Temporary acceptance of additional English language tests effective 21 February 2022

21 Feb 2022

National Boards are aware many English language tests have been temporarily disrupted because of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Applicants who need to use the English language test pathway to meet the English language skills registration standard may have had difficulty accessing tests.

Acknowledging the exceptional circumstances of COVID-19 and, in an effort to be responsive, National Boards have approved a temporary policy position that means the following English language tests will be accepted for applications open or received from 21 February 2022:

• the OET computer-based test and the OET@home test for applications received until 21 February 2023, and
• the TOEFL iBT® Home Edition for applications received until 1 June 2022.

It is important to note that all other requirements as set out in the relevant Board’s English language skills registration standard will still apply, please see the relevant National Board’s website for more information. There are no changes to any other requirements in the standards such as minimum test scores.

The National Boards are currently reviewing the standards and as part of this will carry out wide ranging consultation on any proposed changes. The review of the standards will include considering these additional test modes. Although widely used in education settings, the use of remote proctoring for English language tests for registration is relatively new. As part of the review, National Boards will be carefully considering approaches of other similar regulators, available evidence and the details of the security arrangements in place.

For more information

• See the relevant National Board’s website for the English language skills registration standard.
• The following pages on the Ahpra website contain useful information for applicants:
  • English language skills registration standards
  • COVID-19 updates
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 9285 3010 (overseas callers).