LanguageCert Academic Test: Format, Fees, Scoring, and Australian Acceptance

Thinking about LanguageCert Academic for your Australian visa? You’re not alone. Since Australia added this English language test to their approved list, thousands of applicants have switched from IELTS and PTE. But is this exam right for you?

This guide covers everything about the LanguageCert Academic exam: test format, current fees, how scoring works, and exactly what scores you need for different PR point levels. Whether you’re applying for a student visa or skilled migration, understanding this English language proficiency exam is essential. If you’ve got detailed questions about specific sections, we’ve got separate articles for those. This one gives you the full picture.

What Is LanguageCert Academic?

LanguageCert Academic is an English language proficiency exam approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This English test is run by PeopleCert (a Greek company that also manages ITIL and other professional certifications) and aligns to the CEFR framework – that’s the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The exam assesses all four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Here’s what makes this exam different from other English language tests:

• Human examiner for Speaking – you talk to a real person via video call, not a computer
• Audio plays twice in Listening – you get two chances to catch the information
• You can review answers – unlike PTE, you can go back and change responses
• Flexible scheduling – take Speaking separately from other sections if you prefer

The exam covers B2 to C2 proficiency levels. For Australian immigration, you’ll need scores at specific levels depending on which visa points category you’re targeting. Many learners find this exam format more accessible than other English language tests.

LanguageCert Academic Exam Format

The full LanguageCert Academic exam takes 2 hours 34 minutes. Here’s how the test format breaks down:

Explore each section in detail:

A few things to note about this exam. The Listening section plays each audio clip twice – this is a big advantage over PTE where you only hear it once. The Speaking section connects you to a human examiner via video call, usually from the UK or Europe.

Pro Tip: You can take the Speaking exam on a different day from the other sections. Some people find this less exhausting than doing everything in one sitting on exam day.

The Reading and Listening sections are multiple choice and gap-fill, so they’re computer-marked instantly. Writing and Speaking are assessed by human examiners, which is why test results take 5 working days.

LanguageCert Academic Exam Fees (January 2026)

As of January 2026, the LanguageCert Academic exam costs approximately:

Fees vary slightly by test centre location. When you book, you’ll see the exact price for your preferred centre.

What’s included:

• Test sitting at approved centre
• Results within 5 working days
• Official score report for immigration
• Digital certificate

Rescheduling the exam typically incurs a fee if done less than 7 days before your test date. Check your specific test centre’s policy when booking.

LanguageCert Academic Scoring System

LanguageCert uses a 0-100 score scale for each section. These scores map to CEFR levels:

For Australian immigration, you need minimum scores in ALL four sections. Missing the threshold in even one section means you don’t meet that level overall.

The scoring breaks down like this:

Reading and Listening:

• 30 questions each, each worth 1 raw mark
• Raw scores converted to 0-100 scale

Writing:

• 2 tasks, marked by human examiners
• Assessed on: Task Achievement, Grammar, Vocabulary, Organisation
• Each criterion scored 0-8

Speaking:

• 4 parts, assessed via video recording review
• Main examiner scores Task Fulfilment (double weighted)
• Second examiner scores: Coherence, Grammar, Vocabulary, Pronunciation

Who Accepts the LanguageCert Academic Exam?

Australia

The big news: Australia now accepts the LanguageCert Academic exam for:

• Skilled migration visas (subclass 189, 190, 491)
• Student visa (subclass 500) – proving English language proficiency for higher education
• Partner visas (subclass 309, 820)
• Employer-sponsored visas (subclass 482, 494)
• Graduate visas (subclass 485)

The Department of Home Affairs added LanguageCert in 2024, making it the newest approved English language test alongside PTE, IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English.

Canada

Canada also accepts LanguageCert for:

• Express Entry applications
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Study permits

Other Countries

LanguageCert is recognised across the UK, Europe, and many universities worldwide for higher education admission. This exam meets the English language requirement for university admission in most countries. For immigration specifically, always check the latest approved test list for your target country.

Points Needed for Australian Immigration

Here’s what scores you need for different PR point levels:

Important: Competent level gives you 0 points, but it’s still required to meet the basic English requirement for many visa subclasses. You only get extra points at Proficient (10 points) or Superior (20 points).

Key Point: Notice that Speaking requires the highest scores at each level. This is consistent with how Australia assesses English – they value spoken communication highly.

Compare this to PTE Academic:

The numbers look different because these English language tests use different scales. What matters is achieving the right proficiency level for your visa points target.

How It All Connects

How Marvel Edu Helps with LanguageCert Exam Preparation

Preparing for the LanguageCert Academic exam? Here’s how Marvel Edu’s platform helps with exam preparation:

The Speaking practice is particularly useful for exam preparation. Since the real exam has a human examiner, practising with video recording helps you get comfortable on camera. You’ll see how you look, hear how you sound, and get feedback before the stakes are real.

Why Marvel Edu? Our LanguageCert materials are built specifically for Australian immigration candidates. Every mock test and score estimate aligns to the exact thresholds Home Affairs requires for English language proficiency.

Quick Checklist Before Booking the Exam

Before you book your LanguageCert Academic exam:

Documents:

• Valid passport (must be valid on exam day)
• Booking confirmation email
• Test centre address and arrival time

Exam Preparation:

• Taken at least 2 full mock tests under real exam conditions
• Speaking practice with video recording
• Know the exam format for all 4 sections
• Comfortable with 50-minute Reading/Writing time limits
• Practised note-taking for Listening (audio plays twice)

On Exam Day:

• Arrive 15-20 minutes early
• Bring original passport (not copies)
• No phones or watches in the exam room
• Water is usually allowed (check with your centre)

After the Exam:

• Test results in 5 working days
• Check your email for score notification
• Download official test report for visa application

Quick Reference