The Australian Department of Home Affairs officially added LanguageCert Academic to the approved English tests list in August 2025. This means you now have more options beyond IELTS and PTE when proving English proficiency for your visa application.

If you're planning to study, work, or migrate to Australia, understanding how LanguageCert fits into your immigration journey matters. The test offers faster results, flexible scheduling, and similar scoring to other established tests. Before choosing your English test, check how it compares to PTE Score Requirements for Australia 2025 to make an informed decision.

What is LanguageCert and Why It Matters for Australian Immigration

LanguageCert Academic is a multilevel English test that assesses your ability to communicate in academic and real-life situations. The test provider, LanguageCert, is an Awarding Organisation recognized by multiple countries including the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.

The Australian government's decision to accept LanguageCert came after an extensive validation process. Fraser Cargill, LanguageCert's Regional Director, stated that "the extensive review process was one of the most comprehensive conducted by a Government body".

Current acceptance status: LanguageCert Academic is now accepted for all Australian visa categories requiring English proficiency, including student visas, skilled migration visas, and employer sponsorship visas. This recognition places it alongside IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and other established tests.

LanguageCert Test Types and Format

LanguageCert Academic consists of two main components assessing four skills:

Written Component (Listening, Reading, Writing):

  • Listening (approximately 35 minutes): Four parts testing comprehension through dialogues, conversations, lectures, and group discussions
  • Reading (50 minutes): Academic texts requiring analysis and comprehension
  • Writing (45 minutes): Essays, reports, and assignments in academic contexts

Spoken Component (Speaking):

  • Speaking (approximately 12 minutes): Live one-on-one interview with trained examiner
  • Four parts including introductory questions, extended discussion, role-play, and academic presentation

Total test duration is 2 hours and 34 minutes, slightly shorter than IELTS (2 hours 45 minutes). You can take both components on the same day or separately within 14 days, offering flexibility for busy schedules.

Delivery options:

Australian Visa Score Requirements

The Department of Home Affairs sets specific score thresholds for different English proficiency levels. Here's what you need:




What these levels mean for your visa:

Functional English is required for partner visas and some family sponsorship applications. You need an overall score of 38.

Vocational English applies to certain employer-sponsored visas in trades and hospitality sectors. Understanding 482 Visa requirements helps if you're pursuing employer sponsorship.

Competent English is the baseline for most skilled migration visas including subclass 189, 190, and 491. You receive no points but meet basic eligibility. Compare this to Australia PR Points Calculator requirements.

Proficient English adds 10 points to your skilled migration application. This often makes the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting longer.

Superior English gives you 20 points for skilled visas - the maximum English language points possible. According to official immigration data, higher English scores significantly improve invitation chances for competitive visa categories.

Comparison with Other English Tests

LanguageCert uses the Global Scale (0-100) aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Here's how it compares to IELTS and PTE:

Score Equivalencies

For Competent English (no points):

  • LanguageCert: 57-70 across skills
  • IELTS: 6.0 in each component
  • PTE: 50 in each component

For Proficient English (10 points):

  • LanguageCert: 67-82 across skills
  • IELTS: 7.0 in each component
  • PTE: 65 in each component

For Superior English (20 points):

  • LanguageCert: 80-89 across skills
  • IELTS: 8.0 in each component
  • PTE: 79 in each component

Key Differences from IELTS and PTE

Test format: LanguageCert offers a live one-on-one speaking test like IELTS, while PTE is fully computer-based. The choice depends on your comfort level with different testing styles. Read our detailed comparison in PTE vs IELTS for Australia Immigration.

Results timeline: LanguageCert delivers results within 5 business days, faster than IELTS (13 days for paper-based, 3-5 days for computer-delivered) and similar to PTE (typically 2-5 days).

Validity period: Like all accepted tests, LanguageCert results remain valid for three years from the test date for Australian visa purposes, though the certificate itself doesn't expire.

Test availability: Currently expanding in Australia with test centers through the Prometric network. Check availability in your location before planning your application timeline.

Test Preparation and Success Strategies

Preparing effectively requires understanding the test structure and practicing with official materials.

Official preparation resources:

Skill-specific preparation techniques:

Listening: Academic lectures and discussions form the core content. Practice note-taking while listening, as you'll need to complete gap-fill exercises during lectures. Focus on understanding different accents and academic vocabulary.

Reading: Academic texts require analytical skills. Practice identifying main ideas, supporting details, and author's purpose. Time management matters - you have 50 minutes for this section.

Writing: Essays and reports follow academic conventions. Structure your responses clearly with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Practice writing within time limits (45 minutes total).

Speaking: The live interview assesses fluency, pronunciation, and ability to discuss academic topics. Practice speaking for two minutes on academic subjects and answering follow-up questions. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.

Time management strategies:

  • Complete practice tests under timed conditions
  • Identify sections where you need more time
  • Don't spend too long on difficult questions
  • Review your answers if time permits

Many test-takers preparing for Australian visas also need PTE preparation. Check our guide on How to Improve Your PTE Score for additional strategies that apply across English tests.

Understanding Your Results

LanguageCert reports scores on the Global Scale (0-100) with corresponding CEFR levels:

Score interpretation:

  • B1 level: 38-56 (Functional English)
  • B2 level: 57-69 (Vocational/Competent English)
  • C1 level: 70-84 (Proficient English)
  • C2 level: 85-100 (Superior English)

Your Test Report displays:

  • Individual scores for each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
  • Overall score
  • Corresponding CEFR level
  • Detailed feedback on Writing and Speaking performance

Using scores for different visa applications:

Student visas typically require Competent English (57-70 across skills). However, some universities set higher requirements. Always verify specific institution requirements beyond visa minimums.

Skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491) require minimum Competent English, but higher scores add valuable points. For competitive occupations, Proficient or Superior English often determines success. Understanding State Nomination Requirements helps you assess target scores.

Employer sponsorship visas vary by occupation. Trade occupations may need Vocational English, while professional roles typically require Competent English minimum.

Result verification: All LanguageCert results can be verified through their secure online platform. Share your results with as many institutions as needed at no additional cost.

Making Your Decision

LanguageCert Academic offers a credible alternative for proving English proficiency in Australian visa applications. The test's official acceptance since August 2025, competitive pricing, and faster results make it worth considering.

Before booking, compare:

  • Test availability in your location
  • Your comfort with computer-based versus face-to-face speaking tests
  • Preparation materials available for each test
  • Processing times for your visa application

Most importantly, check current Australian Visa Processing Times to ensure your English test fits within your application timeline.

Need help determining which English test suits your visa pathway? Contact Desire Immigration for personalized guidance on your Australian migration journey. Our registered migration agent can assess your specific situation and recommend the best approach for your circumstances.