LanguageCert for Australian visas
In short
Since 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs accepts LanguageCert Academic for every visa that needs English, but only when you take it at a test centre. Academic Online is not accepted. Each English level sets a minimum score for each skill, and Speaking always has one of the highest.
LanguageCert Academic minimum scores by English level
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | 38 overall | |||
| Vocational | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 |
| Competent | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
| Proficient | 67 | 71 | 78 | 82 |
| Superior | 80 | 83 | 89 | 89 |
Scores out of 100 for each skill. Functional needs an overall score only. Your visa sets which level you need.
The rules that catch people out
- Book the Test Centre version. LanguageCert Academic Online is not accepted for any Australian visa.
- It must be LanguageCert Academic. LanguageCert General and International ESOL are not on the accepted list.
- You need the minimum in every skill, not just on average.
- Results usually need to be from within 3 years of applying, and some visas ask for a more recent test.
Points for English on skilled visas
For points-tested visas such as the 189, 190 and 491, Competent English is the minimum and earns no points, Proficient earns 10 and Superior earns 20. Moving up a level can make the difference to an invitation, and Speaking is where the bar is highest.
How to prepare
Practise the skill with the highest bar first. Speaking is a live interview, so practise it out loud: Proloquent's examiner runs all four parts of the Academic Speaking test and marks you on the five official criteria. Writing is marked on the four official criteria, with comments on your own sentences. Your practice scores are estimates, so aim above the minimum.
What a practice report looks like
After each practice interview (Academic, example candidate).
Sample report for an example candidate. Yours is written about what you actually said or wrote.
A solid B2: task fulfilment & communicative effect is a strength; focus next on accuracy and range of grammar.
A solid B2 performance: you communicate clearly and complete every task. To move towards C1, link ideas more precisely, add a few complex structures, and keep talking through short pauses instead of stopping.
What’s working
You answered every question fully and your role play reached a clear outcome. In Part 4 your presentation covered both points on the card, though the conclusion was rushed.
Your longer answers were easy to follow, but you leaned on 'and' and 'also' to link ideas. Try 'on the other hand', 'as a result' or 'that's partly why'.
A good range for the topics, including 'commute', 'work-life balance' and 'cut down on'. Some repetition of 'very important' and 'nice'.
Clear and easy to understand. You paused often mid-sentence to search for words, and your intonation stayed flat when giving opinions.
What to work on
Good control of past and present tenses, but recurring errors with conditionals ('if I would have more time') and few complex structures. This is what's holding your level back.
Next steps
- Practise conditional sentences aloud: 'If I had more time, I would...'.
- Learn five linking phrases for contrast and result, and use two in every long answer.
- In Part 4, save 20 seconds of your talk for a clear conclusion.
Indicative estimate: criteria scored 0–8against LanguageCert’s assessment criteria, mapped to CEFR via the official Global Scale. Not an official LanguageCert result.
FAQ
Is LanguageCert accepted for Australian visas?
Yes. LanguageCert Academic has been accepted by the Department of Home Affairs since 7 August 2025, for every visa that needs English, when taken at a test centre.
Can I take LanguageCert Academic online for an Australian visa?
No. Home Affairs specifically does not accept LanguageCert Academic Online. Book the Test Centre version.
What LanguageCert score do I need for Competent English?
At least 57 in Listening, 60 in Reading, 64 in Writing and 70 in Speaking.
What LanguageCert score do I need for Proficient English?
At least 67 in Listening, 71 in Reading, 78 in Writing and 82 in Speaking.
What score do I need for a student visa (subclass 500)?
The student visa uses an overall score, which depends on whether you also study an English course first. Check the current figure on the Home Affairs student visa page before you book.
Is LanguageCert General accepted in Australia?
No. Only LanguageCert Academic is accepted for Australian visas.
Practise for the score you need
Start with a live Speaking interview: it's free, and Speaking has the highest bar.
Related
Sources
Checked October 2026. Proloquent is independent and not affiliated with LanguageCert or PeopleCert. Practice scores are indicative estimates, not official results.