Language Requirements

In order to be registered or be granted a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT), you are required to provide evidence that you meet the Council's language policy. 

There are three ways in which you can meet the Council's language policy.  These are:

1. Teacher Education in English and in a country where English is an official language

You are considered proficient in English if:

  • You completed your teacher education in English (evidence required)* and
  • You completed your teacher education in a country which has English as an official language

* This evidence will be in the form of a written statement from the institution confirming that English was the language of instruction for this qualification. Please refer to the following website for a list of countries where English is an official language www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_official_languages and scroll down to English.  

2. English is first spoken language and medium of instruction in all schooling and qualifications

You are considered proficient in English if:

  • English is your first spoken language and
  • English has been the medium of instruction in all primary and secondary schooling (evidence required)** and
  • All schooling qualifications have been completed in English (evidence required)**

** This evidence will be in the form of a written statement from the institution(s) confirming English was the medium of instruction and that all schooling qualifications were completed in English.

3. The Council requires all teachers making an initial application, who do not meet the above requirements, to undertake and pass an approved test of language proficiency.

English Language Tests 

The New Zealand Teachers Council recognises the following tests of language proficiency:

For English

  • IELTS:Academic module
    A minimum score of 7 in each category of the academic version of the test.

Phone: (09) 302 1735 (Auckland)
Email: ielts@auckland.ac.nz
Visit their website at http://www.ielts.org/

Please note:
You do not have to achieve this score in a single sitting. You can re-test to achieve the required minimum standard and need only meet the standard in areas previously not met.

  • ISLPR: accept 4 in all modules
    The International Second Language Proficiency Ratings (ISLPR)

In New Zealand

Phone: (09) 5351417 (Auckland)

Email: hmakkink@ihug.co.nz

In Australia

Phone: (0061) 7 3875 7200, or
Fax: (0061) 7 3875 5280, or
Email: guic@ic.gu.edu.au or
Visit their website: www.griffith.edu.au/international

Another contact is to Adelaide English Language Services
Phone: (0061) 8 8207 8805
Visit their website: www.trb.sa.edu.au/english_tests.htm

  • CAE: Grade B

The CAE is the second highest level Cambridge ESOL exam and ideal for those that require confidence in English communication to deal with most aspects of everyday life.

Phone:
(09) 849 4461 (Auckland), or
(03) 379 5452 (Christchurch), or
(03) 546 9175 (Nelson), or
(04) 801 6010 (Wellington)
Email: training@ila.co.nz or celta@cla.co.nz
Visit their website www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/cae.htm

  • CPE: Pass.

The CPE is the highest level Cambridge ESOL exam and ideal for those with a career which requires language skills.

Phone:
(09) 849 4461 (Auckland), or
(03) 379 5452 (Christchurch), or
(03) 546 9175 (Nelson), or
(04) 801 6010 (Wellington)
Email: training@ila.co.nz or celta@cla.co.nz
Visit their website www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/cae.htm

  • PEAT: Band A (not available in NZ)

English Language Skills Assessment (ESLA): Pass

Only offered to those applicants who are residing in New South Wales

Contact the University of New South Wales
Phone: (0061) 2 9385 0339
Visit their website: www.trb.sa.edu.au/english_tests.htm

For Te Reo Māori 

  • NMLPT / Whakamātauria Tō Reo: accept level four

The Māori Language Commission Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori administer the National Māori Language Proficiency Test for all applicants wanting to claim written and oral proficiency in Māori. Those working in the Public Service require a level 3 pass, for those in teaching a level 4 pass is required.

Phone: (04) 471 0244
Email: info@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
Visit their website: http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/english/index.shtml/