How is the CCL test run and marked?
You interpret two recorded dialogues of about 300 words each, one segment at a time1, starting within 5 seconds of each chime12. Each dialogue is marked out of 45. A pass needs 63 out of 90 overall and at least 29 in each dialogue1.
What does a dialogue look like?
- Two speakers: a native English speaker and a native speaker of your other language1.
- About half the words in each language, in segments of 35 words or less1.
- A real-life Australian setting, one topic per dialogue1.
- It all runs online on a platform called Televic, with a proctor watching through your camera1.
How do the marks work?
The test begins at 90 and marks come off for each error. Errors that damage the message cost more1.
| Error type | What loses marks |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | Leaving out, adding or changing information1 |
| Quality of language | Clumsy structure, unnatural wording, pronunciation, grammar, the wrong formality1 |
| Quality of delivery | Long pauses, hesitation, too many self-corrections1 |
Register counts too: match how formal each speaker sounds1.
What are the timing rules?
- Start interpreting within 5 seconds of the chime12.
- Keep your whole recorded performance under 20 minutes. Examiners may stop listening at 202.
- Repeat one segment per dialogue for free. Every extra repeat costs marks2.
- Take notes with a pen on loose paper only. No dictionaries or captions2.
Can a high total still fail?
Yes. A total of 63 with one dialogue under 29 is a fail1. One weak dialogue can sink a good day, so practise both directions on every topic.
When do results arrive?
Results come by email within 4 to 6 weeks1. Credentials issued since 9 August 2022 last five years1.
What if you just miss out?
If you fail with 58 or more, you can ask for a review within 30 days of your result. A review costs $18713.
How do you practise this format?
Our Malayalam and Filipino dialogues copy the shape: short segments, both directions, one topic each. Drill mode hides each segment and starts a 5-second ring, so you feel the timing even without audio12.
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: 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 2: Credentialed Community Language (CCL) Test Candidate Instructions. NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters), checked 31 October 2026.
https://www.naati.com.au/resources/candidate-instructions-ccl/ - Source 3: Fees 2026-2027. NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters), checked 31 October 2026.
https://www.naati.com.au/resources/fees/
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