English language

A key requirement of registration is to ensure that you have the necessary English language skills to teach in a Western Australian school.

English language requirements for Full and Provisional Registration

For registration as a teacher in the categories of Full Registration, Provisional Registration (Graduate Teacher) or Provisional Registration (Returning Teacher), you must meet one of the following requirements:

Within the period of 2 years before applying for registration you have either:

• undertaken the International English Language Testing System (Academic) test and achieved 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.

Or

Completed the teaching qualification(s) which satisfy the teaching qualification requirement in the English language in one or more of the following countries:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• the United Kingdom
• the United States of America
• Canada
• the Republic of Ireland

Or

• In the opinion of the Board exceptional circumstances exist; and
• your English language skills, both written and oral, are suitable for registration.

Determining exceptional circumstances

To determine whether exceptional circumstances exist, we consider all factors and supporting evidence relevant to your mastery of the English language. This includes any interactions with you during the application process and may also include a professional conversation between you and a TRBWA assessment officer.

To determine whether ‘exceptional circumstances’ may apply to you, please consider the information in the Information Sheet - English Language - Exceptional Circumstances. 

English Language Policy (For Full and Provisional Registration) 

English language requirement for Limited Registration 

To meet the English language requirements for Limited Registration, you must provide evidence that, within two years of applying for registration, you have either:

• undertaken an International English Language Testing System (Academic) test and:
  • achieved an average of level 7.5 or more across the 4 components of listening, speaking, reading and writing;
  • have no score below level 7 in any of those components and;
  • achieve a score of level 8 or more in the components of speaking and listening.

Or

Undertaken all of the components of qualifications and skills that are relevant to the teaching position, in the English language in one or more of the following countries-

• Australia
• New Zealand
• the United Kingdom
• the United States of America
• Canada
• the Republic of Ireland

Or

If the teaching position is to teach, or to teach in, a language other than English you have undertaken an Academic IELTS test and achieved a result that satisfies the Board is sufficient to adequately perform the duties of the teaching position.

Or

• exceptional circumstances exist; and
• your English language skills, both written and oral, are suitable for registration.

Or

If the teaching position is to teach, or to teach in, an Indigenous language, you are an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander; and the applicant (your Principal) has informed the Board in writing that they are satisfied that your English language skills are suitable for the teaching position.

English Language Policy (For Limited Registration)

Determining exceptional circumstances

The exceptional circumstances provision for Limited Registration is intended for teachers whose mastery of the English language is such that to require them to complete a formal English language proficiency test would be unreasonable or unnecessary. 

‘Exceptional circumstances’ for Limited Registration generally apply to a teacher who:

• demonstrates a level of English language competency nearly indistinguishable from that of a person for whom English is their first language, and
• possesses a high degree of fluency in English and can express themselves effortlessly and fluidly, and
• exhibits a strong command of English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and syntax, and
• is able to effectively communicate complex ideas and concepts in the English language.

To determine whether ‘exceptional circumstances’ may apply to you, please consider the information in the Information Sheet - English Language - Exceptional Circumstances.  

In determining whether exceptional circumstances exist, the Board will consider your level of English language in the context of the specific position/s for which you are nominated. Particular regard will be given to the Principal’s view of your suitability in the context of the role. 

The Board will consider all factors and supporting including:

• the results of any IELTS or other English language tests previously undertaken 
• educational and employment history in an English-speaking environment
• references from the nominating educational institution/s attesting to your level of English 
• other evidence demonstrating your level of English language (e.g. video evidence)
• the scope, nature, and context of the teaching position/s in question
• interactions with you during the application process (including a professional conversation with a TRBWA assessment officer)
• the degree to the Board is satisfied, that the English language level is clearly sufficient to undertake the role/s for which you are nominated.

As with all regulatory decisions, when considering questions of English language suitability, the Board will regard the best interests of children as its paramount consideration.