A guide to English proficiency grading

Ever wondered where you rank when it comes to English speaking skills? Well, it’s an interesting concept to ponder, particularly when each of the five English language tests that are accepted by the Australian Government offer different rankings and scores.

So let’s explore the concept of English proficiency and how it’s measured.

English proficiency in Australia

When it comes to demonstrating English proficiency for the purposes of working or studying in Australia, the Australian Government lists five levels of proficiency, ranging from Functional English through to Superior.

Often this proficiency is demonstrated through the scores attained on recognised English language exams.

In Australia, these exams are the:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - General or Academic
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) - Also known as the C1 Advanced
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TEOFL)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• Occupational English Test (OET) - For health professionals

You can learn more about which test might be right for you here, but the big question is how do the scores and rankings of each of these tests compare, and how do they then convert to the five levels of proficiency outlined by the Australian Government?

Functional English

Functional English is the minimum English required for a number of Australian visas.

Demonstrating you have functional English involves attaining the following results in a recognised English language test:

• IELTS - An average band score of at least 4.5 based on the 4 test components of Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening.
• PTE - A total band score of at least 30 based on the 4 test components
• CAE - A total band score of at least 147 based on the 4 test components
• TEOFL - A total band score of at least 32 based on the 4 test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening
• OET - Not applicable

Vocational English

Demonstrating you have Vocational English involves attaining the following results in a recognised English language test:

• IELTS - At least 5 for each of the 4 test components
• PTE - At least 36 for each of the 4 test components
• CAE - At least 154 in each of the 4 test components
• TEOFL - At least 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking
• OET - At least B for each of the 4 test components

Competent English

Demonstrating you have Competent English involves attaining the following results in a recognised English language test:

• IELTS - At least 6 fo​r each of the 4 components
• PTE - At least 50 for each of the 4 components
• CAE - At least 169 in each of the 4 components
• TEOFL - At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking
• OET - At least B for each of the 4 test components

Proficient English

Demonstrating you have Proficient English involves attaining the following results in a recognised English language test:

• IELTS - At least 7 for each of the 4 test components​
• PTE - At least 65 for each of the 4 test components​
• CAE - At least 185 in each of the 4 test components​
• TEOFL - At least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking
• OET - At least B for each of the 4 test components

Superior English

Demonstrating you have Superior English involves attaining the following results in a recognised English language test:

• IELTS - At least 8 for each of the 4 test components
• PTE - At least 79 for each of the 4 test components
• CAE - ​At least 200 in each of the 4 test components
• TEOFL - At least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking
• OET - At least A for each of the 4 test components

Looking to take an English language test, or improve your English language speaking ability. You can search the range of courses available here.