CELPIP, MET & LanguageCert: Australia's New English Tests Explained (2026 Guide)

What Changed and Why It Matters

On 7 August 2025, the Australian Government updated the Migration Regulations 1994 to add three new English language tests to the approved list for visa applications. This means applicants for subclasses including the 189 Skilled Independent, 190 State Nominated, and 491 Skilled Work Regional visas - as well as the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa - can now submit results from any of the following eight approved tests:

This expansion reflects the Government's broader strategy to reduce barriers for skilled migrants while maintaining assessment integrity. For applicants, it means more flexibility to find a test format that suits your strengths - particularly if you have historically underperformed on IELTS or PTE. If you are already familiar with the longstanding options, our detailed comparison of IELTS vs OET vs PTE remains a useful reference - this guide focuses specifically on the three new additions.

The practical impact is significant. Some applicants consistently score well in certain test formats but not others. CELPIP, for example, is entirely computer-based with shorter tasks, which may suit test-takers who find the IELTS speaking interview format stressful. LanguageCert uses a live video interview for the speaking component, offering a middle ground between face-to-face and fully automated scoring. These structural differences can translate directly into higher scores - and higher scores mean more points.

Score Mapping: How the New Tests Compare

The most critical question for any points-tested visa applicant is: what scores do I need to claim Competent, Proficient, or Superior English? The table below maps the new tests against the established benchmarks.

Competent English (0 points - minimum requirement for most skilled visas)

Proficient English (10 points)

Superior English (20 points)

This is a critical strategic consideration. The difference between Proficient (10 points) and Superior (20 points) can be the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting indefinitely. With 189 visa invitations typically requiring 80-90+ points, those 10 extra points from Superior English are often the deciding factor.

Who Benefits Most from These New Tests?

The introduction of three new test options does not affect everyone equally. Here is a breakdown of which applicants stand to gain the most.

Scenario 1: The IELTS Plateau

If you are a skilled worker who consistently scores IELTS 7.0 in three bands but cannot break through in Writing (a notoriously difficult band to score 8.0 in), CELPIP or LanguageCert could be your breakthrough. CELPIP's writing section uses shorter, more structured tasks that many test-takers find more predictable than the IELTS essay format. LanguageCert Academic's writing thresholds, while high for Superior (89), may suit candidates whose writing style aligns better with PeopleCert's assessment criteria.

Scenario 2: The Canadian Connection

CELPIP-General is the dominant English test in Canada's immigration system. If you previously lived or studied in Canada and already hold a valid CELPIP result (taken at a secure test centre on or after 7 August 2025), you can now submit that same result for your Australian visa application. This eliminates the need to sit an entirely new test - saving both time and money.

Scenario 3: Regional and Offshore Applicants

Test centre availability matters. CELPIP currently offers testing in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth - covering Australia's four largest cities. However, if you are applying from overseas, the MET and LanguageCert networks may offer test centres in locations where IELTS or PTE centres are scarce. LanguageCert, in particular, has a rapidly expanding global network with centres across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Scenario 4: Employer-Sponsored Applicants (SID/482)

Under the Skills in Demand (SID) visa framework, the English language requirement varies by stream. For the Core Skills stream (CSIT: $76,515), Competent English is typically sufficient. For the Specialist Skills stream (SSIT: $141,210), the requirement may be waived entirely. Having more test options means employer-sponsored applicants can meet their English requirements more efficiently - and employers can onboard nominated workers faster.

Use our GSM Points Calculator to see how your English score impacts your total points.

Test Format Comparison: Which Test Suits You?

Choosing the right test is not just about scores - it is about test format, preparation style, and personal comfort. Here is how the three new tests compare structurally.

Approximate Test Fee Comparison (AUD, 2026)

Fees are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm pricing directly with the test provider at the time of booking.

Your English Points Strategy: What to Do Now

Whether you are preparing for a 189, 190, or 491 visa, here is a practical action plan to maximise your English points using the new test options.

