What is the NAATI CCL test?
The CCL (Credentialed Community Language) test checks that you can carry a conversation between English and one other language at a community level1. NAATI runs it online only1. Most people sit it for the 5 points that some Australian skilled visas give for a credentialled community language12.
Who sits the CCL test?
- People planning a points-tested skilled visa that awards community language points1.
- Speakers of one of 55 test languages, Malayalam and Filipino included1.
- Anyone with upper intermediate skills in both languages, about CEFR level B2. No course is required first1.
What happens on the day?
| Part | What it involves |
|---|---|
| The recordings | Two pre-recorded dialogues between an English speaker and a speaker of your other language1 |
| The size | About 300 words each, cut into segments of 35 words or less1 |
| Your job | A chime after each segment, then you interpret it, starting within 5 seconds13 |
| The topics | Everyday Australian situations such as health, legal, housing and insurance1 |
How is it marked?
Each dialogue is worth 45 marks. You need 63 out of 90 overall and at least 29 in each dialogue1. Marks come off for errors, so the score starts full and only goes down1. The format and marking guide has the detail.
What does a pass not give you?
A CCL pass is not a professional certification. It does not make you a certified interpreter or translator1.
A pass on a practice test gives no visa points at all1. And NAATI gives no migration advice, so check the visa side with Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before you book1.
Are 5 points worth it?
For the subclass 189 visa you need at least 65 points to be invited4. If you are a few points short, the CCL is often the quickest 5 on the table2. If you are well over, it may not change much. Only your own points total can answer that.
Where do Malayalam and Filipino speakers start?
Both languages are on NAATI's list1. Start with our free Malayalam practice or Filipino practice: text dialogues in the CCL style with model answers. Then move to NAATI's own audio downloads, because the real test is all listening5.
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: 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 3: 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 4: 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 - Source 5: Downloadable CCL practice materials by language. NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters), checked 31 October 2026.
https://www.naati.com.au/migration-assessments/ccl/downloadable-ccl-practice-materials-by-language/
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.