NAATI Launches Recertification Overhaul & RAP 2026-2028
NAATI's June 2026 Overhaul: Recertification Simplified, Reconciliation Action Plan Launched, and New Mental Health Training for Auslan Interpreters
If you're a NAATI-certified translator or interpreter — or aspiring to become one — June 2026 has brought some of the most significant changes to the NAATI landscape in years. From a major recertification catalogue overhaul to the release of NAATI's Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026–2028, and brand-new mental health interpreting training for Auslan and Deaf interpreters, there's plenty to unpack.
Let's break down what these changes mean for you and how they might affect your certification journey.
NAATI's New Recertification Catalogue (Launched 2 June 2026)
On 2 June 2026, NAATI launched a completely revamped recertification catalogue. The goal? Make the recertification process simpler, clearer, and more flexible for practitioners.
Here's what changed:
Fewer Categories, Clearer Language The old system had several overlapping PD categories. The new catalogue consolidates everything into fewer, more intuitive categories. That means less head-scratching over where your professional development activities fit.
Ethics Now a Standalone Category Ethics has been elevated to its own standalone category — a clear signal that NAATI considers ethical practice foundational to certification. You'll now need to earn dedicated PD points in ethics to recertify.
New Sub-Categories: Technology & Industry Leadership Two new sub-categories have been added — Technology and Industry Leadership. This reflects the growing role of tech tools (including AI-assisted translation and interpreting platforms) in our industry, and the need for practitioners to step up as leaders and advocates.
Work Practice Changes Work practice is no longer a separate requirement, but you can now earn PD points through work practice itself. That's a welcome change — your day-to-day interpreting work now counts toward your PD total.
Practical tip: Log your work practice hours and any tech-related training (like using interpreting platforms or AI tools) — they're now eligible for PD points under the updated catalogue.
Discounted Recertification: Opt Out of Physical ID Cards
In a move that's both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, NAATI now offers a discounted recertification fee of $150 if you opt out of receiving a physical ID card. The standard fee remains $220.
If you're happy with a digital credential (and let's face it, most of us carry everything on our phones anyway), that's $70 saved every recertification cycle. Not bad.
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026–2028 (Released 24 June 2026)
On 24 June 2026, NAATI released its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2026–2028. This is a significant step in NAATI's commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The RAP outlines concrete actions NAATI will take over the next two years, including:
- Increasing cultural safety in interpreting and translating services
- Supporting more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners to enter and thrive in the profession
- Embedding reconciliation principles into NAATI's operations and governance
If you work with Indigenous communities or in settings where cultural safety matters (and honestly, where doesn't it?), this is well worth reading.
New PD: Mental Health Interpreting for Auslan and Deaf Interpreters (Launched 26 June 2026)
Just two days after the RAP launch, on 26 June 2026, NAATI announced a new professional development training program for Auslan and Deaf interpreters focused on Mental Health Settings.
This targeted training addresses a real gap — mental health interpreting requires specialised skills, and until now, there hasn't been a dedicated NAATI-aligned program for this area. If you're an Auslan or Deaf interpreter, this is a must-do PD opportunity that builds critical capability while earning recertification points.
The Webinar: COO Michael Nemarich Leads the Rollout
NAATI's Chief Operating Officer Michael Nemarich led the rollout of these changes via a dedicated webinar in June 2026. If you missed it, the recording and supporting materials are available on the NAATI website. It's worth a watch to hear the rationale behind the changes and get direct answers to practitioner questions.
What This Means for Your NAATI CCL Preparation
While these updates target certified practitioners and interpreters, they also send a clear message about where the industry is heading: Ethics, technology, and cultural safety are becoming non-negotiable pillars of the profession.
For NAATI CCL candidates — the pathway to those valuable 5 PR points for Australian immigration — understanding these industry trends can give you an edge. The CCL exam tests your ability to interpret accurately and ethically, and knowing how NAATI prioritises these areas can inform how you prepare.
That's where Naati Ninja comes in.
We're an AI-powered mock test platform purpose-built for NAATI CCL preparation. We offer realistic, on-demand mock tests that mirror the actual exam format, paired with instant AI feedback on your performance.
Whether you're just starting your NAATI CCL journey or fine-tuning before exam day, here's how Naati Ninja helps:
- Real exam simulations — practice with dialogues that reflect real NAATI CCL scenarios
- Instant AI grading and feedback — know exactly where you need to improve
- On-demand, anytime access — no waiting, no scheduling, just practice when it suits you
Ready to earn those 5 PR points with confidence?
Start your NAATI CCL preparation today at NaatiNinja.com.
Stay informed, stay certified, and keep building your interpreting career.
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