NESA's published test pathway uses IELTS Academic: an overall average of 7.5, no component below 7.0, and at least 8.0 in both Speaking and Listening. You may not need a test if your required higher-education study meets NESA's English-medium country rules.
Where do you want to teach?
Choose the state or territory where you want to register as a teacher. Registration and English language requirements can differ across Australia.
English test scores for New South Wales teacher registration
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall / other conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | Overall average 7.5; no component below 7.0 |
Only tests published by NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) as accepted pathways are shown. Check the official source before booking or applying.
Do I need to take an English test?
You may not need to provide a test result if the full four years of required higher-education study was completed in English in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada or the Republic of Ireland.
If your study history does not meet that pathway, NESA may require evidence through its approved English proficiency route. Ask NESA to confirm unusual or mixed-country study histories before booking a test.
IELTS for teacher registration in New South Wales
NESA specifies IELTS Academic, not IELTS General Training. The published benchmark is an overall average of 7.5, at least 8.0 in Speaking and Listening, and no score below 7.0.
NESA's current policy should be checked before applying for its rules on acceptable result dates and evidence.
Other English tests accepted for teacher registration
The current NESA policy source used for this guide specifies IELTS Academic. It does not publish a PTE Academic or TOEFL pathway in the same standard. Do not assume a visa-accepted test will also satisfy NESA.
Test validity, result combinations and special conditions
Teacher registration is administered by the relevant state or territory authority. An AITSL skills assessment is a separate assessment used for skilled migration. Depending on your circumstances, you may need one or both.
Registration requirements can change. Confirm your evidence and current policy directly with NESA before applying.
Teacher registration vs migration skills assessment
Registration through NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and an AITSL migration skills assessment are separate processes. You may need to satisfy one or both depending on your work and migration pathway.
Check AITSL requirementsFrequently asked questions
Does NESA accept IELTS?
Yes. NESA's published English language proficiency test pathway specifies IELTS Academic with an overall average of 7.5, at least 8.0 in Speaking and Listening, and no component below 7.0.
Does NESA accept PTE Academic?
The current NESA policy source used for this guide specifies IELTS Academic and does not publish PTE Academic as an equivalent pathway. Confirm directly with NESA if your circumstances are unusual.
Is AITSL the same as NESA?
No. NESA accredits teachers in NSW. AITSL conducts teacher skills assessments for skilled migration. You may need to deal with one or both organisations.
Important note
Registration requirements can change. This page is general English-test information, not a registration decision or migration advice. Check the official NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements before applying.
Need to meet an English requirement for teacher registration?
Master English Australia provides IELTS preparation in Sydney and online for professional registration, migration, study and employment goals.