For applicants aiming to study or work in Australia, meeting the English language requirement is an essential step in the migration skills assessment process.

The English language requirement may sometimes differ from other English proficiency requirements you encounter throughout your visa application process.

The English language requirements are aligned with industry standards and registration for accounting occupations.

Equal evaluation

All applicants, regardless of their background or country of origin, are evaluated using the same assessment criteria. This ensures fairness and consistency in the process.

Accepted evidence

Applicants can prove their English language proficiency through the following means:

• Accounting Professional Year Program: Providing a completion certificate and academic transcript from this program.
• Approved English language tests: Results from any of the following approved providers:
  • International English Language Testing System
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced

Specific test requirements

• IELTS:
  • The IELTS Academic test may be a requirement for registration with professional bodies. Due to alignment with industry standards, we required IELTS Academic for skills assessments.
  • CA ANZ accepts IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR). OSR allows test takers to retake one of the four test components in either reading, writing, speaking or listening (once only).
• PTE Academic: CA ANZ requires the report form with the Score Report Code (SRC), which can be found at the top of the test taker’s score report, underneath their name.
• TOEFL iBT: TOEFL iBT tests that were completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. During this period, the TOEFL iBT test being offered was not an approved test.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced test: From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. Test scores for both C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests, taken before 12 February 2024, are still accepted.

Test validity

CA ANZ will accept English test results that have been undertaken within three years prior to applying for skills assessment.

What you should know:

Application requirements

• Please ensure you provide a valid English Language Proficiency test report along with your application, including reassessments.
• Providing invalid English language test results, failing to demonstrate the required English language score, or failing to present English language test results in your application may result in an immediate unsuccessful outcome.

Application without English test

• If you wish to determine if additional study is required to meet the competency areas, you may request an assessment without an English test. Be advised, however, that the assessment outcome will be negative.
• Once you have completed the necessary additional studies and the English test, you are welcome to apply for a reassessment.

At-home or online English tests

• Some test providers offer alternative versions of their tests that you can take at home or online, such as TOEFL iBT – Home Edition, OET@Home, PTE Academic Online, IELTS Online (General and Academic) and IELTS Indicator. The Department of Home Affairs has advised that home/online English language tests are not currently recognised for migration purposes.
• CA ANZ only accepts scores from approved tests undertaken at secure test centres.

Verification process

• CA ANZ will conduct thorough verification of all English language test results through the test provider’s portal to ensure authenticity and compliance.

Disclaimer

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, details or requirements. Chartered Accountants Australian and New Zealand (CA ANZ) does not provide specific advice in relation to migration or visa requirements. Enquiries relating to visa, points table and migration requirements should be directed to the Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs. You should seek independent professional advice regarding your specific circumstances and consult with the Department of Home Affairs as necessary.

For our full website terms and conditions click here.