Around 120 candidates are expected to use the services of Rockhampton's English language testing facility in late-October, mid-November and late-November, continuing a trend for increased patronage.

Use by intending skilled migrants is now ahead of use by intending university degree students.

The facility based at CQU Rockhampton's Language Centre is playing a role in the skilled migration process, as the only IELTS testing centre located between Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. The system is primarily used by those seeking international education, professional recognition, bench-marking to international standards and global mobility.

CQU Language Centre spokesperson Helen Stewart said numbers using the Rockhampton facility had increased 5-fold this year, to a total of 280.

The forthcoming sessions will cater for doctors, nurses, teachers and other aspiring skilled migrants throughout Queensland (and in some cases interstate).