Skills Assessment
A Skills Assessment is an official evaluation of your qualifications and work experience to confirm that you have the skills required to work in your nominated occupation in Australia.
It is a mandatory step for most skilled visa subclasses, including:
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
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Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass186) in Direct Entry stream
The assessment ensures that your skills meet Australian standards for the occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
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You may need a skills assessment if:
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You are applying for a skilled migration visa.
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You are seeking state or territory nomination.
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You are applying under an employer-sponsored program that requires one.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the assessing authority and completeness of your documents. On average:
VETASSESS / ACS / Engineers Australia
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6–10 weeks
TRA (Trades)
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3–5 months, depending on trade testing schedule
Accounting or Health assessments
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typically 4–8 weeks
Main Assessing Authorities
Assessing Authority | Common Occupations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
VETASSESS | General professional occupations
(e.g. Marketing Specialist, Management Consultant, HR Advisor) | Most commonly used authority for general skilled occupations |
TRA
(Trades Recognition Australia) | Trade occupations
(e.g. Electrician, Chef, Carpenter, Plumber) | Often includes practical or technical testing |
Engineers Australia | Engineering occupations
(e.g. Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineers) | Requires CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) or accredited degree |
ACS (Australian Computer Society) | ICT occupations
(e.g. Software Engineer, ICT Business Analyst) | Requires detailed employment references and project evidence |
AACA / APHRA / CPA / CAANZ | Architecture, healthcare, accounting professions | Often require registration or professional membership |
Costs & Fees
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Skills Assessment Application
AUD 500 – 1,200 (depending on the assessing authority)
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Review or appeal (if applicable)
AUD 300 – 800
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Practical test (for trade occupations)
AUD 1,000 – 2,500
Why Skills Assessment Matters
Eligibility
You must have a positive skills assessment result to lodge most skilled visa applications.
Points Test
The date of your skills assessment result is used to calculate eligibility for age, work experience, and qualifications points.
State Nomination / EOI
You cannot submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) without a valid skills assessment.
Common Scenarios & Q&A
01. Do I need a skills assessment if I have an Australian qualification?
In most cases, yes. Even with an Australian degree, you must have your skills formally assessed if the occupation requires it.
02. How long is the skills assessment valid?
Usually valid for three years from the issue date unless stated otherwise by the assessing authority.
03. Can I apply for a visa while waiting for my skills assessment?
You can prepare your Expression of Interest (EOI), but the assessment must be approved before invitation or visa lodgement.
04. What documents do I need?
Provide clear evidence of both your qualifications and experience:
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Degree or trade certificates
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Academic transcripts
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Employment reference letters (on letterhead, signed, with duties and duration)
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Resume/CV
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Passport identification page
05. Can I get points for experience before qualification?
Usually no. For most authorities, only employment after your qualification is counted toward skilled experience.
Skills Assessment
