Dili, April 23, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), through the Directorate General for Vocational Training and Employment (DJFPE) and the National Directorate of Foreign Employment (DNEE), held a press conference regarding the distribution of certificates and the update of English test scores for candidates who have completed English training and obtained certification.
Carlito do Rosário Cabral, Director General for Vocational Training and Employment, stated that SEFOPE issued a notice last year in 2024 following written English tests, in which many candidates received low scores. However, rather than being disqualified by the system, SEFOPE provided an opportunity for those candidates to attend English training at public or private training centers to improve their scores.
“With this decision, candidates who had low scores last year, many of whom joined courses both in municipalities and in Dili have now obtained certificates. To update their scores, they must bring their certificates to their respective municipalities,” Director General Carlito do Rosário Cabral told journalists at the central building in Caicoli on Tuesday (22/04/2025).
This opportunity was made available following guidance from the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, His Excellency Rogerio Araújo Mendonça, to inform the public that candidates who have completed English language courses and received certificates can now update their test scores in the municipalities where they initially took the exam.
According to the Director General, beginning the upcoming week on April 28, 2025, candidates who previously scored below the required threshold but completed English training and received a certificate may go to their municipalities to update their scores.
“Bring your English course certificate to your municipality’s SEFOPE office to update your score. The local SEFOPE director will facilitate a short interview process with each candidate to verify their English proficiency. This helps improve their scores and qualify them for future overseas job opportunities,” he said.
Priority will be given to those who took the initial test but did not meet the score requirements. SEFOPE will not yet open this opportunity to the general public who did not take part in the process. Only those who took the online test last year and scored 49 or below and who have since completed an English course and received certification are eligible for score updates.
He urged candidates not to be confused and to seek clarification directly from SEFOPE if needed. What is being reported in the media is what candidates should follow: go to their municipality, bring their certificate, and participate in a short interview conducted by SEFOPE and course trainers to improve their scores.
Since the beginning, SEFOPE has stated that candidates are free to attend English language training at any training center, whether in Dili or in municipalities, public or private. What matters most is that they demonstrate English proficiency and bring the certificate they received for the score update.
“What’s important is bringing the certificate and attending a short interview to show they truly understand English. As we’ve said before, the training isn’t centralized in one location candidates are free to choose a nearby training center. The essential thing is that they learn English and obtain a valid certificate for updating their score,” he added.
A total of 34,967 candidates who scored below 49 are considered for this opportunity. SEFOPE has prioritized these individuals to attend training and, if they already have a certificate, to begin updating their scores next week in the municipality where they initially took the test.
Director Carlito emphasized that the goal of this initiative is to evaluate candidates’ knowledge of English because working abroad requires the ability to communicate in the local language.
“Those who still feel they need more training may continue with the course. The opportunity remains open for them. We are only considering those who are already in the system. Previously, we announced that only about half of the qualified candidates have departed for Australia. We have not yet opened new applications, as we continue to prioritize those already in the system,” he affirmed.
Out of all those who took the first written test and scored 50 or above, a total of 7,813 candidates have updated their documents and received reference numbers.
“Candidates must receive a reference number with a score of 50 or higher. Once all documents are complete, companies request this data, and we send it to them to begin the final process. We always inform candidates that the final recruitment stages are conducted by employers, English interviews, health checks, skill tests, all these are the responsibility of the employer,” he explained.
SEFOPE’s role is to facilitate and prepare youth to meet these criteria. Since employers require English proficiency, registration in the system, and a reference number, the 2024 intake began issuing these references starting from number 24, meaning that the process was initiated last year.
The Director General stated that the public can follow weekly updates on workers departing for Australia, most of whom are re-entrants or returning workers. When a company finds a worker suitable, they often request them again. However, there are new candidates as well, depending on employer demand. SEFOPE provides lists, but final selections are made by the companies.
Data for 2025 planning is not yet clear. SEFOPE is still waiting on market demand or company recommendations via email. If a test is requested, SEFOPE is ready to provide a list and proceed with processing according to employer requirements.
Report : Estefania
Photo : Estefania