What IELTS score do teachers need for New Zealand?

You can meet the requirement with results from more than one test, from the same provider or different providers, as long as together they reach the score in each of the four skills. All the tests must have been completed within the last two years, and this does not need an exemption. IELTS One Skill Retake results are accepted.

Online exams count only if the provider has shown the Council the test is secure. The accepted online exams are TOEFL iBT and the ISLPR Online Test; IELTS Online is not on that list.

Accepted alternatives include all primary and at least three years of secondary education in English in NZ, Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, the USA or South Africa; at least six years of secondary or tertiary education in English, including two years of full-time tertiary study in one of those countries; or a Level 7+ qualification of two or more years taught in English there. Cambridge CELTA, Trinity CertTESOL, NCEA literacy credits and the Pacific English Language Competency Pathway are also listed.

If your scores fall slightly below the level, the Language Competency Exemption Panel may review your case. The same rules apply to a Limited Authority to Teach. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the Teaching Council page before you book a test.