Do you know that there is more than ONE English exam?

For many years IELTS has always been the preferred method of English language test within the Department. However many applicants may not be aware that there are now other English exams accepted by the Department:

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT);
2. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE);
3. Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE) – This test will only be accepted when complete on or after 1 January 2015.
4. Occupational English Test (OTE) – This English exam is specifically designed for 12 Healthcare Professionals. The tests simulate real workplace tasks and test relevant language skills for each profession. These Occupations include:

• Dentistry
• Dietetics
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Optometry
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
• Radiography
• Speech Pathology
• Veterinary Science

PTE has been very popular recently as the structure is easier to follow and it is often suggested that applicants are able to achieve a better result. It is also popular for its fast turnover time. The PTE score can be available within five business days.

As a handy reminder, the table below sets out the English score required for a 457 visa application for the various tests.

English test	Minimum band score	Minimum scores for English test components
		Listening	Reading	Speaking	Writing
IELTS test	Overall band score 5.0	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5
OET	-	B	B	B	B
TOEFL iBT	Total band score 36	3	3	12	12
PTE	Overall band score 36	30	30	30	30
CAE	Overall band score 154	147	147	147	147

Remember that the English requirements differ for permanent visa applications, Please contact us to discuss the English requirements if you are thinking of applying for a temporary or permanent visa.

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457 visa - changes to English language requirements

As of 17 April 2015 the following language tests are acceptable evidence for 457 visa applications:

(a)                International English Language Testing System (IELTS test);

(b)                Occupational English Test (OET);

(c)                Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT);

(d)               Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE);

(e)                Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE), where the test was completed on, or after 1 January 2015.

The minimum score for each IELTS component is now 4.5 but the overall band score needs to be at least 5.

The following scores apply to the remainder of the tests:

English test	Minimum band score	Minimum scores for English test components
		Listening	Reading	Speaking	Writing
IELTS test	Overall band score 5.0	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5
OET	-	B	B	B	B
TOEFL iBT	Total band score 36	3	3	12	12
PTE	Overall band score 36	30	30	30	30
CAE	Overall band score 154	147	147	147	147

 

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