Skill Assessment for Engineering

What is Engineering Skill Assessment?

Engineering skill assessment is a formal process required for engineers who wish to gain employment or work in Australia. This process facilitates accreditation of the Australian standard professional and educational qualifications to practicing engineers mainly those from overseas. The institution that is lawfully entitled to regulate engineering professionals in Australia is Engineers Australia. Engineers Australia evaluates the competency, expertise, and experience of all aspirants to ensure they are prepared enough to progress in the engineering industry.

At Grace International, we have more information on how to prepare for these tests and detailed instructions on how to select the right path depending on the level of education. The services we offer include guidance on Engineers Australia processes, and document writing, as well as guaranteeing the completeness of all related aspects such as the CDR.

Recognised Occupational Categories by Engineers Australia

Engineers Australia recognizes several engineering occupational categories, each with specific educational standards and distinct roles:

Professional Engineer

Requiring a four-year engineering degree, Professional Engineers hold advanced knowledge in theory and practice. They manage complex projects, devise innovative solutions, and oversee engineering operations.

Engineering Technologist

Technologists usually possess a three-year engineering degree, focusing on specialized technical applications. They assist Professional Engineers in various projects, often managing practical tasks.

Engineering Associate

Engineering Associates hold a two-year engineering diploma or equivalent. Their work supports engineers by providing technical assistance and performing clearly defined tasks.

Engineering Managers

(For migration purpose only)

This role is reserved for engineers with significant managerial experience, requiring applicants to demonstrate leadership in overseeing engineering projects and managing teams.

Who Needs an Engineering Skill Assessment?

Professionals listed under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Code by Engineers Australia must complete a skill assessment if they intend to work or migrate to Australia. This requirement ensures that the applicant’s qualifications and skills align with Australian standards and are fit for the country’s engineering sector.

Pathways for Engineers Australia Skills Assessment

Grace International also highlights the importance of choosing the correct pathway, as Engineers Australia provides multiple options to suit diverse educational backgrounds:

Accredited Qualifications

For qualifications recognized by Engineers Australia or other authorized international bodies.

Australian Qualifications Accord

Applicable for candidates with Australian engineering degrees.

Washington Accord Qualifications

For professional engineering degrees from Washington Accord member countries.

Dublin Accord Qualifications

Covers Engineering Associate degrees.

Sydney Accord Qualifications

For Engineering Technologist degrees from Sydney Accord countries.

NonAccredited Qualifications

Engineers without accredited qualifications can opt for the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway. This report includes detailed accounts of the candidate’s work experience, showing their skills match Australian standards.

Engineering Occupations in Australia That Require Skill Assessment

Typical occupations requiring skill assessments include:

  • Civil Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Engineering Technologist
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Engineering Manager

Additional roles are recognized as per the ANZSCO Code, aligning with Australian standards and validating engineering expertise.

Eligibility Requirements for Skill Assessment

Education

Applicants need an engineering degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification matching their occupational category. 

If you are applying for an undergraduate program,

You must have completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of sixty-five percent.
(Note: You may be required to take the Foundation Study Program if you get admitted under equivalent qualifications.)

A score of at least twenty-five in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or higher or equivalent course. You will need to complete the English proficiency test, IELTS (Academic), with a minimum overall band of 6.5 and no individual band of less than six.

If you are applying for the master's program,

You need to have completed an Australian or international equivalent bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of two in the required field.

You will need to complete the English proficiency test, IELTS (Academic), with a minimum overall band of 6.5 and no individual band less than six.

Work Experience

Relevant experience aligned with their engineering skills and qualifications is typically required. If you have twelve months or more of related work experience, or if the work experience gives a basis for a Career Episode, you must provide a reference letter from your employer.

Keep in mind that only work experience obtained after completing the certification helping your nominated profession will be accepted. Hence, the work experience you have gained before or during your studies will not be accepted as relevant.

English Language Proficiency

Engineers Australia mandates English proficiency through accepted tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Applicants who submit an IELTS test result must score at least 6.0 in each of the four modules (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). Grace International advises ensuring these scores meet the required minimums.

Additional Requirements

Depending on the pathway and occupational category, additional documents or competency assessments may be necessary. These include documents prepared by the related government agencies or other organizations that are not connected or related to your employer, for example, Social Security/Social Insurance Report, Income Tax (Acknowledgment)/Payroll Tax report from the employer, Superfund Contribution Statement, Provident Fund Statement/Retirement contribution reports, Work permit.

Step-by-Step Skill Assessment Process

The process generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Eligibility Check and Document Preparation

Applicants begin by verifying eligibility, qualifications, and English proficiency. Grace International offers support with documentation, helping applicants gather materials accurately.

Step 2: Competency Demonstration Report (CDR)

Candidates using the nonaccredited pathway must submit a CDR, highlighting engineering skills through specific project examples.

Step 3: Engineering Knowledge Assessment (Optional)

Some applicants may need an additional knowledge assessment to demonstrate technical competency.

Step 4: Assessment Outcome

Engineers Australia evaluates applications, providing an assessment result that confirms whether qualifications meet Australian standards.

Have any doubts?

Send us your queries via the enquiry form. Our team will contact you to answer your queries.

Skill Assessment Fees and Fast-track Option

The fee for skill assessment varies by type. Engineers Australia also offers a fast-track option for expedited processing, available for an additional fee. Grace International advises that applicants consider this if they wish to expedite their application.

