Delivery mode
Online
Test fee
$605
Prerequisites
Yes
Languages
36
Overview
A translator transfers a written message from one language into a written message in another language, for the purpose of communication between a writer and reader who do not share the same language.
Translators work with a range of documents, books, contracts or websites from different domains.
NAATI’s Certified Translator test is an objective assessment of the skills and competencies needed to practice as a translator in Australia. It is the highest credential available for translators under the Certification System.
All Certified Translator tests are delivered online only.
This test is currently available in the following languages:
- Arabic
- Bangla
- Burmese
- Chinese
- Croatian
- Dari
- Filipino
- French
- German
- Greek
- Hebrew
- Hindi
- Hungarian
- Indonesian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Khmer
- Korean
- Macedonian
- Malay
- Nepali
- Persian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Punjabi
- Russian
- Samoan
- Serbian
- Sinhalese
- Spanish
- Swahili
- Tamil
- Thai
- Turkish
- Urdu
- Vietnamese
Information for applicants
Before sitting the Certified Translator test with NAATI, you need to meet certain prerequisites and equipment & system requirements.
Prerequisite pathway options
There are four prerequisite pathways outlined below which explain your options.
The pathway you choose will determine what documents or evidence you need to supply with your application to NAATI, and whether you need to sit any screening tests.
When you are ready to apply, go to the ‘Apply, reschedule or cancel‘ tab for important information.
1 – Completing a qualification endorsed by NAATI
Requirements
- Completed (graduated or eligible to graduate) a NAATI endorsed translating qualification no more than three years before applying – Advanced Diploma or higher (AQF [Australian Qualifications Framework] level 6 or comparable).
What do you need to do next?
If you meet all the requirements for this pathway, you can apply to NAATI to sit the Certified Translator test. If your application is complete, you will be made eligible to select a date and pay for the test.
Finding an Endorsed Qualification to complete
You can find the full list of NAATI Endorsed Qualifications here. If you want to complete one but haven’t yet, you can apply directly to your institution of choice. Once you have completed it, come back to apply to NAATI to sit the test.
2 – Completing a non-NAATI endorsed qualification (including overseas)
Requirements
- Completed (graduated or eligible to graduate) a non-NAATI endorsed translating qualification – Advanced Diploma or higher (AQF level 6 or comparable), or an Endorsed Qualification more than three years before applying.
- Met NAATI’s standard for language competency, ethical competency and intercultural competency. This may include sitting a test with NAATI.
What do you need to do next?
If you meet all the requirements for this pathway, you can apply to NAATI to sit the test.
As your qualification was not endorsed by NAATI, you will need to submit evidence of your English proficiency with your application. Read the requirements here.
Meeting the ethical and intercultural competency prerequisites
We will assess your application (including the subjects that you studied) to determine whether you have met the ethical and intercultural competency prerequisite requirements. If not, we will let you know and will invite you to sit the Ethical Competency and/or Intercultural Competency test/s in addition to the CT test.
3 – Existing NAATI credential in another language
Requirements
- Holds Certified Advanced Translator, Certified Translator or Recognised Practising Translator in another language combination.
What do you need to do next?
If you meet all the requirements for this pathway, you can apply to NAATI to sit the CT test. In your myNAATI account, you will select the ‘Additional certifications’ application form.
If your application is complete, you will be made eligible to select a test date.
4 – Completing AQF units (e.g. Skill Set Course)
Requirements
- Completed AQF units in translation theory and/or alternate formal education assessed by NAATI as meeting prerequisite requirements, for example a 40-hour Skill Set Course. In situations where accredited training is not available, unaccredited translator training and education will be assessed by NAATI to determine its eligibility.
- Met NAATI’s standard for language competency, ethical competency and intercultural competency. This may include sitting a test with NAATI.
What do you need to do next?
If you have completed training in translation that does not fall under pathway one or pathway two, you can still apply to NAATI to sit the CT test and we will assess your eligibility. As your training was not endorsed by NAATI, you will need to submit evidence of your English proficiency with your application. Read the requirements here.
Meeting the ethical and intercultural competency prerequisites
We will assess your application (including the subjects that you studied) to determine whether you have met the ethical and intercultural competency prerequisite requirements. If not, we will let you know and will invite you to sit the Ethical Competency and/or Intercultural Competency test/s in addition to the CPI test.
Finding a Skill Set Course to complete
One of the options under this pathway is to complete what is called a Skill Set Course. These are 40-hour courses that NAATI recognises as providing foundational training required to work as a translator, and that meet some or all of NAATI’s prerequisite requirements. You can find a list of institutions who offer this option here.
Equipment & system requirements
Please read the specifications below carefully.
If you have booked your test and are concerned about your computer equipment or internet access, please email us at info@naati.com.au as soon as possible.
