English language requirement
Meeting the English language requirement is a key part of the migration skills assessment process for applicants who want to study or work in Australia.
The English language requirements are aligned with industry expectations and registration requirements for accounting occupations.
The English language requirement may differ from other English proficiency requirements you encounter during your visa application process.
Accepted evidence of English proficiency
You can demonstrate your English language proficiency through one of the following:
- That you are a citizen of, and hold a valid passport issued by, one of the following countries:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- The Republic of Ireland
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- The United States of America
- Accounting Professional Year Program
Submit a completion certificate and academic transcript - Approved English language tests
CA ANZ accepts results from the following test providers:
|
Test Provider |
Accepted Format |
Notes |
Validity |
|
International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS Academic) |
Digital or paper-based in a secure test centre only |
IELTS Academic is required for alignment with industry standards. CA ANZ accepts IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR), allowing you to retake one component (reading, writing, speaking, or listening) once. |
Within 3 years prior applying for skills assessment |
|
Secure test centre only |
PTE Academic retains the same name as the version accepted before 7 August 2025; however, the test format and scoring have changed. |
Within 3 years prior applying for skills assessment |
|
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) |
Secure test centre only |
On January 21, 2026, TOEFL introduced an updated score scale (from 1 – 6 in increments of 0.5). For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026, you must select ‘Taking TOEFL for Australia’ during registration to ensure your test is valid for Australian visa purposes. |
Within 2 years prior applying for skills assessment (due to verification limit) |
|
Digital or paper-based in a secure test centre only |
Previously known as Cambridge English Advanced CAE. From 12 February 2024 to 6 August 2025, only paper-based test results are accepted. Results from both formats paper-based and computer-based tests, taken before 12 February 2024, within validity period, are accepted. |
Within 3 years prior applying for skills assessment |
|
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General) | Digital or paper-based in a secure test centre only | Within 3 years prior applying for skills assessment | |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUGECERT Academic) | Digital or paper-based in a secure test centre only | Within 3 years prior applying for skills assessment | |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | Digital or paper-based in a secure test centre only | CA ANZ accepts MET test results that include Single Section Retake (SSR) | Within 3 years prior applying for skills assessment |
Minimum scores by test component
Table 1 – Proficient English approved tests taken and scores on or after 7 August 2025
|
Test |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
Speaking |
|
IELTS Academic |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
PTE Academic |
58 |
59 |
69 |
76 |
|
TOEFL iBT |
|
|
|
|
| (0-120 Scales) |
22 |
22 |
26 |
24 |
|
(1-6 Scales) |
5 |
4.5 |
5 |
4.5 |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced |
175 |
179 |
193 |
194 |
|
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General) |
9.0 |
8.0 |
10.0 |
8.0 |
|
LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic) |
67 |
71 |
78 |
82 |
|
Michigan English Test (MET) |
61 |
63 |
74 |
59 |
Table 2 – Proficient English approved tests taken and scores on or before 6 August 2025
|
Test |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
Speaking |
|
IELTS Academic |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
PTE Academic |
65 |
65 |
65 |
65 |
|
TOEFL iBT |
24 |
24 |
27 |
23 |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced |
185 |
185 |
185 |
185 |
Application requirements
- You must include a valid English language test report with your application, including reassessments.
- Submitting invalid or incomplete test results, failing to present a test results, or failing to demonstrate the required language score may result in a not suitable outcome.
Application without an English test
- You may request an assessment without an English test if you only want to check whether additional study is needed to meet competency areas. However, this will result in a not suitable outcome.
- You can apply for a reassessment once you complete the required studies and submit a valid English test result.
- If you apply for a combined assessment, you must provide English test results.
Online or at-home tests
CA ANZ does not accept results from online or at-home versions of English tests, including:
- IELTS Online
- IELTS Indicator
- PTE Academic Online
- TOEFL iBT – Home Edition
Only tests taken at secure test centres are accepted.
Verification process
CA ANZ verifies all English language test results directly through the provider’s portal to ensure authenticity and compliance.
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Get in touchDisclaimer
The content on this website is provided for general information purposes and may not take into account detail that could be significant in your particular context. The website and its content is not a substitute for reading and understanding (as applicable) the Chartered Accountants ANZ’s Member Handbook, constitutional documents, legislation, regulations, professional guidelines or other applicable laws, or where necessary, obtaining specific advice regarding a specific issue.
