South Australia accepts IELTS Academic with an overall 7.5, 8.0 in Speaking and Listening, and 7.0 in Reading and Writing, or ISLPR Level 4 in every skill. Results must be within two years and normally meet all criteria in one attempt, with an eligible IELTS One Skill Retake exception.
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 South Australia teacher registration
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Overall / other conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | Overall 7.5; eligible One Skill Retake accepted |
| ISLPR | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Face-to-face approved assessment |
Only tests published by Teachers Registration Board of South Australia as accepted pathways are shown. Check the official source before booking or applying.
Do I need to take an English test?
You may meet the requirement without a test after at least four years of higher-education study, including a recognised pre-service teaching qualification, in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United States or the United Kingdom.
The policy also contains an ACECQA pathway for certain early-childhood qualifications and a case-by-case equivalence process. An exemption is not guaranteed.
IELTS for teacher registration in South Australia
The Board requires IELTS Academic scores of 8.0 in Listening and Speaking, 7.0 in Reading and Writing, and an overall band of at least 7.5.
An eligible One Skill Retake may be used for one component when completed within 60 days of the original IELTS Academic test.
Other English tests accepted for teacher registration
The Board accepts ISLPR Level 4 in each skill. Its registration page notes that there may be no accredited South Australian ISLPR testing facility, so check current availability before planning this route.
Test validity, result combinations and special conditions
The test must be face-to-face, completed within two years, and all criteria must normally be met in one individual attempt except for the stated IELTS One Skill Retake route.
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.
Teacher registration vs migration skills assessment
Registration through Teachers Registration Board of South Australia 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 South Australia accept IELTS One Skill Retake?
Yes. The Board's policy permits one failed skill to be retaken within 60 days of the original IELTS Academic sitting, subject to the policy conditions.
Can I use ISLPR in South Australia?
Yes. The required score is Level 4 in all four skills, although the Board notes that local approved testing availability may be limited.
How long are test results valid?
The South Australian policy requires the approved test to have been completed within two years of the registration application.
Important note
Registration requirements can change. This page is general English-test information, not a registration decision or migration advice. Check the official Teachers Registration Board of South Australia 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.