DO’S AND DON’TS OF THE NAATI CCL TEST

The NAATI CCL evaluates how well you can accurately convey meaning between English and your LOTE in practical, real-world contexts. Using effective exam strategies will help you steer clear of common errors and enhance your overall results.

Do’s:

• Practice interpreting daily in both languages.
• Focus on meaning transfer instead of word-by-word translation.
• Use short and effective note-taking symbols.
• Pay special attention to:

1. onumbers
2. odates
3. onames
4. onegatives
5. oinstructions

• Speak naturally and confidently during interpretation.
• Keep your interpretations complete and accurate.
• Practice healthcare, legal, immigration, education, and housing dialogues regularly since these are common exam topics.
• Stay calm if you miss one word or phrase and continue listening carefully.
• Do mock tests at real exam speed.
• Revise your personal abbreviations and symbols before the exam.
• Check your technical setup in advance:

1. ointernet
2. olaptop
3. omicrophone
4. owebcam

• Keep your ID ready before the test.
• Read the official candidate instructions carefully before exam day.
• Use clear pronunciation and simple vocabulary.

Donts:

• Don’t add personal opinions or extra information.
• Don’t omit important details from the dialogue.
• Don’t panic if one segment feels difficult.
• Don’t overuse fillers like “umm” or “aaa”.
• Don’t rely completely on notes; listening and memory are equally important.
• Don’t use unnecessarily difficult vocabulary.
• Don’t speak too fast or rush the interpretation.
• Don’t request excessive repeats as only one free repeat per dialogue is allowed.
• Don’t study heavily one night before the exam.
• Don’t use headphones or earphones during the online test because they are not allowed by NAATI.
• Don’t keep extra electronic devices near your desk during the test.
• Don’t leave your face unclear or use virtual backgrounds during the exam.
• Don’t memorize templates or fixed answers; the exam tests real-time interpreting skills.
• Don’t freeze after making a mistake — recover quickly and continue naturally.