Skills Assessment for Australian Migration: Complete Guide by Occupation

A skills assessment is an evaluation by an Australian authority that confirms your overseas qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. It's required for:

• - Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
• - Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
• - Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
• - Some employer-sponsored visas

Each occupation has a designated assessing authority. You cannot choose which body assesses you — it's determined by your ANZSCO occupation code.

Engineers Australia (EA) — All engineering occupations. Accepts Washington Accord degrees directly. Others need a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR). Cost: ~$600-1,200. Time: 6-12 weeks.

ACS (Australian Computer Society) — IT professionals. Requires degree + work experience. Deducts "skill level met date" years from experience count. Cost: ~$500. Time: 6-8 weeks.

CPA/CAANZ/IPA — Accountants. Requires specific coursework coverage. May need to complete bridging subjects. Cost: ~$500-700. Time: 8-12 weeks.

ANMAC — Nurses and midwives. Requires degree equivalence + English (IELTS 7.0 each band). Cost: ~$600. Time: 8-12 weeks.

TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) — Trade occupations (electricians, plumbers, mechanics, etc.). May require practical assessment. Cost: ~$300-500. Time: 8-16 weeks.

VETASSESS — Catch-all for 350+ occupations not covered by specialist bodies. Cost: ~$700-1,000. Time: 12-16 weeks.

AASW — Social workers. IELTS 7.0 each band required. Cost: ~$600. Time: 8-12 weeks.

1. Start early — Assessments take 2-4 months. Don't wait until you're ready to lodge your visa.
2. Get detailed employment references — On company letterhead, stating your exact duties, dates, hours, and position title.
3. Translate all documents — Use NAATI-certified translators for non-English documents.
4. Check specific requirements — Each body has different rules. Read their guidelines thoroughly.
5. Consider a migration agent — They know exactly what each authority looks for and can review your documents before submission.
6. Keep certified copies — You'll need them for the visa application too.