What level of English language

proficiency are you?

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

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
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
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
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
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

Related blogs

4 online learning websites to boost your employability

 09 Oct 2019

read more 

4 ways being bilingual can benefit your career

 04 Mar 2020

read more