For most applicants, the Australian Association of Social Workers requires IELTS Academic with at least 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. AASW currently accepts IELTS Academic only. Some applicants can combine two tests taken within six months, use an eligible IELTS One Skill Retake, or qualify for an education-based exemption. Check your exact circumstances with AASW before applying.
The standard IELTS requirement
The clearest route is one IELTS Academic test with at least 7.0 in all four components: Listening 7.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0 and Speaking 7.0.
AASW's professional English standard is separate from the Department of Home Affairs visa requirement. Meeting the English score for a visa does not automatically mean you meet the AASW requirement for social work practice or a skills assessment.
Can I combine two IELTS tests?
AASW allows results from a maximum of two IELTS Academic sittings completed within a six-month period. Across those two tests, you must achieve at least 7.0 in every component, and no individual component in either submitted test can be below 6.5.
This means a 6.5 may be acceptable in one sitting only when the other sitting supplies at least 7.0 for that same component and every other condition is met. A score below 6.5 makes that test result unacceptable for this pathway.
AASW and IELTS One Skill Retake
AASW states that it has accepted IELTS Academic One Skill Retake since 20 May 2026. In the original full IELTS Academic test, three components must already be at least 7.0 and the remaining component must not be below 6.5. The retaken component must then reach at least 7.0.
The original test must be an eligible IELTS on computer test at a participating test centre. IELTS requires the One Skill Retake to be taken within 60 days of the original test. AASW also states that the One Skill Retake result must have been obtained within 12 months of the AASW application.
How long are IELTS results valid for AASW?
AASW states that test results must be obtained within the three years before submitting the qualification assessment. The additional 12-month condition applies when using the One Skill Retake pathway.
Because policies and application evidence can change, check the current AASW policy again when you are ready to submit—not only when you begin studying.
Who may qualify for an English-test exemption?
AASW describes an education-based exemption for applicants who completed their secondary education in English and also completed at least three years of full-time tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher in English. The education must be in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
You must provide the evidence AASW requests. AASW may still ask an applicant to take IELTS Academic if it is not satisfied that the evidence demonstrates the required English proficiency.
What else does AASW assess?
English is only one part of a social work skills assessment. AASW also examines whether the applicant is a qualified social worker and whether an overseas qualification is comparable to an Australian social work qualification. Qualification content and field education evidence are important.
Use this page to plan your English preparation, but use the AASW application guidance to confirm the full qualification, documentation and assessment requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do I need for an AASW social work skills assessment?
The standard route is IELTS Academic 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Alternative two-sitting, One Skill Retake and exemption routes have additional conditions.
Does AASW accept PTE Academic?
No. AASW currently states that IELTS Academic and eligible IELTS Academic One Skill Retake results are the only English proficiency tests it accepts under this policy.
Can I combine two IELTS results for AASW?
Yes, when the two IELTS Academic sittings are within six months, every component reaches 7.0 across the two tests, and no submitted component score is below 6.5.
Does AASW accept IELTS One Skill Retake?
Yes. AASW says it has accepted One Skill Retake since 20 May 2026, subject to its original-test, score, timing and application-age conditions.
Is IELTS General Training accepted by AASW?
No. AASW specifies IELTS Academic for its English language proficiency requirement.
Is the AASW English requirement the same as my visa requirement?
Not necessarily. AASW sets the professional English requirement for social work assessment, while Home Affairs sets visa English requirements. You may need to satisfy both.
Important note
This page is general English test information for students. Visa rules, score requirements and test acceptance can change. Always check the official source for your visa subclass, and speak to a registered migration agent if you need migration advice.