About NAATI Exam

NAATI Exam: A Gateway to Boost Your Australia Immigration Points

If you’re planning to migrate to Australia, every point counts in your application. One of the most strategic ways to increase your points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is by taking the NAATI exam. This exam not only opens professional doors but also adds valuable points toward your Permanent Residency (PR) application.

What is the NAATI Exam?

NAATI stands for the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. It is the national standards and certifying body for translators and interpreters in Australia. NAATI conducts language tests to assess a candidate’s ability to work as a professional translator or interpreter.

For immigration purposes, most applicants take the Credentialed Community Language (CCL) Test, which is a NAATI-endorsed test specifically designed to award points for migration—not to qualify someone as a translator/interpreter.

How Many Points Can You Claim?

If you successfully pass the NAATI CCL Test, you can claim 5 bonus points under the Community Language Points category of your GSM visa application. These points are a valuable addition to your total, especially if you’re close to the cut-off mark required for an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.

Example:If your points are at 65, passing the CCL Test can bring you to 70 points,significantly improving your chances of receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

NAATI CCL Test Fees (As of 2025)

Here are the standard fees associated with the NAATI CCL test:

Application Fee: AUD 814.00 (includes GST)

Rescheduling Fee: AUD 100.00 (if done at least 7 days before the test)

Reassessment/Appeal Fee: AUD 198.00

Please note: Fees are subject to change, so it’s best to check the official NAATI website for the latest updates.

Format of the NAATI CCL Test:

Test Duration: Approximately 20 minutes

Format: Two recorded dialogues (approx. 300 words each)

Scoring: Each dialogue is scored out of 45 marks. You must score at least:

29 out of 45 in each dialogue

A total of 63 out of 90 overall

The test is conducted online via a secure platform, making it accessible from anywhere in the world.

Why is the NAATI Exam Important?

Immigration Advantage
The most compelling reason is the 5 migration points it grants, which could be the deciding factor in your visa invitation.

Professional Opportunities
While the CCL Test itself doesn’t certify you as a professional interpreter, passing it can be the first step toward NAATI certification, which opens up job opportunities in government services, health care, and legal interpreting.

Flexibility and Accessibility:
The test is conducted remotely, has a relatively short duration, and is available in multiple languages making it a highly accessible option for many migrants.

No Professional Background Required
You don’t need to be a linguist or a certified interpreter to take the test. A reasonable command of both English and your native language is sufficient with proper preparation.

The NAATI CCL exam is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to boost your Australian immigration application. With just one test, you can gain an edge in the competitive points-based visa system. If you’re fluent in a second language, the NAATI CCL exam is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss.

Start preparing today, and give your migration journey the extra lift it needs.