What the CELF-5 measures
The CELF-5 looks at the building blocks of language: understanding what is said, following directions, knowing word meanings, using grammar correctly, putting sentences together and remembering spoken information. Some versions also look at reading, writing and the social use of language.
There is an Australian and New Zealand standardised edition, published by Pearson, so your child's results are compared with Australian and New Zealand children of the same age rather than an overseas sample. A separate preschool version is used for younger children.
What happens in the assessment
A speech pathologist works one on one with your child through a set of short tasks, such as pointing to pictures, repeating sentences, finishing sentences and following spoken instructions. The core tasks usually take 30 to 45 minutes, and extra tasks can be added to look at a particular area in more depth.
The assessment can also include an observational rating scale, completed by a parent or teacher, about how your child communicates at home and in class. This helps link test scores to everyday life.
How the scores work
Results are given as standard scores, where 100 is the average for that age and most people score between 85 and 115. The main result is the Core Language Score, which gives an overall picture. Other index scores break this down, for example into receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (talking).
A low score tells you that language skills are well below other children the same age. It does not on its own tell you how that affects school, friendships or daily life. A good report explains both.
How the CELF-5 is used for the NDIS
The NDIA makes decisions based on functional capacity, meaning what you can and cannot do day to day. The CELF-5 measures language skills, so on its own it is not a functional assessment. It is most useful as one part of a speech pathology report that also describes how your child communicates at home, at school and in the community.
A report with CELF-5 results can support an access request, help set communication goals, show progress at a plan reassessment and explain why therapy or communication supports are needed.
- Ask the speech pathologist to explain what the scores mean in plain words
- Ask them to link the results to real examples, such as not following class instructions or not being understood by peers
- Ask for clear recommendations on the type and amount of support needed
Cost and funding
Speech pathologists charge by the hour for the assessment, scoring and report writing. Under the 2026/27 NDIS price limits, speech pathology is capped at $193.99 an hour in most of Australia. Ask for a written quote that shows how many hours the assessment and report will take.
For NDIS participants, a CELF-5 assessment is usually paid from the improved daily living skills part of the Capacity Building budget. From 1 October 2026 that budget is reduced by 10% when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed, so check what is left before booking. Some schools and public health services also offer speech pathology assessments, although waiting lists vary.
For providers
Families and the NDIA read reports with different needs in mind. Report standard scores with their meaning, describe functional impact across settings, and connect recommendations to the participant's goals. If you reassess with the CELF-5 to show progress, note the time between assessments and any changes in the participant's circumstances.