English Language requirements

Many languages other than English are used in Australia. Speech Pathology Australia is supportive of increasing the number of languages in which competent clinical practice is available, but this does not replace or remove the requirement for competent professional use of English.

Speech pathologists in Australia need to work with English as the vehicle of communication and as the focus of assessment and treatment. Therefore evidence of competent professional use of English is required as part of the Overseas Qualification Competency Assessment process. This is demonstrated through the completion of the Occupational English Test (OET) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

An individual may apply for special consideration if they believe their English skills are of a “superior” level as required by Speech Pathology however the results of English language testing do not accurately reflect their skills. Please contact Manager Professional Standards for further information.