Community Language Allowance Scheme (CLAS)

The New South Wales Government's Community Language Allowance Scheme (CLAS) is a fundamental tool in the provision of high quality customer service in a culturally diverse society.

What is CLAS?

CLAS is an allowance paid to selected NSW public sector employees who have a basic level of competency in a language other than English and who work in locations where their language can be used to assist clients.

Who is eligible for CLAS?

Full-time, part-time, permanent and temporary employees nominated by their agency are eligible provided they:

• pass the CLAS examination conducted by the Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW
• have NAATI accreditation at interpreter level
• have a language recognition award from NAATI.

How much is the CLAS allowance?

Refer to Premier's Department circulars or the Personnel Handbook for the rate of the CLAS allowance.

How do you apply for CLAS examination?

A CLAS information package is sent to CLAS contact officers of NSW government agencies. Employees interested to sit for the examination should get in touch with their respective CLAS contact officers. All candidates to the examination must be nominated by their agency.

How much does the CLAS examination cost?

The CLAS examination fee is $137.50 per candidate, per language and is payable by the agency. Examination in languages not normally tested will attract an additional $55.00 fee. Fees include GST. The list of languages for examination is available in the CLAS information package.

When is the examination held?

The CLAS examination is held usually in August each year and applications open in May.

For further information, please contact your agency's CLAS contact officer or follow the links to the CLAS Handbook and Examination information in the menu on the left.