Every NAATI Certification Level Explained — Pick the Right One
NAATI (Australia's National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) defines 8 levels: 3 for translators (CT/CAT/RPT) and 5 for interpreters (CPI/CI/CSHI/CSLI/CCI). Picking the wrong level wastes money or gets your file rejected.
CT covers about 90% of civil documents lodged with Australian authorities. CAT is for complex specialist material. CSHI/CSLI are required for Australian public hospitals and courts. CCI is the top level for national and international conferences.
Translators — 3 levels
Every NAATI translator carries a unique CPN number printed on the stamp and must recertify every 3 years.
| Level | Scope | Example documents |
|---|---|---|
| CT Certified Translator (CT) | Standard NAATI-tested translator. Handles civil, education, financial, and most legal documents — about 90% of all Thai → English work submitted to Australian authorities. | Birth / Marriage / Divorce certificates • Academic transcript / Degree • Royal Thai Police clearance |
| CAT Certified Advanced Translator (CAT) | Advanced translator tested on technical complexity. Used for medical manuals, complex international contracts, court judgments, scientific literature. | Court judgments / orders • Cross-border commercial contracts • Medical manuals / specialist reports |
| RPT Recognised Practising Translator | For language pairs where NAATI does not run a formal test. Recognised via documented professional practice — typically for minority/regional languages. | Regional languages • Indigenous / tribal languages |
Interpreters — 5 levels
Australian courts and public hospitals require at least CSHI or CSLI.
| Level | Scope | Example assignments |
|---|---|---|
| CPI Certified Provisional Interpreter (CPI) | Entry-level interpreter for general dialogue and community service interactions. | Centrelink appointments • Bank account setup • School meetings |
| CI Certified Interpreter (CI) | Standard interpreter for higher-complexity government, business, and general health work. | Lawyer / mediation sessions • General medical consultations • Business negotiations |
| CSHI Certified Specialist Health Interpreter (CSHI) | Specialist medical interpreter — specialist clinics, surgery briefings, mental health, informed consent. | Australian public hospitals • Mental Health Tribunal • Pre-surgery informed consent |
| CSLI Certified Specialist Legal Interpreter (CSLI) | Specialist legal interpreter — courts, police, immigration (DHA), legal counsel. | Magistrates / District / Federal Court • Police interviews • AAT / migration tribunal |
| CCI Certified Conference Interpreter (CCI) | Highest level — national and international conference interpreters (booth-based simultaneous). | APEC / ASEAN summits • UN meetings • Australian Parliament |
Testing & Recertification
- CT — NAATI test: two 250-word translations + professional ethics. Recertify every 3 years via CPD + work practice.
- CAT — NAATI advanced test: three specialised passages. Pass rate is low; only a small pool holds CAT for Thai ↔ English.
- RPT — No exam — recognised via documented hours of practice + professional referees.
- CPI — Dialogue interpreting + ethics test.
- CI — Dialogue + consecutive + sight translation tests.
- CSHI — Specialist health exam + medical-domain ethics.
- CSLI — Specialist legal exam + Australian court procedure.
- CCI — Simultaneous (booth) + consecutive + conference ethics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CT and CAT?
CT (Certified Translator) is the standard accreditation used for ~90% of civil documents submitted to Australian authorities. CAT (Certified Advanced Translator) is a higher level passed via a specialist test — used for medical manuals, court judgments, and complex international contracts.
Does the NAATI stamp expire?
Yes. NAATI requires every translator to recertify every 3 years by submitting CPD (Continuing Professional Development) records and work practice evidence. Stamps from expired translators are not accepted by DHA.
How do CPI / CI / CSHI differ?
CPI is an entry-level community interpreter. CI is the standard for government and business work. CSHI/CSLI are specialist interpreters required for Australian public hospitals and courts.
What is the highest NAATI level?
CCI — Certified Conference Interpreter — is the apex NAATI credential, used at APEC and ASEAN heads-of-state meetings, UN General Assembly sessions, the Australian Parliament, and Federal Court appellate hearings. It requires passing booth-based simultaneous interpreting under NAATI examiners plus a minimum of 750 logged conference hours; fewer than 40 Thai↔English CCIs practice worldwide.
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