TL;DR
This guide is for international students, graduates, skilled migrants and employer sponsored applicants who want to know if they can provide their LanguageCert Academic for an Australian visa or course, and what scores they are required to achieve.
From 7 August 2025, LanguageCert Academic has been included among the English tests approved by the Department of Home Affairs for relevant Australian visa purposes, alongside tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General and Michigan English Test.
The minimum requirements for Competent English are 57 in Listening, 60 in Reading, 64 in Writing and 70 in Speaking. Proficient English (10 points) and Superior English (20 points) need higher scores in each skill.
LanguageCert Academic Online is not eligible for Australian visas and scores obtained prior to 7 August, 2025 do not meet the requirements.
There is a wide range of institutional acceptance; the acceptance criteria of individual universities or colleges should be checked prior to test booking.
Also Read,
Is LanguageCert accepted in Australia?
Is LanguageCert recognised in Australia? The answer is yes for Australian visas. LanguageCert Academic has been approved by the Department of Home Affairs from 7 August 2025. Until then, the test was not on the department's list, meaning that older guidance to the contrary is outdated.
However, when it comes to Australia, it's not a straightforward 'yes or no'.For visa purposes, acceptance is determined by Home Affairs requirements and is linked to the test format, test date and required score. University/college admission and registration with a professional body is based upon policies of those bodies.
This guide helps to isolate those layers. It includes score tables, a comparison with IELTS, PTE, MET and CELPIP, a list of what is not accepted, and a list of ways to verify all before booking. Competent English page on Home Affairs website was last updated on 21 September 2026, and figures below match it.
Where LanguageCert is accepted and where it needs checking ?
The quickest way to read a situation is by purpose. The table below summarises it, and sections after it explain each row.
Purpose | Accepted? | What to know |
Australian visas that require English evidence | Yes | Only LanguageCert Academic, taken at a test centre on or after 7 August 2025 |
Student visa (subclass 500) | Yes | Overall score of 61 for direct entry, lower with ELICOS or an approved pathway |
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) | Yes | LanguageCert lists both Post Higher Education Work and Post Vocational Work streams |
Skilled migration points test (189, 190, 491) | Yes | Competent English is baseline, Proficient adds 10 points, Superior adds 20 |
University or college admission | Varies | Each institution publishes its own list and scores |
Professional registration or employer requirements | Varies | registration body or employer decides |
LanguageCert Academic Online (at home) | No | Not accepted for Australian visa purposes |
LanguageCert acceptance for Australian visas
What changed on 7 August 2025 ?
On 7 August 2025 the list of English tests approved for Australian visas changed. Home Affairs added CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic and Michigan English Test to the approved English tests for Australian visa purposes and also updated the minimum score requirements for several existing tests. For instance, in the case of PTE Academic, the minimum marks for each skill in the previous format have been replaced with different minimum marks per skill.
LanguageCert states that Academic is approved for Australian visa purposes where English evidence is required. However, the applicable English requirement depends on the specific visa subclass, and some visas may not require an English test.
Only test centre version counts
For Australian visa purposes, Home Affairs does not accept fully online or at-home versions of the approved English tests. For LanguageCert, applicants should select the Test Centre version. Examples of its own products are LanguageCert Academic Online, IELTS Online, CELPIP Online, OET@Home, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
For LanguageCert, it is an option at booking the Test Centre. The test centre option is only acceptable for Australian visa applications only, says LanguageCert, which recommends that applicants submit their LanguageCert Academic Test Report along with their visa applications. An individual who has taken the online version for convenience may be able to use that result for other purposes, but it cannot be used as English evidence for an Australian visa.
How long a result stays valid ?
For relevant visa purposes, English test results generally need to have been obtained within the period specified for the particular visa application. For many purposes, this is up to three years before the application, but applicants should check the requirements for their specific visa subclass. The actual terms of this restriction vary according to the subclass of visa, and it is important to read the relevant visa pages on the Home Affairs website before assuming an older result.
There is one thing that trips people up. Any LanguageCert Academic exams taken prior to 7 August 2025 are not eligible for visa use, as they were not approved when they were taken.
