Accounting: More options for students taking English language tests
STARTING this month, Australia’s top accounting bodies will recognise a wider range English language tests, giving international students and graduates more options. Kai Yi Wong reports.
International students can now choose from more than one English language test to demonstrate their language proficiency in Australia. Photo: Kai Yi Wong
From November 1, the Institute of Public Accountants, CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia will recognise a wider range of English language test scores.
In addition to the International English Language Test System (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET), students will now have the option of sitting the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic).
This means students who have previously taken the TOEFL iBT and Pearson Test will no longer need to re-sit another test to demonstrate their English language proficiency.
Related story: Pearson Test of English to be accepted for visa applications
This move comes after the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) announced in May this year it would also accept the two new tests into their visa programs.
However, the government has yet to announce an exact date in November when it will begin accepting the new tests.
As indicated above, the immigration department currently recognises both the IELTS and the Occupational English Test (OET).
All visa subclasses will be affected by this policy change with the exception of the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457), which is currently under review.
Scores from the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test will also be accepted from early 2015.
To find out more information about the new tests, visit the DIBP website, the TOEFL iBT website and the Pearson Test website.