Equipment & system requirements
You will need the following to sit this test:
| Laptop or computer with the following: |
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| Phone or tablet (in addition to the laptop or computer): |
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| Internet connection: |
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| Other items: |
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It is your responsibility to make sure your equipment is suitable and will function for the entire test. We recommend that your electronic devices be connected to a power source for the duration of your test. Note that small screens (such as laptop screens) may make it harder for you to see everything clearly.
About the test
The Certified Translator test assesses your ability to provide quality, professional translation of complex but non-specialised written texts.
The test is delivered online only and is comprised of three tasks, each on a different topic from a different domain:
- Two translations of a non-specialised text (out of a choice of three)
- One revision of a non-specialised translation.
There are separate tests for certification in each direction (language other than English [LOTE] into English and English into LOTE). Tests in each language are run every 6 months. You can search for upcoming test dates here.
Read the detailed candidate instructions under the ‘Prepare for your test‘ tab. You can refer to our glossary of certification terms for any terms you don’t understand.
Test assessment & results
Assessment
At least 2 NAATI examiners will independently assess your performance in the test. They will assess each task separately, using assessment rubrics with 5 bands (with Band 1 representing the highest level of performance and Band 5 the lowest).
Your test responses will be marked against each criterion, outlined below.
For the Translation of a Non-Specialised Text tasks, NAATI examiners will assess your:
- Transfer competency: meaning transfer skill, follow translation brief and application of textual norms and conventions.
- Language competency: language proficiency enabling meaning transfer in the target language (either English or other language depending on the language direction of your test).
For the Revision of a Non-Specialised Translation task, NAATI examiners will assess your:
- Transfer competency: revision skills and application of translation standards knowledge.
Refer to our language policy to understand how the examiners will assess your use of language in your test.
You need to achieve at least Band 2 for each criterion, and you must pass all three tasks to pass the test.
Results & receiving your credential
NAATI aims to issue results within 8-10 weeks of the test date. We will issue results as they are finalised, so some candidates will receive their results earlier than others even if they sit the test on the same day.
If you have already passed any prerequisite screening tests (Ethical Competency and/or Intercultural Competency), we will issue your credential if you pass this test.
Supplementary testing
You must attempt all tasks and pass at least two of them to be eligible to apply for a supplementary test. You must apply for the supplementary test from your myNAATI account within 30 days of receiving your test results. The supplementary test will involve re-sitting only the failed task, but on a different topic.
You will be given the following time to complete your supplementary test:
- Translation of a non-specialised text: 90 minutes including 15 minutes set up time.
- Revision of a non-specialised translation: 75 minutes including 15 minutes set up time.
If you pass the supplementary test, NAATI will award you the Certified Translator credential in the relevant language direction. If you fail the supplementary test, this means you have failed the Certified Translator test. You can apply for another Certified Translator test with NAATI if you want to sit the test again.
How to apply
To apply for the CT test, you will need to create an account in our customer portal, myNAATI, and submit your application from there.
Please make sure you have read and understood the Terms and Conditions before applying for this test.
Step one: Register and log in to your myNAATI account and submit an application.
Step two: NAATI will process your application. You will receive an email once your application is processed (generally within a week).
Step three: Select a test date and pay the test fee.
Step one: Create a myNAATI account and submit an application
Applications for certification have to be submitted via our customer portal, myNAATI. If you have not yet created an account, please view our ‘How to register a myNAATI account’ guide.
Once logged in to myNAATI navigate to the ‘Submit an application’ icon on the homepage, then to your chosen credential. If you already hold a NAATI credential, you will select the ‘Additional certifications‘ icon instead.
Follow the prompts to complete your application, and then submit your application. If you have submitted successfully, you will receive a confirmation email. Add info@naati.com.au to your safe senders list to make sure you receive updates about your application.
Step two: NAATI will process your application
Once NAATI has assessed your application, you will be contacted to let you know what will happen next. This will usually happen within a week of applying.
The team at NAATI will let you know if you need to submit more information, such as evidence of English Proficiency, or if you need to sit an Ethical Competency or Intercultural Competency test with NAATI (for an additional fee).
If your application is complete and you have met all of the prerequisite requirements, you will be made eligible to select a test date.
Step three: Select a test date and pay the test fee.
Once you have been made eligible to select a test date, log into your myNAATI account again to select a test date. myNAATI will display the available test dates. If none are available, email us at info@naati.com.au.
When you select a test date, you will be required to pay the test fee.
Test fee summary
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Test fee $605 AUD
Each direction
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Cancellation See below
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Supplementary test $220 AUD
Conditions apply: See Test details & assessment tab
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Review of test results $275 AUD
Rescheduling or cancelling your test
Rescheduling your test date
Tests can be rescheduled up to (and including) 3 days prior to the test date.
- There is no cost to reschedule.
- Candidates are responsible for rescheduling their own test via their myNAATI account. You will need to reject your test session in myNAATI and then select another test date.
