Exam overview
What to expect on test day
Format & structure
| Test format | Online, remote-proctored |
| Number of dialogues | 2 dialogues |
| Segments per dialogue | 9 segments |
| Languages | Indonesian ↔ English |
| Direction | Both ways (bidirectional) |
| Total duration | Approximately 30 minutes |
Scoring & results
| Points per segment | 0–5 points |
| Maximum per dialogue | 45 points |
| Total maximum score | 90 points |
| Overall pass mark | 63 / 90 |
| Per dialogue minimum | 29 / 45 |
| Results | Emailed within 3–4 weeks |
What to know before you sit
| Equipment needed | Computer, webcam, microphone, quiet room |
| Allowed materials | None — no dictionaries, notes, or aids |
| Segment repeats | One repeat allowed per dialogue without penalty; further repeats incur a 3-point deduction |
| What is tested | Accuracy, completeness, register, and key term transfer |
| Test validity | CCL credential is valid for 3 years from date of award |
| Visa points | 5 immigration points awarded on passing |
Key vocabulary by topic
Essential Indonesian-English terms for the most common exam domains
Medical
Legal
Government & Centrelink
Employment
Exam tips
Practical strategies that make a real difference on test day
Use short, complete sentences
Do not try to translate word-for-word. Aim for natural-sounding sentences that convey the complete meaning. Examiners reward meaning transfer, not literal translation. Breaking long utterances into shorter complete sentences improves both clarity and accuracy.
Stay in the first person
The CCL exam requires first-person interpretation — say "I have a headache" not "He says he has a headache." Switching person is one of the most common mistakes and will cost you marks. Stay in the same person as the speaker throughout the segment.
Do not add or omit information
Only interpret what was said. Do not add explanations, cultural notes, or your own commentary. Equally, do not skip numbers, names, or key terms — every piece of information in the source utterance should appear in your interpretation. Omissions are penalised.
Learn topic-specific vocabulary in advance
Uncertainty about a term costs valuable seconds and often leads to omissions under pressure. Study the vocabulary in each topic area before your exam. When you hear a familiar term, you can interpret it immediately without losing your place in the segment.
Maintain the register of the original speaker
Match the formality level of the source. If a doctor speaks formally, your interpretation should also be formal. If a patient speaks informally, preserve that tone. Shifting register without cause is penalised, as it changes how the message is received.
Use your one free repeat wisely
You are allowed one segment repeat per dialogue without penalty. Save it for a segment where you genuinely did not catch enough to interpret accurately. Repeating a segment you already interpreted well wastes your free repeat and adds stress. Further repeats carry a 3-point deduction each.
Official resources
These links open external websites operated by NAATI. Indonesian NAATI has no affiliation with NAATI — these are provided for your convenience.
Put your knowledge into practice
Reading about the exam is one thing — practising it is what builds the skills you need on test day.
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