NAATI CCL Test Format: Step-by-Step Breakdown
Before you open PassNAATI or book your exam, know exactly what happens in the virtual test room. Use this guide to map the flow of the session, understand how NAATI structures the two dialogues, and plan your practice around real timing constraints.
NAATI CCL at a Glance
Total Duration
Around 35–40 minutes of active interpreting within a 60-minute session window.
Dialogues
Two role-play dialogues (Community + Healthcare) with 12–14 segments each.
Delivery Mode
Audio played sentence by sentence while you interpret consecutively.
Scoring
90 marks total – you must reach 29/45 per dialogue and 63/90 overall.
Exam Flow from Check-in to Sign-out
NAATI delivers community-level scenarios through a secure online platform. Expect the following milestones on exam day:
- Identity verification. You join the Teams or Zoom room 15 minutes early, display photo ID, complete a microphone check, and confirm that only approved material is on your desk.
- Instructions and warm-up. The supervisor explains the pause function, reminds you that you can request one repetition per segment, and gives you an optional sample phrase to interpret.
- Dialogue 1 (Community / Legal). Audio plays in blocks of 35–40 words. After each block you render the meaning into the target language. Segments are numbered so you can note references.
- Short reset. You may request a five-minute break before Dialogue 2. Use it to stretch, reset your timer, and review shorthand symbols.
- Dialogue 2 (Healthcare / Social Services). Same delivery style with topics usually drawn from medical or social support situations. Accuracy in terminology and register is critical.
- Wrap-up and logging out. The supervisor confirms completion and reminds you that results will be emailed. NAATI currently publishes scores within six to eight weeks.
How Each Dialogue Is Structured
Every dialogue is designed to test real-world interpreting skills. Keep these structure rules in mind while you practise:
- Topic coverage. Dialogue 1 typically focuses on legal, community, or migration matters; Dialogue 2 is usually health or social services. NAATI can mix themes, so build vocabulary breadth.
- Segment length. Expect segments of 2–3 sentences, up to 40 words. Anything longer may be split by the examiner on request. Practise note-taking symbols that capture numbers, names, and obligations.
- Pause and repeat policy. You may request one repeat per segment. Use it only when you truly missed meaning; unnecessary repeats slow your momentum.
- Assessment focus. Assessors mark for accuracy, completeness, and fluency/grammar. Hesitations are tolerable if meaning is preserved, but omissions and mistranslations trigger penalties.
Timing Benchmarks & Practice Targets
Build your study plan around timing similar to exam day. The table below summarises the checkpoints we coach PassNAATI students on:
| Stage | Duration | What to Practise |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-in & setup | 10–15 minutes | Device checks, microphone positioning, calm breathing routine. |
| Dialogue 1 | ~20 minutes | Legal/community scenarios, note-taking shorthand, repetition discipline. |
| Optional break | Up to 5 minutes | Reset timer, hydrate, glance at key symbols. |
| Dialogue 2 | ~20 minutes | Healthcare terminology, empathy in tone, numerical accuracy. |
| Wrap-up | 5 minutes | Confirm completion, note debrief thoughts for your coach. |
Link Up Your Preparation
The format is only one part of exam readiness. Continue with the guides below to solidify your scoring strategy and migration planning.
NAATI CCL Test Format FAQs
How long does the NAATI CCL test take?
Allow a 60-minute appointment with around 35 to 40 minutes of live interpreting across check-in, both dialogues, and the closing steps.
How many dialogues are in the NAATI CCL exam?
You interpret two role-play dialogues of roughly 12 to 14 segments each: one community or legal scenario and one healthcare scenario.
Can I request repetitions during the exam?
Yes. Candidates may request one repeat per segment, so reserve it for moments where you genuinely miss meaning.
Do I get a break between the two dialogues?
NAATI offers a short reset of up to five minutes between Dialogue 1 and Dialogue 2 so you can stretch, hydrate, and reset your notes.