LanguageCert Academic score requirements for Australia
Home Affairs groups English ability into five levels. Each level has a minimum score in every one of four skills, and a strong score in one skill does not make up for a weak one. LanguageCert Academic scores below apply to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
English level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
Functional | Overall score of 38 | |||
Vocational | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 |
Competent | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
Proficient | 67 | 71 | 78 | 82 |
Superior | 80 | 83 | 89 | 89 |
Competent figures are directly from the Home Affairs Competent English page. The Proficient and Superior scores correspond to the published Home Affairs score table of LanguageCert. The Functional and Vocational figures should be checked directly against the current Home Affairs requirements for the relevant visa or pathway. They should not be treated as universal LanguageCert thresholds for every Australian visa.
Competent English
The most popular level of English for most of the skilled visas and employer sponsored visas is competent English. It is 57 for Listening, 60 for Reading, 64 for Writing and 70 for Speaking on LanguageCert Academic.
The minimum Speaking score is 70 for Competent English. This is important in preparation planning because a candidate can achieve a satisfactory score in Reading but still fail to meet the visa requirement because of a lower score in another skill.
Citizens holding valid passports issued by Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States can meet the Competent English requirement through their citizenship rather than by taking an English test, subject to the applicable visa rules. However, a test may still be required when claiming Proficient or Superior English for skilled migration points. A test result is still required when claiming Proficient or Superior English for skilled migration points, subject to the applicable visa rules.
Proficient and Superior English for points
Competent English attracts 0 points, while Proficient English attracts 10 points and Superior English attracts 20 points in the skilled migration points test. For Proficient English, the required scores are 67 in Listening, 71 in Reading, 78 in Writing and 82 in Speaking. For Superior English, the required scores are 80, 83, 89 and 89 respectively.
Candidates applying through the 189, 190 or 491 pathways should consider how Proficient or Superior English points could affect their overall points score and invitation prospects.. The principal reason is that some candidates select a test that has thresholds for which their strengths match.
Student visa (subclass 500)
The Student visa has its own English-language requirements rather than using the four-skill Competent English thresholds. For direct entry, the reported LanguageCert Academic requirement is an overall score of 61. Lower thresholds may apply where an applicant completes an approved ELICOS, foundation or pathway program. The applicable threshold depends on the type and duration of the approved study pathway, so applicants should check the current Home Affairs requirements for their circumstances.
Meeting visa threshold does not mean a university will get an offer letter, it is possible for a university to request a higher score than the visa requirement. Settings for student visas are also subject to regular change, so always check the Home Affairs student visa page for the latest information.
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
According to LanguageCert, Academic is approved for the Temporary Graduate (485) visa, both the Post Higher Education Work and Post Vocational Work streams. Students intending this pathway should review the Home Affairs visa page, as the current score requirement applies to their pathway, and does not apply to the Competent English table.
How LanguageCert compares with other approved tests
Home Affairs sets its own minimum for each test, and scales are not the same. Looking at Competent English requirements side by side shows what each test asks for.
Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
LanguageCert Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
Michigan English Test (MET) | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
The raw data is not comparable between columns because they have been scored differently by IELTS bands, PTE scores and Language Certificates. The table is intended to show how the minimum requirements differ across the approved tests. Both IELTS and CELPIP require equal scores to all skills while PTE varies among them; whereas LanguageCert has a higher numerical Speaking requirement than PTE Academic or MET at the Competent English level.
One more difference is worth knowing. Home Affairs accepts both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, while LanguageCert is accepted only as an Academic test. For a closer look at how tests differ in format and difficulty, see existing One Australia Group guides on LanguageCert Academic vs IELTS and LanguageCert vs PTE.
Universities, colleges and professional bodies
LanguageCert Academic is accepted by some Australian universities and colleges for specific admission purposes, but acceptance varies by institution and program. Some universities also publish this information. For example, the University of Melbourne lists LanguageCert Academic among the English-language tests accepted for certain programs or purposes.
There are differences in policies among organizations as well as among departments of an organization. University policies can differ from visa requirements. A university may accept LanguageCert Academic for admission while requiring a higher score than the minimum required for the visa. The best approach is to check the admission requirements for the specific program and review the list of accepted tests and required scores.
Professional registration bodies for fields such as nursing, teaching, engineering and accounting may have their own English-language requirements. Approval by Home Affairs for visa purposes does not automatically mean that a professional registration body will accept the same test. Applicants should therefore check the requirements of the relevant registration authority separately.
