Which visas give 5 points for the CCL?
Three Australian points-tested skilled visas give 5 points for a credentialled community language: the Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visas123. Passing the CCL test is one way to qualify for them4.
Which points tables list it?
| Visa | Subclass | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent | 189 | 51 |
| Skilled Nominated | 190 | 52 |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | 491 | 53 |
We read these from the Home Affairs points tables on the date shown above. Tables change, so check the live page before you rely on it.
What counts as credentialled?
Home Affairs accepts a community language credential from NAATI, or NAATI accreditation or certification at the levels it lists1. In practice that means one of two routes4:
- pass the CCL test, or
- hold a NAATI certification as a translator or interpreter.
How many points do you need overall?
For the subclass 189 visa (points-tested stream) you need at least 65 points to be invited to apply5. The CCL adds 5 of them1. Your age, English, work experience and study make up the rest.
Does a practice test count?
No. Passing a practice test, including NAATI's own marked one, gives no migration points4. Only the real CCL, or a certification test, does.
How long does a pass last?
Credentials issued since 9 August 2022 are valid for five years4. Line that up with when you expect to be invited and to lodge.
What should you check before you book?
NAATI gives no migration advice. It tells candidates to confirm with Home Affairs or a migration agent that the CCL is accepted for the points at the time they apply4.
Policy talk about the points test comes and goes. Only the published table on the day you are assessed counts, so read the live Home Affairs page, not a forum post.
Heading to Australia as a nurse?
Many visa applicants are also preparing a professional exam. If you are a nurse, our free RN OSCE practice covers the clinical side, and our CCL preparation guide covers this one.
Sources
Written with AI from the official sources listed on this page, and checked word for word against them. Every fact above links to its source, and we stored a copy of each on the date shown.
- Source 1: Points table for Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government), checked 31 October 2026.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table - Source 2: Points table for Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government), checked 31 October 2026.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190/points-table - Source 3: Points table for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government), checked 31 October 2026.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491/points-table - Source 4: Credentialed Community Language (CCL) Test. NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters), checked 31 October 2026.
https://www.naati.com.au/migration-assessments/ccl/ - Source 5: Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Points-tested stream. Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government), checked 31 October 2026.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-tested
Aptia Skills is independent. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by NAATI, the Department of Home Affairs or any exam body. We do not promise a pass.