Community Language Points in the EOI: Who Is Eligible
What are community language points?
In the SkillSelect EOI points-based system, there is a little-known but potentially valuable allocation: 5 points for applicants who hold an interpreting or translating credential recognised by NAATI (the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters).
These 5 community language points can be the difference between being invited and not being invited in highly competitive rounds. They are especially valuable for applicants whose first language is one of the eligible community languages.
Conditions for the 5 community language points
To earn these 5 points, you need a NAATI credential at a recognised level. Specifically:
- Credentialled Community Interpreter (CCI): This is the most common and most relevant level for community language points. It is NAATI’s standard community interpreting credential.
- Higher levels: Certified Interpreter, Certified Translator, and Certified Conference Interpreter are also eligible.
An ordinary English qualification or a high IELTS result alone is not enough to earn these points. You must hold a NAATI credential issued after passing NAATI’s exam or recognition process.
Which languages are eligible?
NAATI issues credentials for many community languages in Australia. Vietnamese is one of the languages recognised by NAATI, with exams held periodically. This means speakers of an eligible community language have a natural advantage in obtaining this credential.
Other languages recognised by NAATI include: Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Arabic, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, and many others. The full list is published on the NAATI website and updated periodically.
How to obtain a NAATI credential
Sit a NAATI exam
The most common pathway is to register for and pass a NAATI exam. The Credentialled Community Interpreter (CCI) exam tests your ability to interpret bilingually between English and the registered language. The exam includes:
- Dialogue interpreting: interpreting back and forth between two speakers of two languages.
- Monologue interpreting: listening to a passage and interpreting it.
CCI exams for various languages are held periodically in some of Australia’s major cities.
Recognition through a qualification
If you already hold a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in translating or interpreting from a recognised institution, NAATI may recognise it directly without an exam.
Cost and preparation time
The NAATI CCI exam fee is usually in the order of a few hundred Australian dollars. Preparation time depends on your language proficiency — people with a strong language background may need 3–6 months of practice, while beginners may need longer.
Strategy: is it worth pursuing?
For applicants who are at a points threshold where 5 points can make the difference, a NAATI CCI credential is an option worth considering seriously. It is especially worthwhile when:
- You already have a community language as your mother tongue — a major natural advantage.
- You are at Proficient English or higher — the exam demands strong English.
- The 5 NAATI points would bring you into or above the cut-off for the occupation you are pursuing.
However, if 5 points still would not get you to a competitive threshold, focus first on improving your English or work experience — factors that have a larger impact.