CELPIP Scores for Australian PR: Competent, Proficient and Superior English
By Megan · Scores and immigration · Published · 4 min read
Since 7 August 2025, Australia has accepted CELPIP-General for visa applications, including the points-tested skilled visas. If you are using CELPIP for Australian permanent residence, the question is simple: which CELPIP levels move you from Competent to Proficient or Superior English, and how many points is that worth? This post uses the scores in Home Affairs' published instrument (LIN 25/016) at the time of writing. Rules and points can change, so confirm them on the Home Affairs website before you apply.
What CELPIP score gives 10 or 20 points for Australian PR?
Proficient English, worth 10 points, needs at least CELPIP 9 in Listening, 8 in Reading, 10 in Writing and 8 in Speaking. Superior English, worth 20 points, needs at least 10 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and 12 in Writing.
| English level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 (meets the minimum) |
| Proficient | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 10 |
| Superior | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 | 20 |
Competent English, at least CELPIP 7 in every skill, is the usual minimum for the 189, 190 and 491 visas. It earns no points on its own, but without it you cannot apply.
Why does Writing matter most for Australian points?
Because Australia asks for a higher CELPIP level in Writing than in any other skill. Proficient needs Writing 10 while Reading and Speaking need only 8, and Superior needs Writing 12, the highest level CELPIP gives.
In practice, many CELPIP test takers reach their Proficient targets in Reading and Speaking well before Writing. If you are planning a retake for points, your Writing result is usually the one to plan around.
Do my four CELPIP scores get averaged?
No. Home Affairs checks each skill against its own minimum, and your English level is the highest level where every skill meets the line. One weak skill pulls the whole result down.
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | English level | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | Competent | 0 |
| 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | Proficient | 10 |
| 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | Proficient | 10 |
| 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 | Superior | 20 |
| 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | Vocational (below Competent) | Not eligible for visas that need Competent |
The third row is worth noticing: almost perfect results still earn only 10 points if Writing is 11 instead of 12.
How do CELPIP scores compare with IELTS and PTE for Australia?
Home Affairs publishes a minimum for every accepted test in the same table. For IELTS, Competent is 6 in each skill, Proficient is 7 and Superior is 8. PTE Academic and CELPIP both use different minimums for each skill.
| English level | CELPIP-General | IELTS (Academic or General Training) | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 6 / 6 / 6 / 6 | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 |
| Proficient | 9 / 8 / 10 / 8 | 7 / 7 / 7 / 7 | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 |
| Superior | 10 / 10 / 12 / 10 | 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 |
No test is easier for everyone. CELPIP suits people who prefer a computer-based test with everyday, practical content and human raters for Writing and Speaking. If you already hold a good IELTS or PTE result, there is little reason to switch.
Should I aim for Proficient or Superior with CELPIP?
Aim for Proficient first. It is worth 10 points and needs CELPIP 10 in Writing, which is demanding but realistic with focused practice. Superior adds another 10 points but needs a perfect Writing level of 12.
Work out how many points you need for a realistic invitation in your occupation and state, then decide. If 10 points from Proficient gets you there, put your effort into a reliable Writing 10 rather than chasing a 12 that few test takers reach.
How long is a CELPIP score valid for Australian PR?
Home Affairs sets its own time limit, separate from CELPIP's two-year validity for Canada. For skilled visas the test generally needs to have been taken within three years before you are invited to apply, but check the rule on your visa's page.
How can I tell if I'm ready for Proficient?
Take a timed practice test and look at each skill separately against 9 / 8 / 10 / 8. Pay most attention to Writing, and practise under exam timing, because rushed endings and missed task points are the usual reasons a Writing result falls one level short.
The free CELPass diagnostic estimates your level in each skill in about 25 minutes. Results are shown as CLB levels, which are the same numbers as CELPIP levels, so a CLB 10 estimate in Writing is a CELPIP 10.
Frequently asked questions
Does Australia accept CELPIP for the 189, 190 and 491 visas?
Yes. Home Affairs accepts CELPIP-General for Competent, Proficient and Superior English from 7 August 2025, which are the English levels the points-tested skilled visas use.
Is a CELPIP 12 needed for Superior English in Australia?
Only in Writing. Superior English needs CELPIP 12 in Writing and at least 10 in Listening, Reading and Speaking.
Keep reading
CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.