PARAPROFESSIONAL TRANSLATOR TESTING
The Paraprofessional Translator Accreditation is only available in languages of special community
need for recent migrant and refugee arrivals.
Languages available
Please refer to the table on Page 2.
Eligibility for testing
To be eligible to sit for NAATI Paraprofessional tests candidates should have:
· Education equivalent to at least four years of Australian secondary education (Year 10); and
· Proficiency in both languages.
In cases where a applicant’s education has been interrupted for any special reasons, these criteria
may be waived, or alternative criteria substituted, at the discretion of NAATI.
Test Format
The Paraprofessional Translator test must be completed in 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The format of the test is:
Section 1: Translation from English into Language Other Than English (LOTE) - (45 marks)
The section consists of two passages of between 120 and 140 words each. Each passage is in
English and of contrasting subject areas. Candidates are required to translate one passage into LOTE.
The passages will represent very simple translation work which does not require technical or
specialised information or terminology.
Section 2: Translation from Language Other Than English (LOTE) into English - (45 marks)
This section consists of two passages of between 120 and 140 words each. Each passage is in the
LOTE, in different subject areas. Candidates are required to translate one passage into English. The
passages will represent very simple translation work which does not require technical or specialised
information or terminology.
Section 3: Ethics of the Profession questions (10 marks)
This section consists of three questions on ethics of the profession issues. Candidates MUST answer
two of the questions. Answers should be clear and concise. Answers may be written in either English
or Language Other Than English (LOTE).
To obtain a pass in the test candidates must score a minimum of:
· 5/10 for Ethics of the Profession questions
· 29/45 for each translation passage
· 63/90 for both tra
Recognition of fluency in a designated language for the purpose of gaining five bonus points for
migration to Australia may be achieved two ways:
1) Completion of a qualification equivalent to an Australian degree gained from a university where
the language of instruction was the same as the designated language for which you are claiming
fluency.
If this is your situation you only need to submit to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship,
a certified copy of your qualification with your application for migration, claiming the 5 bonus
points on this basis. You may need to obtain a statement from the university verifying that the
language of instruction was the designated language for which you are claiming fluency.
2) Obtaining NAATI accreditation as a Professional Translator or Professional Interpreter in your
designated language and English. NAATI accreditation may be obtained by sitting a test which
represents a much higher level of skill than simple language fluency. It requires near native fluency
and comprehension in English and your other language as well as highly developed translating or
interpreting skills.
If you wish to pursue the testing option, please contact NAATI’s National Office.
NAATI National Office
PO Box 223
Deakin West ACT 2600