English language tests and exemptions from testing for applicants:
- holding valid passports for certain countries
- who have completed 5 years full time study at secondary education or higher education level where the instruction conducted in English
- nominated by an SBS sponsor in relation to an occupation that will be performed at a diplomatic or consular mission of another country or Office od Authorities of Taiwan located in Australia
- nominated in an occupation that requires occupational licensing, registration or membership to perform the occupation and was required to demonstrate proficiency in English
- employed by a company operating an established business overseas and nominated by an SBS sponsor of that company or an associated entity of that company and who is paid at least $96,400 pa
The applicants must have achieved the test results required in the approved test on the test day in a single attempt at the test
The test must not be more than 3 years old on the day on which the applicant provided the evidence of the test
- IELTS overall average score of 5, with a minimum score of at least 4.5 in each band; or
- OET this is a test for medical and allied health professionals. A “B pass” is required for all 4 components of the OET; or
- TOEFL iBT: total band score of 35, with at least 3 in Listening and Reading and at least 12 in Speaking and Writing; or
- PTE (Academic): Average band score of 36, with minimum of 30 in each band; or
- CAE Advanced: Average band score of 154, with minimum of 147 in each band.
The required test scores have been increased for each English language test to:
- IELTS at least 5.0 in each test component
- OET at least B for each test component
- TOEFL at least 35 overall and at least 4 in each test component
- PTE at least 36 in each test component
- CAE at least 154 in each test component
