What Proficient English Is and When You Need This Level
Proficient English is a higher level than Competent. It is usually not mandatory for a visa but can be required in specific cases and can earn bonus points in the EOI.
Proficient English as DHA defines it
Proficient English corresponds to a person able to use English fluently in most settings. It is higher than Competent (IELTS 6.0) but lower than Superior (IELTS 8.0).
Equivalent test scores
IELTS: Each band: minimum 7.0
PTE Academic: Each skill: minimum 65
OET: Each sub-test: minimum B (the same as Competent — DHA treats OET “B” as Proficient)
TOEFL iBT: Listening: 24, Reading: 24, Writing: 27, Speaking: 23
Cambridge C1 Advanced: Each skill: minimum 185
When you need Proficient English
Waiving ELICOS (English course) fees: Some training programs waive supplementary English study if you have already reached Proficient.
Certain occupations: Some occupations on the MLTSSL may require Proficient English under occupation-specific rules (not DHA).
EOI skilled migration — bonus points: Reaching Proficient English earns 10 points in the EOI (SkillSelect), compared with 0 points for Competent only. See the article on English and EOI points.
Visa 186 (ENS) — certain special conditions: Some specific cases under visa 186 may require Proficient.
Comparing the three levels
| Level | IELTS | PTE | EOI points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 6.0 | 50 | 0 points |
| Proficient | 7.0 | 65 | 10 points |
| Superior | 8.0 | 79 | 20 points |
Strategy for reaching Proficient
The gap from IELTS 6.0 to 7.0 can take considerable time. Some people find PTE easier to score higher at the Proficient level. See the article on resitting English tests for more.