English language requirements
1. My overseas qualifications were studied in English. Why do I still not meet the English language requirements?
It is a requirement of The Teacher Registration Act 2012 (section 18A) that applicants must have undertaken all of the components of a teaching qualification in the English language in one of the prescribed countries. The prescribed countries are Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
2. I originate from a country where English is the main language spoken and I completed my studies in English. Why is this country excluded from the TRBWA prescribed list of countries?
The prescribed countries (Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and the Republic of Ireland) are the only countries named in The Teacher Registration Act 2012. This list of prescribed countries is consistent across Australia (see the website - Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) and are the countries accepted under Australian migration policy as not requiring English language proficiency assessment.
3. Does TRBWA accept tests other than IELTS (e.g., PTE)?
No. The only English language test which is accepted by the TRBWA is the International Language Testing System (Academic) with an average of level 7.5 or more across the 4 components of listening, speaking, reading and writing and no score below level 7 in any of those components and a score of level 8 or more in the components of speaking and listening.
4. Is IELTS Academic or General required for registration?
IELTS (Academic) is the only English language proficiency test that TRBWA will accept to demonstrate English language proficiency for registration. Full details of the scores required can be found on our Registration Requirements - English language page.
5. What is the required IELTS score, and is there a different score requirement for those teaching LOTE (Languages Other Than English)?
For Full and Provisional Registration, the same IELTS score applies for teachers across all year levels and learning areas.
For Limited Registration where a nominee has been offered a position to teach, or teach in, a language other than English (LOTE), the Board may accept an IELTS (Academic) result which satisfies them that you can adequately perform the duties of the teaching position.
The following IELTS results would be sufficient:
• an average of level 6 or more across the four components of listening, speaking, reading and writing; and
• no score below level 5.5 in any of those components; and
• a score of level 6.5 or more in the components of speaking and listening.
If you were not able to meet this level, the Board may still accept a written statement from your principal stating that your English language ability is enough for you to adequately perform the duties of the teaching position.
Full details of the English language requirements for all levels of registration can be found on our Registration Requirements - English language page.
6. I have completed an IELTS test and meet TRBWA requirements, but the test is over 2 years old. Can I still use it when I apply for registration?
In this situation please submit a request for ‘exceptional circumstances’.
7. How do I meet the TRBWA English language requirements if I did not complete my teaching qualification in one of the TRBWA prescribed countries?
A full explanation of the English language options for Full, Provisional and Limited Registration can be found on our Registration Requirements - English language page
8. Am I still required to do IELTS even though my entire education was in English?
You are not required to submit IELTS results if your teaching qualification(s) were completed in English in one or more of the prescribed countries. The prescribed countries are Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
If your teaching qualification(s) were completed in English in a country other than those listed, you will need to submit IELTS test results with your application.
Full details of your other options for demonstrating English language proficiency can be found on our Registration Requirements - English language page.
9. I failed IELTS. Can I still apply under exceptional circumstances?
Unfortunately, if you are not able to achieve the required IELTS scores, it is unlikely you will meet the requirements of ‘exceptional circumstances’ for Full and Provisional Registration.
For further details about exceptional circumstances please refer to the Information Sheet – English Language – Exceptional Circumstances.
10. What specific evidence is required to support an application under exceptional circumstances?
Consideration is given to all factors and supporting evidence relevant to your mastery as a user of the English language, and all interactions with you during the application process will be used to determine your level of language competency.
Please refer to the Information Sheet – English Language – Exceptional Circumstances for full details of all evidence that will be considered as part of applications for Full, Provisional Registration or Limited Registration.
11. I can’t meet the IELTS test requirements. What other options do I have to meet the English language requirements?
A key requirement of registration is to ensure that applicants have the necessary English language skills to teach in a Western Australian school or other educational institution . The minimum IELTS scores reflect the level of English language proficiency expected of a teacher.
You may wish to consider applying for Full or Provisional Registration when you meet the minimum IELTS scores.
12. What would constitute ‘exceptional circumstances’?
Exceptional circumstances differ slightly between applications for Full/Provisional Registration and applications for Limited Registration.
Please refer to the Information Sheet – English Language – Exceptional Circumstances for a full explanation of exceptional circumstances across all types of registration.
13. Can I meet the English language requirements by completing a Graduate Diploma in Education in Australia if my other qualifications are from overseas?
Yes. One of the ways to satisfy English language requirements for Full, Provisional or Limited Registration in Western Australia is the completion of teacher qualifications in one or more of the prescribed countries. The prescribed countries are Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
14. Will completing a Graduate Diploma in Education with an Australian higher education institution exempt me from needing to complete IELTS?
One of the ways to satisfy English language requirements for Full, Provisional or Limited Registration in Western Australia is the completion of teacher qualifications in one or more of the prescribed countries. The prescribed countries are Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
All higher education institutions have English language entry requirements and IELTS (Academic) may be a pre-requisite for admission to their courses. Please refer to specific course admission criteria.