The NAATI CCL scoring overview
Each NAATI CCL dialogue is scored out of 45 marks across three dimensions. To pass a single dialogue, you must score at least 29/45. To pass the full test (two dialogues), you must score at least 63/90 combined — and meet the 29/45 threshold on each dialogue individually.
Pass mark visualisation
The 29/45 pass mark is 64.4% of the total. Here's how common score ranges compare:
How accuracy is marked
Each segment of the dialogue is marked separately. Assessors apply a deduction model — you start with full marks and lose points for each error. Errors are classified as major or minor:
| Error type | Severity | Marks lost | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omission of key information | Major | 2–3 pts | Missing a medication dosage or appointment date |
| Wrong number/date/name | Major | 2 pts | Saying "twice a day" instead of "three times a day" |
| Meaning distortion | Major | 2–3 pts | Changing a prohibition to a permission |
| Partial omission | Minor | 1 pt | Leaving out a qualifying adjective |
| Minor inaccuracy | Minor | 1 pt | Near-synonym that slightly changes register |
| Addition not in source | Minor | 1 pt | Adding context that wasn't said |
| Accurate, complete | None | 0 pts | Full meaning transferred correctly |
How language quality is marked (11 pts)
Language quality measures how well you express yourself in both the source and target language:
- Grammar — correct sentence structure in both languages
- Register — matching the formality of the original (medical professional speaking vs patient)
- Vocabulary — using precise, appropriate terminology
- Idiomatic expression — natural phrasing, not word-for-word translation
A common mistake is word-for-word translation that is grammatically awkward in the target language. Assessors want to hear natural, idiomatic speech — as if a native speaker is relaying the information.
How delivery is marked (7 pts)
Delivery marks reward confident, fluent interpretation:
- Fluency — minimal hesitation and filler words ("um", "uh", long pauses)
- Pacing — a natural speaking rate that matches the segment
- Confidence — speaking with assurance rather than a questioning tone
Delivery marks are relatively forgiving — most candidates who are well-prepared and speak confidently achieve 5–7/7. The biggest delivery penalties come from extremely long pauses, restarting sentences multiple times, or interpreting at an unnaturally slow pace.
The 3 categories that lose the most marks
- Health & Medical — medication names, dosages, body parts, and procedures must be exact. Missing "every 8 hours" or "with food" costs 2–3 marks immediately.
- Legal & Immigration — dates, case numbers, visa conditions, and legal obligations must be precisely conveyed. A wrong visa subclass number is a major error.
- Financial & Benefits — dollar amounts, benefit rates, payment schedules, and reference numbers are all high-deduction targets.
Scoring FAQs
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