The following table enlists some expenses for the skill assessment:

Report of Standard Competency Demonstration $650.00 ($AUD)
Standard Competency Demonstration Report +
Related Skilled Employment Assessment (+$270 Excl. GST)
$920.00 ($AUD)
Standard Competency Demonstration Report +
Overseas PhD Assessment (+$205 Excl. GST)
$855.00 ($AUD)
Standard Competency Demonstration Report +
Related Skilled Employment Assessment (+$270 Excl. GST)
+ Overseas PhD Assessment (+$205 Excl. GST)
$1,125.00 ($AUD)
Fast Track Fee $250.00 ($AUD)

Processing Times for Engineers Australia Skill Assessment

Processing times vary based on application complexity, volume, and the chosen pathway. The normal processing time for the skill assessment (non-credited for assessment) is about 16 weeks. Furthermore, when you lodge your application, you have the chance to select the fast-track option. However, you need to pay a fast-track service fee of about AUD 250.00 which will be added to your application.

After you fast-track your application, it will be assigned to a case officer within ten business days. Standard times can range from weeks to months, but Grace International helps ensure documents are complete to prevent delays.

Documents for Submission and Guidelines

Please note that the Engineers Australia (EA) will not accept the certified copies for an online application. EA only accepts the original color scans of the documents.

OPTION: 1
  • Reference letter needs to be written on the employing company’s official letterhead.
  • The letter should clearly indicate the company’s full address. Also, the corresponding telephone numbers, fax numbers, email, and website addresses need to be mentioned. Moreover, the issue date of the letter needs to be clearly mentioned.
  • The manager/direct supervisor of the HR/Department needs to endorse the letter.
  • The name as well position of the person endorsing the employment letter or document needs to be mentioned. It should be typed or stamped below that person’s signature. Also, the direct official contact number and email address of the person endorsing the documents need to be included.
  • The employing company’s stamp needs to be included.
  • Enlist 5 of your major duties under the position you undertook
  • The exact period of employment also needs to be included. So, put the start date and finish date along with the day, month, and year.
  • Furthermore, please indicate the nature of the position (full or part-time). Also, include the working hours per week.
  • Include the pay rate ( monthly, fortnightly, or annually)
OPTION: 2
  • Job Offer Letter with duties in the employer’s official letterhead, including the company’s full address, telephone, and fax numbers, stamp, email, and website addresses OR
  • a Yearly Performance Review Document (if it includes duties) prepared by the employer on their official letterhead. The performance review also needs to be signed by a more senior officer than you.
OPTION: 3
  • Reference letter endorsed by the Manager/Direct Supervisor/Human Resources Department, with official letterhead, stamp, full company address, telephone, and fax numbers, emails and website addresses and date of employment start and finish, etc. AND
  • Statutory Declaration/Affidavit by a direct supervisor providing your duties

Additional Documents You Need To Provide

  • Documents prepared by the related government agencies or other organizations that are not connected or related to your employer, for example, Social Security/Social Insurance Report OR
  • Income Tax (Acknowledgment)/Payroll Tax report from the employer OR
  • Superfund Contribution Statement OR
  • Provident Fund Statement/Retirement contribution reports OR
  • Work permit

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please ensure that the company name is stated on each document mentioned above.

Documents for Self-employed

On the other hand, if you were self-employed, then please submit all the documents in the following points:

  • A confirmation from a third party about the duration of self-employment on their letterhead including stamp; the position worked and the individual tasks carried out (for example, signed by the client; or company solicitor accountant. etc.)
  • Government-issued proof of Registration of the engineering company as an engineer in the country
  • Receipts issued for your projects, including the stamps
  • Tax report of your business
  • Contracts that state the technical details and commencement date of the projects
  • Letter/Certificate of Completion issued by the local government agency

Getting Started with Engineers Australia Skill Assessment with Expert Support

Completing a skill assessment is crucial for engineers seeking Australian employment or residency. Grace International provides consulting support throughout the process, offering expert guidance in pathway selection, document preparation, and compliance with Engineers Australia standards.

Don’t miss out on the chance to build your engineering future in Australia. Contact Grace International Education and Migration today to embark on your journey to a brighter tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is engineering a viable career in Australia?

According to the research done by training.com.au, engineering was still one of the top twenty in-demand occupations during the pandemic in Australia. (See article)

Do engineers get paid well in Australia?

Engineers in Australia have some of the highest salaries. The average salary of an engineer in 2019 was AUD 104,347 and is gradually growing. (See article)

How do I get started?

You can send us your contact details here. We will provide you with all the information and explain what documents you’ll need to apply.

Can I apply for a review if my skill assessment is unsuccessful?

Yes, applicants can request a review if they believe the assessment result does not fully reflect their qualifications.

How often can I reapply if my assessment is unsuccessful?

There’s no strict limit, though strengthening weak areas noted in the assessment is recommended.

How can I check the status of my skill assessment application?

Engineers Australia provides an online portal for application tracking.

How long is a skill assessment valid?

Assessments are valid for three years from issuance.

How long does a skill assessment take?

Processing times vary, typically taking from several weeks to months based on application complexity.

Is the skill assessment difficult?

The difficulty depends on an applicant’s qualifications, documentation accuracy, and chosen pathway.

How fast is the fast-track option?

Fast-tracking shortens processing time but varies based on demand and application complexity.

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