Skills Assessment Services
Professional guidance through the skills assessment process
What is Skills Assessment?
A skills assessment is a mandatory requirement for most Australian skilled migration visas. It verifies that your qualifications and work experience are suitable for your nominated occupation and meet Australian standards. Different occupations are assessed by different assessing authorities, each with their own criteria and processes.
The assessment evaluates your educational qualifications, work experience, and sometimes English language proficiency to determine if you meet the requirements for your chosen occupation on the skilled occupation lists.
Mandatory Requirement
Required for skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491) and most employer-sponsored visas.
Valid for 3 Years
Most positive assessments remain valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Occupation Specific
Each occupation has specific requirements and is assessed by a designated authority.
Major Skills Assessing Bodies
Engineers Australia (EA)
Assesses engineering professionals across all engineering disciplines.
Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Assesses ICT professionals including software engineers, developers, and analysts.
CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA
Assesses accountants and finance professionals.
VETASSESS
Assesses general professional occupations not covered by other authorities.
AHPRA
Assesses and registers health practitioners including nurses, doctors, and allied health.
AITSL
Assesses teachers and education professionals.
Common Assessment Criteria
Educational Qualifications
Work Experience
Some assessing authorities require English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) as part of the assessment. Requirements vary by occupation and authority.
Skills Assessment Process
Identify Occupation
Choose your occupation from the skilled occupation lists and identify the relevant assessing authority.
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents including qualifications, transcripts, employment evidence, and references.
Prepare Application
Complete application forms and prepare supporting documents according to authority requirements.
Submit & Pay
Lodge application online with the assessing authority and pay the assessment fee.
Assessment Review
Authority reviews your application and may request additional information or clarification.
Receive Outcome
Receive positive or negative assessment outcome, valid for 3 years if successful.
Frequently Assessed Occupations
261313 - Designs, develops, and maintains software systems and applications.
254411 - Provides nursing care and health education to patients.
221111 - Prepares financial statements and provides accounting advice.
233211 - Plans and designs civil engineering projects and infrastructure.
241411 - Teaches secondary school students across various subjects.
225113 - Develops and implements marketing strategies and campaigns.
How Golden Pathway Can Help
Occupation Selection
Help you identify the most suitable occupation based on your qualifications and experience.
Document Preparation
Assist in gathering, organizing, and preparing all required documentation to meet authority standards.
Application Review
Thoroughly review your application before submission to maximize chances of positive outcome.
Progress Monitoring
Track your application progress and respond promptly to any requests from assessing authorities.
Expert Guidance
Provide professional advice on complex cases and handle communication with assessing authorities.
Appeal Support
Assist with appeals or review processes if your initial assessment is unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for skills assessment?
You should apply for skills assessment as early as possible, ideally before lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI) for skilled migration. The assessment can take 2-5 months depending on the authority, and you need a positive outcome before receiving a visa invitation.
What if my assessment is negative?
If your assessment is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal or request a review, depending on the assessing authority's policies. Alternatively, you can apply for assessment in a different occupation that better matches your qualifications and experience. Golden Pathway can help you explore your options.
Can I use overseas qualifications?
Yes, overseas qualifications are accepted if they are from recognized institutions and meet Australian standards. You may need to provide certified translations of documents not in English, and some authorities may require additional evidence of comparability to Australian qualifications.
How much does skills assessment cost?
Assessment fees vary by authority and occupation, typically ranging from AUD 500 to AUD 1,660. Additional costs may include English tests, document translations, and professional report writing. Golden Pathway can provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific circumstances.
Do I need work experience?
Work experience requirements vary by occupation and assessing authority. Some occupations require 1-3 years of relevant post-qualification experience, while others may assess based on qualifications alone. The experience must be closely related to your nominated occupation and usually needs to be after completing your relevant qualification.
Need Help with Your Skills Assessment?
Let our experts guide you through the assessment process and maximize your success rate.
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