Please note: Rejecting a test session means that you will lose your place in that test session, and it may be quickly booked by another candidate. There is no guarantee you will be able to select the same test date again once you have rejected it.
It is not possible to reschedule a test within 2 days of the test session unless the candidate provides evidence of hospital admission, serious injury or an accident. This is because we “lock in” the test sessions to enable planning and preparation.
If you have been admitted to hospital, or suffered a serious injury or accident, you must provide evidence to info@naati.com.au by 8am (AET) on the test day at the very latest. This must meet the terms of the exceptional circumstances policy as detailed in our Terms and Conditions.
If your test is within the next 2 days and you can no longer attend for another reason, you will need to cancel your application (see below) and apply again.
Cancelling your test
Please follow the instructions below if you want to cancel your test.
If you decide to sit the test at a later date after cancelling your initial application, you will need to submit a new application. This will include selecting a new test session and paying the full test fee.
If your test is more than 2 days away
- You will be eligible for a refund of 75% of your test fee if you cancel a test more than 2 days before the test date.
- Follow the instructions on applying for a refund through your myNAATI account.
If your test is within the next 2 days
- To cancel a test scheduled within the next 2 days, you must email us at info@naati.com.au with your customer number so that we can cancel your test for you. You cannot reject your own test session in myNAATI if your test is scheduled within the next 2 days.
- You will not receive a refund if you cancel a test within 2 days.
If you do not attend your test on your scheduled test date, this is considered a cancellation and no fees will be refunded.
Candidate instructions
All applicants are required to read the candidate instructions in full before the test. They detail the steps you need to take before your test day, what happens on test day, and how to get support.
Note that you will need to make sure your equipment and systems are suitable for the test (found under the ‘Prerequisites & pathways‘ tab).
Preparing for your test
NAATI has developed two types of practice tests to help you prepare for your test.
Free test preparation module
NAATI has developed a test preparation module to help you get ready for your test and familiarise yourself with the format. The module is available through NAATI Learn and anyone can access it for free.
It provides you with:
- Practice tests available in 30+ languages, plus an English into LOTE (non-language specific) option, with more languages to be added
- Access to the Certified Translator testing platform, allowing you to practice using the system and ensure any script fonts you intend to use are compatible
- Practice both the translation and revision tasks.
To access the preparation module, click here. You don’t need to create an account. Just select the CT Preparation Module from the dashboard.
These materials are © National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd 2023 and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of NAATI.
Paid assessed practice tests
You have the option of paying to take a practice test which will be assessed by NAATI examiners.
The paid assessed practice tests offer candidates the advantage of taking the test in the same conditions as you will experience during your upcoming test, including proctoring and live help and support, and the tests will be marked by NAATI examiners with the same marking rubrics and scores. These practice tests provide a good indication of the complexity and style of NAATI testing, as they use previously used test materials. You will receive feedback from examiners which will help you determine your readiness for the actual test.
| Cost | $165 (incl GST) |
| Time | 75 minutes |
| Test format | 1 x 250 word non-specialised translation text from LOTE to English or English to LOTE |
| Marking | The CT test is marked as per the Certification Rubrics |
| Results | Results will be issued to candidates within 4 to 6 weeks |
The CT practice test is conducted in the same manner as the regular test, however, only contains one translation task (instead of 2) and no revision task. Practice tests are marked by fewer examiners than regular tests, and the results received are not able to be used to contribute to future tests or to work as a Certified Translator.
Passing the practice test does not guarantee a pass in an actual test.
How to apply for a paid assessed practice test
- Log into your myNAATI account.
- Select “Submit an Application”
- Select “Practice Test”
- Enter details for your application, there is no checking required by NAATI for these practice tests, so you’ll be made instantly eligible.
- On your myNAATI homepage select “Manage My Tests”
- Select a practice test session and make payment.
Practice test candidates will receive test materials that they have not previously seen and the domains that they come from will vary. Where there are no unseen practice materials available candidates will have the option of a full refund or taking a previously seen practice test again.
List of error categories and whitelist of online resources
As part of preparing yourself for the revision of a non-specialised translation task, you should familiarise yourself with the error types that you may encounter in the text. You should also familiarise yourself with the whitelist of online resources that NAATI will allow you to access during your test.
A copy of the relevant list will be supplied as part of the test material.
Support
If you need help before you have booked into a test, email us at any time at info@naati.com.au.
On your test day, NAATI’s Digital Testing team will be available via live chat during your test to assist with any technical issues or you can get help by emailing onlinetesting@naati.com.au.
Useful resources
Frequent questions
Download the handy CT test factsheet as a PDF or view the answers to some of our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Next steps
Learn more about the importance of recertification for all NAATI certified practitioners, and the job and professional development opportunities available to you.
Guides
Need help with your application? View our handy guides below to help navigate the application process.
