NAATI at a glance
- A NAATI Credentialed Community Language (CCL) test pass gives you 5 points for the 189, 190 and 491 skilled visas.
- CCL pass mark: at least 29 out of 45 in each of the two dialogues and at least 63 out of 90 overall.
- A NAATI endorsed qualification (diploma level or higher) lets you apply directly for a NAATI certification test.
- You can study an endorsed course on a Student visa (500) or another visa that allows study.
NAATI
NAATI stands for National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. It is the only organisation in Australia to issue certification to translators and interpreters. It sets and maintains professional standards in the industry.
NAATI’s Services
NAATI’s provides a variety of services. These include:
- Credentialed Community Language (CCL)
- Community Language Aide (CLA)
- Migration Assessments
- Endorsed Qualification.
Migration and NAATI
For migration purpose, having NAATI credentialed community language (CCL) can be very beneficial. It is an assessment conducted by NAATI to assess the applicant’s language ability. On successful passing of the test, the applicant is awarded five bonus points. As such, it is helpful to have NAATI for an applicant applying to lodge a point-based visa application such as Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
CCL Test
CCL will test the applicant on several topics. The topics include but not limited to:
- Business
- Community
- Consumer Affairs
- Employment
- Health
- Immigration
- Housing
- Social Services
- Legal
The test will be examined by at least two examiners. The examiners assess the applicant’s LOTE as well as English ability. The test includes two dialogues, and each of the dialogues is worth 45 marks. To pass the test, the applicant must score at least 29 for each dialogue and an overall score of 63 out of 90.
Marks are deducted for errors such as:
- Accuracy
- Distortions
- Omissions
- Insertions
Once the test is completed, the results will be emailed to the applicant in 4-6 weeks.
To see all the language available for CCL, please see here.
To apply for the test, the applicant must create a profile on NAATI and submit an online application. The application may take up to seven days to process. Once it is processed, the applicant will receive a confirmation email to select a test date and make the payment.
NAATI Endorsed Qualification
NAATI endorsed qualifications are diploma-level or higher courses conducted by Vocational Education & Training (VET) and Higher Education institutions that have been acknowledged by NAATI to meet the standard of knowledge required by translating and interpreting professionals.
The benefit of taking the NAATI endorsed qualification is that upon completion, you will be able to apply directly to NAATI to sit a certification test without having to meet other preconditions.
Which courses are NAATI Endorsed Qualification?
NAATI publishes a list of qualifications that are part of the endorsed qualification program. The list can be found here. The education providers will be able to answer any questions you have regarding the course.
The courses available are varied from a diploma to a master degree.
The courses are also conducted in different Australian cities, namely Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide.
Who can apply for NAATI Endorsed Qualification?
To study one of the NAATI endorsed qualifications, the applicant must hold a visa to study. Many of the courses are six months or longer as such applicants should have visas that allow them to study for more six months or more in Australia. These include Student Visa (Subclass 500) or Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
On what visa to do the NAATI course?
If you are in Australia you may be able to do the NAATI course on one of these visas:
- Student visa (subclass 500),
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485),
- Skills in Demand (subclass 482)
NAATI approved courses usually consist of 30 weeks of training.
CCL test or NAATI certification: which do you need?
| CCL test | NAATI certification | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Shows you can communicate in a community language at a basic professional level | Lets you work as a certified translator or interpreter |
| Migration benefit | 5 points for skilled visas | 5 points can also be claimed with a relevant NAATI credential |
| Preparation | Practice with dialogues on common community topics | Usually an endorsed qualification or training, plus ethics and intercultural competency |
| Best for | Skilled visa applicants who need extra points | People planning a career in translating or interpreting |
Frequently asked questions
How many points does NAATI CCL give?
A CCL pass gives 5 points under the skilled migration points test for the 189, 190 and 491 visas. You can only claim these points once, even if you hold more than one NAATI credential.
How long is a CCL result valid for points?
A CCL result is generally accepted for points if it was obtained within the 3 years before your invitation to apply. Check the date of your result before you rely on it in your EOI.
Can I sit the CCL test online?
Yes. NAATI delivers the CCL test online, and you book a test session after your application is processed.
Do I need a NAATI course to sit the CCL test?
No. You can apply for the CCL test without studying a course. Endorsed qualifications are mainly for people who want full NAATI certification.
Can I claim CCL points if my partner passed the test?
No. CCL points are claimed for the main applicant only. Your partner’s skills can give you partner points in other ways, for example with a positive skills assessment and competent English.
Australian Study Requirement: RPL, Overlapping Courses and Time Offshore
Australian Migration News: October 2026 Update
Student visa changes from 2 October 2026
After Graduation in Australia: Key PR Pathways for International Students in 2026
What the New Migration Reforms Mean for You
Australia Stops New International Student Enrolments in Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)