English language proficiency
You need to show evidence of English language proficiency when you apply for first-time accreditation in NSW.
What is English language proficiency?
English language proficiency is the ability to speak, write, read, and comprehend the English language effectively when interacting and communicating with others.
Every teacher in NSW needs to be able to communicate effectively in English to support student literacy development. Effective English helps you to communicate professionally with the students or children in your care, as well as with parents, guardians, colleagues, and other members of the community.
How to show evidence of English language proficiency
If all your qualifications are from Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada, and/or Republic of Ireland, the transcripts and degree certificates (testamurs) you share with NESA are evidence you have English language proficiency.
NESA considers English to be the main official language in the above countries in line with the Australian Government’s skilled migration policy.
You need to show evidence of English language proficiency if you have any qualifications from a country that is not from the list above.
You must provide 1 of these 2 options:
- Results from a NESA approved English language proficiency test (ELPT)
- An application for an English language proficiency test (ELPT) exemption. Your application must address at least 2 of the criteria.
Requirements for English language proficiency tests (ELPTs)
In your application for accreditation, you need to provide results from 1 approved in-person English language proficiency test. Your test results (with scores listed below) must be less than 3 years old.
Tests approved by NESA
If you sit either of the following tests more than once, you can submit your combined results, as long they are at or above the scores listed here.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic)
Score of 7 or higher in reading and writing
Score of 8 or higher in speaking and listening
The International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR) (teacher focused)
Score of Level 4 or higher in all 4 skill areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Book ISLPR teacher-focused test
Evidence required to meet the criteria for an ELPT exemption
NESA may grant you an exemption if your level of previous English experience shows that it would be unreasonable for you to sit an English Language Proficiency test.
To seek an exemption:
- Gather your documents including the application form (PDF 196.22KB) and relevant supporting evidence for 2 criteria outlined in the table below.
- In the ‘Supporting Documents’ section of your Statement of Accreditation application in eTAMS, upload the completed application form and supporting evidence. Select, ‘Language Test exemption’ from the drop down. You can upload multiple documents.
- Submit your Statement of Accreditation application.
| Criterion | Description | Evidence required |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Teaching experience | At least 3 years’ teaching experience in the English language in a school or early childhood service where English is the main, official language. | A letter of reference on official letterhead from the principal or service director (or equivalent) from the school(s) or early childhood service(s), which has:
You may provide letters of reference from more than 1 employer to meet the 3-year requirement. (Evidence/experience that is not accepted: Work experience as a tutor, academic, educator, home-schooling instructor, coach, extra-curricular instructor/coordinator, teacher’s aide, student learning support officer, or similar.) |
| 2. Professional work experience | At least 3 years’ employment in a profession requiring effective English oral and written communication | A letter of reference on official letterhead from the employer which has:
You may provide letters of reference from more than one employer to meet the 3-year requirement. (Evidence/experience that is not accepted: statements of service, role descriptions, contracts, pay slips.) |
| 3. Secondary schooling | Evidence of completing all secondary schooling in Australia or a country where English is the main official language | Certificates, reports, or an official letter from one or more school(s) confirming that all secondary schooling (equivalent to Years 7-12 in NSW) was completed in an eligible country. (Evidence/experience that is not accepted: letters from teachers or pastoral care leaders, for example year advisors.) |
| 4. Teacher registration/licencing | Teacher registration or licencing in a country where English is the main official language
| Evidence of teacher registration in an eligible country such as a registration card, certificate, or letter from the registration authority. (Evidence/experience that is not accepted: workplace-based licences, permissions to teach, QTS or skills assessments.) |
| 5. Additional tertiary study | Completed further tertiary study recognised at AQF level 5 (diploma) or above in Australia or a country where English is the main official language
| Official documents such as transcripts or degree certificates (testamurs) showing the:
(Evidence/experience that is not accepted: study below AQF level 5 (such as Certificate III or IV) training and development courses (such as a First Aid Certificate), or Australian teaching degrees that do not include LANTITE.) |
If you have not provided all evidence that meets at least 2 criteria as shown in the table above, you will be required to complete and submit results from a NESA-approved English language proficiency test.
How long will my application take to process?
You can check the status of your application for accreditation in your NESA online eTAMS account.
Exemption applications are assessed by a panel, which increases the processing time for your application. NESA may also contact your referees as part of the application review process.
The time it takes to process your application will also increase if you do not provide all the required evidence for an ELPT exemption.