NAATI CCL Scoring System Explained
NAATI assessors evaluate each dialogue segment using a transparent rubric. Learn how marks are assigned, what separates a minor deduction from a critical error, and how to analyse your practice results inside PassNAATI.
Assessment Criteria
NAATI awards marks for accuracy, completeness, and linguistic quality across each segment.
Pass Thresholds
You must achieve a minimum of 29/45 per dialogue and 63/90 overall to pass.
Penalty Triggers
Understand how omissions, distortions, and ethics breaches subtract marks.
How the 90 Marks Are Awarded
Assessors listen to each segment, compare your rendition to the source, and then assign marks using three lenses:
- Accuracy (up to 5 marks per segment). Captures meaning, terminology, and numbers precisely. Distortions or invented content attract deductions.
- Completeness (up to 5 marks per segment). Ensures nothing important is omitted. Skipping obligations, symptoms, or legal requirements is penalised even if tone is good.
- Fluency & Register (up to 5 marks per segment). Measures natural delivery and appropriate tone. Grammar slips cost small deductions; persistent hesitations or wrong register create larger losses.
NAATI rounds segment scores to the nearest half mark. That means a single weak segment can be recovered, but repeated issues quickly erode your chances of reaching 63 overall.
Penalty Matrix & Error Types
Understanding penalties helps you triage mistakes in real time. NAATI recognises three error severities:
Minor errors (-0.5 to -1)
Slight grammar slips, false starts, or register shifts that do not affect meaning. Keep calm and regain flow; one or two will not derail your score.
Major errors (-2 to -3)
Omissions or mistranslations that change intent, wrong numbers, or repeated hesitation. You can recover if they are isolated.
Critical errors (-4 to -5)
Ethical breaches, switching roles, or fabricating information. These often eliminate the possibility of passing that dialogue.
When practising on PassNAATI, tag segments where you incurred a major or critical penalty so your coach can replay them with you.
Score Recovery Strategy
A three-step approach keeps candidates on target even after a rough segment:
- Diagnose immediately. If you missed information, request the repeat (once per segment) rather than guessing. If the damage is already done, focus on flawless delivery afterwards.
- Stabilise structure. Use note-taking anchors (names, dates, obligations) to show assessors you are still controlling the interaction.
- Close strong. Deliver the final segments confidently and summarise key actions when appropriate. Ending with accuracy can offset isolated deductions.
Keep Building Momentum
NAATI CCL Scoring FAQs
What criteria does NAATI use to score the CCL exam?
Assessors grade each segment for accuracy, completeness, and fluency/register, awarding up to five marks per criterion while listening for meaning transfer, omissions, tone, and grammar.
What score do I need to pass NAATI CCL?
You must earn at least 63 out of 90 overall and reach 29 out of 45 or higher on each dialogue to receive a pass.
What counts as a critical error in NAATI CCL?
Critical errors include fabricating information, breaching ethics, or switching roles. They usually deduct four to five marks and can ruin an otherwise strong dialogue.
How can I recover after a weak segment?
Request a repeat if needed, tighten your note-taking, and deliver the remaining segments accurately and confidently so the deductions stay isolated.