When you tackle one of the five English language tests recognised by the Department of Home Affairs, there are several proficiency levels you can achieve; Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient (for points tested Skilled visas) and Superior (for points tested Skilled visas).
Functional English is the total, average or overall score across the test components. It requires applicants to achieve the following scores:
- 4.5 for IELTS
- 32 for TOEFL iBT
- 30 for Pearson
- 147 for CAE
- An assessment from the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
- The appropriate education criteria.
Vocational English requires applicants to achieve a score of:
- 5 for each component of IELTS
- At least B for each component of OET
- 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking (TOEFL iBT)
- 36 in all components for Pearson
- 154 for each component of CAE
Competent English requires applicants to achieve a score of:
- 6 for each component of IELTS
- At least B for each component of OET
- 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking (TOEFL iBT)
- At least 50 for all components of Pearson
- At least 169 for each component of CAE
Proficient English requires applicants to achieve a score of:
- At least 7 for each component of IELTS
- At least B for each component of OET
- 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking (TOEFL iBT)
- At least 65 for all components of Pearson
- At least 185 for each component of CAE
Superior English requires applicants to achieve a score of:
- At least 8 for each component of IELTS
- A for each component of OET
- 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking (TOEFL iBT)
- At least 79 for all components of Pearson
- At least 200 for each component of CAE
For more details on English Language proficiency, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Useful Links:
English language tests – Which one is right for you?
Courses that can lead to permanent residency in Australia
