What is National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters?
NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the peak body responsible for setting national standards and accrediting translators and interpreters in Australia. Established by legislation, NAATI maintains a national register of professional translators and interpreters and is the sole authority recognised by the Department of Home Affairs for skills assessment of these occupations in the Australian skilled migration system.
For skilled migration purposes, NAATI assessment confirms that an applicant has demonstrated professional competency in translation or interpreting—either through formal qualification, industry experience, or examination. NAATI accreditation or certification is mandatory for translators and interpreters applying for points-tested skilled visas (189, 190, 491, etc.) and employer-sponsored visas (482, 186, 494).
NAATI operates two primary assessment streams: Accreditation (for those with recognised formal qualifications in translation or interpreting) and Certification (for experienced professionals without formal qualifications). Both pathways require demonstration of proficiency through examination or documented evidence of professional practice.
Which visas require a NAATI skills assessment?
NAATI assessment is required for translator and interpreter occupations across all points-tested skilled visa subclasses and employer-sponsored visa programs.
A positive NAATI assessment satisfies the skills requirement for translator and interpreter occupations, enabling applicants to progress to visa application once points threshold and other criteria are met. For employer-sponsored visas (482, 186, 494), NAATI assessment typically occurs as part of the sponsorship nomination process.
How NAATI assessment works
The NAATI assessment process varies depending on your qualifications and experience, but generally involves submitting an application with supporting documents, followed by either direct accreditation approval (for recognised qualifications) or formal examination (for certification applicants).
- Determine your eligible assessment pathway: Accreditation (recognised formal qualification) or Certification (professional experience).
- Prepare required documents, including proof of identity, educational qualifications, professional experience letters, and language proficiency evidence.
- Submit your application online via the NAATI portal with certified copies of all supporting documents.
- For Accreditation: NAATI reviews your formal qualifications; approval confirms recognition of your translator/interpreter qualification.
- For Certification: NAATI schedules your examination in your language pair(s); you sit a written or oral exam demonstrating professional competency.
- Receive assessment outcome (positive, negative, or conditional) within 12–16 weeks of application submission.
- Once approved, your credentials are registered on the NAATI public register and you receive formal certification valid for skilled migration applications.
Assessment pathways
NAATI offers two primary assessment pathways: Accreditation for applicants holding recognised formal qualifications in translation or interpreting, and Certification for experienced professionals without formal qualifications seeking to demonstrate professional competency through examination.
For applicants with recognised tertiary qualifications in translation or interpreting. NAATI reviews your degree or diploma and, if it meets national standards, grants direct accreditation without examination. Processing typically takes 8–12 weeks. Accepted qualifications include Australian Bachelor degrees, postgraduate degrees, and equivalent overseas qualifications that have been assessed by NAATI.
For experienced professionals with 2+ years of professional translation or interpreting experience but no recognised formal qualification. Applicants sit a formal NAATI examination (written or oral, depending on language pair and mode). Certification assessment takes 12–16 weeks from application to outcome. Demonstrates professional-level competency in your language pair.
For applicants with 5+ years of professional interpreting experience seeking entry-level professional accreditation without sitting a formal examination. Requires comprehensive evidence of professional practice, employer references, and client testimony. Less commonly used for skilled migration but available for experienced interpreters.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Valid passport or national identity document (certified copy).
- Birth certificate (certified copy) or evidence of identity.
- Certified copy of tertiary qualification(s): degree, diploma, or certificate in translation or interpreting.
- Official academic transcript(s) from the awarding institution showing all completed units/subjects.
- Professional experience letters on company letterhead from employers or clients, detailing your role, duration, and work performed (for Certification pathway).
- Statutory declaration(s) confirming your professional experience and competency if formal employment letters are unavailable.
- Proof of language proficiency: language qualification (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) or evidence of native/near-native competency.
- Two professional references from clients, employers, or senior colleagues attesting to your translation/interpreting competency.
- Curriculum vitae detailing professional history, qualifications, and language pairs.
- Any NAATI examination results, if previously undertaken.
All documents must be certified by an authorised certifier (lawyer, notary, justice of the peace, or official body). Overseas qualifications must be provided as certified copies; some may require English translation by a qualified translator or NAATI-accredited translator.
NAATI assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| NAATI Accreditation (Tertiary Qualification Assessment) | AUD 550 |
| NAATI Certification Examination (Written, per language pair) | AUD 680 |
| NAATI Certification Examination (Oral/Interpreting, per language pair) | AUD 750 |
| Practitioner Entry Level (PEL) Assessment | AUD 800 |
| Re-examination or reassessment (per attempt) | AUD 680–750 |
| Credential verification or duplicate certificate | AUD 45–90 |
Assessment outcomes
NAATI issues one of three outcomes:
A positive NAATI assessment means your translation or interpreting qualifications or competency have been recognised at the professional standard required for Australian skilled migration. Your accreditation or certification is registered on the NAATI public register, and you receive a formal certificate valid indefinitely for skilled migration purposes. This satisfies the skills requirement for translator and interpreter occupations on 189, 190, 491, 482, 186, and 494 visas.
A negative assessment means your qualifications or examination performance did not meet NAATI's professional standard. You may request a reassessment or re-examination, typically after gaining additional experience or further study. Re-examination fees apply (AUD 680–750). NAATI provides feedback on areas where improvement is needed; many applicants successfully reapply after addressing identified gaps.
NAATI offers a formal reassessment process if you disagree with a negative outcome. You may request detailed feedback on examination results and reapply after a minimum waiting period (typically 6–12 months), or after completing additional relevant study or professional experience.
Occupations assessed by NAATI
NAATI is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 271113 | Interpreter | MLTSSL |
| 271311 | Translator | MLTSSL |
| 271313 | Sign Language Interpreter | MLTSSL |