What is the CELF-5 and Why is it Used in NDIS Speech Pathology Reports?

What is the CELF-5?

The CELF-5, or Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals – Fifth Edition, is a standardised assessment tool used by speech pathologists to evaluate the language skills of children and adolescents aged 5 to 21 years.

It assesses both:

Receptive language (understanding what is heard or read)
Expressive language (using words and sentences to communicate)

The CELF-5 provides valuable insights into how a child processes, understands, and uses language — essential for participation in school, play, and daily interactions.

Why is the CELF-5 Used in NDIS Reports?

In the NDIS, reports from speech pathologists are required to:

Demonstrate the functional impact of a communication impairment
Justify the need for ongoing speech therapy
Support requests for assistive technology, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
Advocate for school-based supports and parent/carer coaching

The CELF-5 provides objective, age-standardised data that NDIS planners and early childhood partners can use when reviewing a participant’s funding needs.

What Does the CELF-5 Assess?

The CELF-5 is made up of multiple subtests, which assess key areas including:

Following directions
Understanding spoken paragraphs
Formulating sentences
Word structure and vocabulary
Recalling sentences
Understanding word meanings and relationships

The results help speech pathologists identify whether the child is experiencing:

Delayed language development
Language disorder
Difficulties with working memory, processing speed, or problem-solving

How CELF-5 Results Support NDIS Planning

CELF-5 results are often included in functional reports and initial assessments for NDIS participants. The results:

Provide baseline scores to support therapy recommendations
Show how communication difficulties impact school participation, friendships, and independence
Support therapy goals aligned with NDIS outcomes (e.g., “build communication for social connection” or “support classroom engagement”)

The NDIS does not fund therapy based only on a diagnosis — the report must clearly demonstrate how the difficulties impact daily functioning.

Case Example: Linking CELF-5 Results to NDIS Supports

Lucas is a 9-year-old student with expressive and receptive language delays. A speech pathology report using the CELF-5 reveals:

Difficulties following multi-step directions
Poor sentence formulation
Limited vocabulary

These language challenges are affecting his academic progress and social participation. The speech pathologist recommends:

Regular speech therapy sessions
Visual communication supports in the classroom
AAC trial for supporting complex instructions
Parent coaching on home-based communication strategies

The CELF-5 results strengthen the funding request by providing objective evidence of need.

Who Can Administer the CELF-5?

Only qualified speech pathologists trained in formal assessment tools can administer and interpret the CELF-5. They use it in combination with:

Parent interviews
Teacher feedback
Observations of real-life communication
Other standardised tools, such as the PPVT or CCC-2

What Should Be in an NDIS Report That Uses the CELF-5?

A high-quality report includes:

Background information and functional concerns
Summary of CELF-5 results with percentile ranks
Observations of communication in natural settings
Impact on daily life, learning, relationships
Recommendations for therapy and supports
Link to participant goals and NDIS outcomes

Final Thoughts

The CELF-5 is more than a test — it’s a gateway to understanding how a child communicates and participates in everyday life. For NDIS participants, it plays a vital role in securing communication supports that make school, friendships, and daily routines more accessible.