English Language Requirements


ESSA requires all individuals seeking initial accreditation to show English language competence. ESSA’s English Language Policy  describes the requirements.


This must be equivalent to a score of 7 on the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS).

Still not sure whether you need to sit a test? Take our short quiz here to find out if you need to supply an English Language test or if you meet one of the exemptions.

Accepted test results:


IELTS

TOEFL iBT

PTE (Academic)

C1 (Advanced)

Overall

7

94

65

B (185)

Listening

7

24

65

B (185)

Speaking

7

23

65

B (185)

Reading

7

24

65

B (185)

Writing

7

27

65

B (185)

 

FAQs


Do I need to sit an English language test?
If you have completed all your schooling in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK or USA you do not need to sit an English language test.

If you are from another country and your native language is NOT English, you may need to sit a test. You can take our short quiz here to find out if you need to sit a test.

Which tests are accepted by ESSA?
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic
  • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test)
  • PTE (Academic Pearson Test of English Academic)
  • C1 Advanced

Occupational English Tests (OET) and IELTS General are not accepted tests.

When do I need to supply evidence of English language?
You only need to supply evidence of an accepted English language test score with your accreditation application if you DO NOT meet one of the exemptions.

If you meet one of the exemptions, you can sign the declaration on the application form. You should keep evidence at home in case ESSA ever requests it.

What is acceptable evidence of meeting an English language exemption?
Evidence could include:
  • Academic transcripts of all your formal education in English
  • Letters from employers confirming your work history in English (if you have achieved an accepted English language test score that is more than 2 years old)

    • If you meet one of the exemptions, you do not need to supply it with your ESSA application- simply keep it at home.

    What if I don’t achieve a high enough score on my English language test?
    Test scores must meet the level set in ESSA’s English Language Policy to be accepted.

    If you sit the test again within 6 months of the first test and achieve the overall required score both times, you can combine scores from the sub-categories to have a valid test.

    For example:
    First sitting: 7 Overall, 7 Reading, 7 Writing, 6.5 Speaking, Listening 6.5
    Second sitting: 7 Overall, 7 Reading, 6.5 Writing, 7 Speaking, Listening 7

    How do I know if my test is valid?
    Test results are valid if:
    • It is one of the tests accepted by ESSA AND
    • Results meets the minimum scores outlined in ESSA’s policy AND
    • Results are not more than 2 years old*
    *Results can be more than 2 years old if you have been studying or working continuously in English since you sat the test. Please note, you will need to provide evidence, such as an Academic transcript, or a letter from an employer.


    Updated September 2023