The Credentialed Community Language Test (CCL) 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 bonus points. These bonus points are also referred to as Credentialed Community Language Points.
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.
Test Format
NAATI CCL tests are conducting online via Microsoft Teams.
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.
For further information login to Candidate Instructions.
Minimum Technology Requirements
Reliable Internet Connection
The recommended internet speed for peer-to-peer HD quality video with resolution of HD 720p at 30fps is 1.2 Mbps.
The test will be audio and video recorded. We strongly advise you to check your speed well before the test.
NAATI do not permit using a personal hot spot connection from your mobile phone due to test security requirements.
The candidates should attend the test from a PC or laptop with windows 10 or Mac OS 10+ . NAATI recommends against the use of Mobile phones and tablets as they may create potential performance and audio issues. Headset
The recommended way to listen your test is with a headset, which includes standard mobile phones earphones.
Please synchronize your headset to your device before the test. Separate and built in speakers are not allowed as they create audio issues (echoes). Maximum Volume
We recommend to set volume at a level, which is comfortable for listening and not too loud, high volume levels may create high-pitched sounds.
NAATI is unable to be conduct a test without clear audio and video due to system or connectivity issues. In Such case you will get the opportunity to select another test spot for free of cost. But for this you may need to wait up to tow (2) months due to high-demand.
Topics Covered
The dialogues used will reflect real-life situations in Australian society. The pattern of CCL Test designed to understand the ability of the candidate to understand both the language and communicate. The topics may include:
- Business
- Consumer Affairs
- Employment
- Health
- Immigration/Settlement
- Legal
- Community
- Education
- Financial
- Housing
- Insurance
- Social Services
How the Test will Assess?
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
Negative Marking are there for any error. 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.
How the Test will Mark?
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 55 and 62.5 (marks out of 90)
- Clear Fail: less than 55 (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 will sent via email within 4-6 weeks of the test date and are valid for three years from the date of issue.
What You Need To Know Before Taking The Test
Make sure you read and understand the following information before sitting your test:
- Candidate Instructions
- Candidate Disqualification Policy
- Identity Verification
- Language Policy for CCL Tests
- Terms and Conditions
Practice Materials
NAATI has created some free preparation materials. Go through the link Getting The Most Out of the Practice Materials and click on the language need to download.
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.
Apply!
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.