Step 1: Determine Your Points Target

Use our GSM Points Calculator (linked above) to calculate your current score. Identify how many points you need from English to reach a competitive total. Remember:

• 65 points is the minimum to lodge an EOI
• 80-90+ points is typically needed for a 189 invitation
• 70-80 points is often competitive for 190 state nomination (varies by state and occupation)

Step 2: Assess Your English Strengths

If you have sat IELTS or PTE before and received your score breakdown, look at which skills you excelled in and which held you back. Then match your profile to the test format:

• Strong at structured, short writing tasks? → Consider CELPIP
• Comfortable speaking to a camera but not a person? → Consider CELPIP or MET
• Prefer a live human for the speaking interview? → Consider LanguageCert
• Only need Competent or Proficient (not Superior)? → MET is a viable option
• Healthcare professional? → OET remains the specialist choice

Step 3: Check Test Centre Availability

Before committing to a test, verify that a secure, in-person test centre is available in your city or country. Remember - online and at-home versions are not accepted.

• CELPIP centres in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
• MET and LanguageCert: Check official provider websites for centre availability in your location

Step 4: Book and Prepare

Allow at least 4-6 weeks of dedicated preparation for any new test format. While the underlying English skills are the same, test-specific strategies (time management, task structure, marking criteria) differ significantly between tests.

Step 5: Verify Your Occupation Eligibility

Before investing in English test preparation, confirm that your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list. Use our ANZSCO Occupation Search tool to check your occupation's visa eligibility across the 189, 190, 491, and SID pathways.

Key Considerations and Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Assuming All Levels Are Available for All Tests

As noted above, MET does not currently qualify for Superior English. If your strategy depends on 20 English points, crossing MET off your list early saves wasted preparation time.

Mistake 2: Taking the Online Version

All three new tests offer online or remote versions for other purposes (academic admission, professional certification). However, the Department of Home Affairs only accepts results from secure, in-person test centres. If you accidentally book the online version, your result will be rejected.

Mistake 3: Using an Old Result

Only results from tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 are accepted. Even if you have a perfect CELPIP score from July 2025, it cannot be used for Australian visa purposes.

Mistake 4: Treating Skills Assessment and Visa English as the Same Thing

This is a critical blind spot for many applicants. The Department of Home Affairs accepts these new tests for visa points, but your Assessing Authority may not accept them for your Skills Assessment. For example, AITSL (Teachers) only accepts Academic IELTS, and ANMAC (Nurses/Midwives) only accepts IELTS, OET, PTE, TOEFL, and Cambridge. They do not accept CELPIP, MET, or LanguageCert.

The Solution: The "Dual-Test Strategy" You are legally allowed to use one test to pass your skills assessment, and a different test to claim visa points. For instance, a teacher who is stuck at IELTS 7.0 (Proficient) can use that IELTS score to secure their AITSL Skills Assessment. They can then take CELPIP-General to score 10 in all bands, submit that CELPIP result to Home Affairs, and claim 20 points for Superior English.

Case Study: Sarah, Early Childhood Teacher Sarah needs 85 points for a 189 visa invitation. She currently has 65 points. She needs 20 points for Superior English to reach her goal.

• Challenge: The AITSL skills assessment for Early Childhood Teachers requires Academic IELTS (7.0 in Reading/Writing, 8.0 in Speaking/Listening). Sarah passes this strict AITSL requirement but cannot score 8.0 across all bands to claim Superior English for her visa.
• The Dual-Test Solution:
  1. Skills Assessment: Sarah submits her Academic IELTS result to AITSL and successfully receives her positive skills assessment.
  2. Visa Points: Sarah books a CELPIP-General test. Because she finds the CELPIP format more intuitive, she scores 10+ in all four bands.
  3. Result: When lodging her EOI, Sarah uses her AITSL outcome letter to prove her skills, and her new CELPIP TRN to claim 20 points for Superior English. She reaches 85 points and secures her invitation.

How First Migration Can Help

Choosing the right English test is a strategic decision that should align with your overall visa pathway, points profile, and timeline. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents can:

• Analyse your points profile and determine whether targeting Proficient or Superior English is the right strategy
• Recommend the best test based on your strengths, location, and visa timeline
• Review your EOI strategy to ensure you are competitive for your target visa subclass and state
• Guide your entire application from skills assessment through to visa lodgement

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice on your English testing strategy and visa pathway.