What is not accepted ?
There are several situations in which LanguageCert evidence may not be accepted for an Australian visa. These include taking the test online or at home, taking LanguageCert Academic before 7 August 2025, or using a LanguageCert test that is not the approved Academic test. Applicants should make sure they select the correct test and delivery format before booking.
One more issue is failing to meet the minimum score in an individual skill. Because some visa English requirements specify minimum scores for individual skills, a candidate can fail to meet the requirement even with a strong overall result. For example, a Speaking score of 68 would not meet a 70-point minimum.
How to confirm acceptance before you book ?
Start by identifying the visa subclass you are applying for and its English-language requirements. Then compare those requirements with your LanguageCert scores. It gives an idea about what is needed for that particular skill.
Next, check the format. Select Book Test Centre option for checking availability of an approved center near by your location or within reachable distance from there. The LanguageCert Academic test is conducted by computers for about two and a half hours; it yields results within five working days, and you can register up to 24 hours prior to your examination date. Fees start at about $250 for LanguageCert's own website and vary depending on location and center.
Finally, if the result is also meant for a university or a registration body, ask that organisation in writing which tests and scores it accepts. Keeping that confirmation on file removes any doubt later. step by step walkthrough in One Australia Group's guide to booking LanguageCert covers booking screens in detail.
Is LanguageCert a sensible choice for Australia?
LanguageCert is acceptable in Australia, but acceptance alone does not make it right test for every candidate. The decision usually comes down to three things: whether skill by skill thresholds suit a candidate's strengths, whether a test centre is convenient, and how soon a result is needed.
Candidates whose Speaking is their weakest skill should look closely at 70 minimum for Competent English, and those aiming for 10 or 20 points should compare Proficient and Superior thresholds across tests before committing. Anyone who is unsure can sit a practice test first and compare the results with the table above. One Australia Group page for LanguageCert Academic format, fees and preparation tips is a useful starting point, and LanguageCert score chart explains how scores map to levels.
Conclusion
Since 7 August 2025 answer to whether LanguageCert is accepted in Australia has been a firm yes for visa purposes, with three conditions attached: Academic version, a secure test centre, and right score in each of four skills. Everything beyond visa, from university entry to professional registration, depends on the policy of the organisation involved.
A practical lesson is to work backwards from requirements. Identify visa or course, read exact English level and score it needs, and only then book. For readers who want to build toward those Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking targets with structured support, One Australia Group's LanguageCert preparation resources are a natural next step, and the team can help match a target score to a realistic study plan.
FAQ
Q: Is LanguageCert accepted in Australia for PR?
Yes. LanguageCert Academic is an approved test for points tested on skilled migration visas, including 189, 190 and 491. Competent English is baseline, Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points. The test must be taken at a secure test centre on or after 7 August 2025, and the visa still depends on factors beyond English, such as skills assessment and invitation.
Q: Is LanguageCert acceptable in Australia for a student visa?
Yes. Home Affairs lists LanguageCert Academic for Student visa (subclass 500). Reported minimums are an overall score of 61 for direct entry, with lower thresholds where an applicant completes ELICOS or an approved pathway first. university may require more than visa minimum, so both figures need to be checked.
Q: Can LanguageCert Academic Online be used for an Australian visa?
No. Home Affairs does not accept tests delivered completely online, and it names LanguageCert Academic Online in its list of examples. Only the Test Centre option is valid for Australian visa applications.
Q: Is an old LanguageCert result from before August 2025 still valid?
No, not for a visa. LanguageCert Academic was not an approved test before 7 August 2025, so earlier results cannot serve as visa evidence. A new test taken at a test centre after that date is needed.
Q: Is LanguageCert easier than PTE or IELTS?
There is no reliable way to say so, because tests use different scales and formats, and difficulty depends on the person. Home Affairs sets separate minimums for each test, and LanguageCert asks for 57, 60, 64 and 70 at Competent level. Comparing practice results against those numbers is more useful than relying on general claims. One Australia Group comparisons of LanguageCert with IELTS and PTE go through format differences in detail.
Q: How long does LanguageCert take to give results, and how long is a result valid for a visa?
LanguageCert states that official results arrive within five working days. For a visa, a result from a test taken on or after 7 August 2025 generally has to fall within three years before application, subject to rules for specific visa subclass.
