOTE language other than English) at a ‘community level’. This means it’s conducted a little differently from a conventional test – you’re tested with an audio recording which role plays a conversation between an English speaker and a speaker of the other language, where you interact as the “interpreter” for both parts. Basically, a Listening and Speaking test only (no writing or reading required) in 2 languages. To check the languages other than English available for CCL test, have a look at NAATI Website.
It’s important to say that this test has one objective only: award 5 points for a Skilled Visa. 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. It’s simply called the ‘community’ test to differentiate it from NAATI’s other certification for professional translators, which is a separate kind of test and qualification. This is an online test that takes around 20 minutes and costs $800.
So, should I take the CCL Test?
It really depends on your personal situation. Never lose sight of the fact that an English test costs $375 on average and it can potentially give you up to 20 points! We see NAATI CCL test as an excellent way to secure an extra 5 points towards your application, especially for anyone who already has the 20-point ‘Superior’ level of English competency, but may or may not be worth it for your circumstances. For example, it could be cheaper and even easier for you to earn more points by focusing on improving your English, instead of opting for the CCL test, especially if high points are not really essential for your application strategy.
So whether you’re considering the CCL test right now or not, make sure you keep in mind the highest priority – keep practising your English, with every formal or informal opportunity, to maximise your progress towards a great IELTS/PTE score.
Still confused about testing options, or looking for some guidance? Our consultants have applied their expertise to help many clients just like you to navigate the process. Get in touch to book an obligation-free appointment, click here.