NAATI CCL Pass Marks & What They Mean
NAATI’s pass mark rules are simple on paper but stressful in the exam room. Use this guide to understand the minimum marks, see how borderline scores are treated, and plan your preparation targets.
Overall Requirement
Score at least 63 out of 90 marks when both dialogues are added together.
Dialogue Minimums
Secure 29/45 or higher in each dialogue. Failing one dialogue fails the exam.
Smart Recovery
Track practice scores, identify weak domains, and retest strategically if needed.
Pass Scenarios Explained
The table below covers the most common score combinations and whether they pass. Use it while reviewing mock exam results inside PassNAATI.
| Dialogue 1 | Dialogue 2 | Total | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 34 | 66 | Pass ✔︎ Meets both thresholds |
| 30 | 28 | 58 | Fail ✘ Total below 63 |
| 28 | 38 | 66 | Fail ✘ Dialogue 1 below 29 |
| 31 | 29 | 60 | Fail ✘ Total below 63 |
Why Candidates Miss the Threshold
Dialogue imbalance
Scoring 35+ on one dialogue cannot compensate for a poor second dialogue. Practise both community/legal and healthcare contexts evenly to prevent lopsided results.
Repeated minor errors
Five or six minus-one deductions quickly erode the 63 target. Use PassNAATI analytics to pinpoint recurring issues (numbers, passive voice, register) and drill them.
If You Fall Short
- Request feedback. NAATI provides a breakdown highlighting each dialogue. Capture the commentary in a study log.
- Analyse PassNAATI recordings. Compare your last three mock exams to identify patterns (e.g., medical terminology, direction changes).
- Retest plan. Most students regain confidence after 4–6 weeks of targeted drills plus two full mock exams. Focus on raising the weaker dialogue above the 29 mark.
Remember: NAATI enforces a 90-day wait before rebooking. Use the time to strengthen vocabulary and fluency instead of rushing back in.
Stay on Track
NAATI CCL Pass Mark FAQs
What is the minimum NAATI CCL pass score?
You must reach 63 out of 90 overall and score at least 29 out of 45 on each dialogue. Failing either threshold leads to an unsuccessful result.
Can a strong dialogue offset a weak one?
No. NAATI requires both dialogues to clear the 29 mark, so a high score on one dialogue cannot compensate for a low score on the other.
How soon can I retake NAATI CCL if I fail?
There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period before you can rebook, giving you time to analyse your Result Advice and strengthen weak areas.
What practice benchmarks should I hit before booking?
Use mock exams to push both dialogues above 70%. Consistent scores above the 63 overall threshold indicate you are ready to sit the official exam.