If you’re planning to migrate to Australia as an engineer, the Engineers Australia Skill Assessment is a mandatory step in your journey. Engineers Australia (EA) is the designated assessing authority that evaluates your qualifications, skills, and experience to determine your eligibility under skilled visa categories like Subclass 189, 190, or 491.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from pathways and document checklists to the fees and application process.
Table Of Content
1What is the Engineers Australia Skill Assessment?2Pathways for Engineers Australia Skill Assessment3Engineers Australia Skill Assessment Document Checklist4How to Apply for Skill Assessment in Engineers Australia5Engineers Australia Skill Assessment Fees6Engineers Australia Skill Assessment Processing Time7Engineers Australia Skill Assessment Validity8Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Engineers Australia Skill Assessment?
The Engineers Australia skill assessment is a verification process that assesses the educational and professional competencies of engineering applicants seeking skilled migration to Australia. Engineers Australia is authorised by the Department of Home Affairs of the Australian government. It makes sure that your qualifications meet Australian standards for engineering occupations.
This process plays a vital role in the Australia immigration journey and is often the first step before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Pathways for Engineers Australia Skill Assessment
Engineers Australia (EA) offers several pathways for skill assessment, primarily determined by the nature and accreditation status of your engineering qualification. This Engineers Australia skill assessment is a required step for engineers seeking to migrate and work as an engineer in Australia. These include the Australian Qualification Pathway for EA-accredited Australian degrees, the Washington, Sydney, and Dublin Accord Pathways for qualifications recognized under international agreements, and the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) Pathway for non-accredited or non-Accord qualifications. Let’s learn more details about them:
1. Australian Qualification Pathway
This pathway is designed for candidates who hold an Engineers Australia–accredited qualification from an Australian university or institution.
Eligibility:
- You must have completed an engineering program accredited by Engineers Australia.
- You must have commenced your course in or after the year of accreditation.
* If your qualification is not accredited, you may be required to apply via the CDR pathway.
2. Washington Accord Pathway
This pathway is suitable for Professional Engineers whose degrees are accredited under the Washington Accord.
Eligibility:
- Your qualification must be from a country that is a signatory to the Washington Accord.
- You must have graduated during or after the date your country became a signatory.
- Example countries include India, the USA, the UK, Canada, and France.
* No CDR is required for this pathway.
3. Sydney Accord Pathway
This pathway applies to Engineering Technologists with qualifications accredited under the Sydney Accord.
Eligibility:
- Your qualification must be accredited under the Sydney Accord by a signatory country.
- You must have graduated during the recognised signatory period.
* No CDR is required.
4. Dublin Accord Pathway
For Engineering Associates, the Dublin Accord pathway is available.
Eligibility:
- Your qualification must be accredited under the Dublin Accord.
- The qualification must be completed during the signatory period.
* No CDR is required.
5. Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) Pathway
The CDR pathway is the most flexible and widely used route, especially for applicants whose qualifications are not accredited or are from non-Accord countries.
Who should apply through this pathway?
- Those with non-accredited engineering qualifications.
- Those with provisionally accredited Australian qualifications.
- Applicants who want to be assessed for an occupation different from their degree title.
- Candidates with a combination of qualifications relevant to their nominated occupation.
During the online application, you will be asked to select your engineering occupation from a list of 31 government-approved occupations. Your outcome letter will clearly state your occupational category and nominated occupation.
Engineers Australia Skill Assessment Document Checklist
This Engineers Australia skill assessment document checklist outlines all the essential documents required for applying through the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) pathway. It covers identity proof, academic qualifications, employment evidence, English language test results, and the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) for non-accredited qualifications. Following this checklist ensures your application is complete and meets Engineers Australia’s requirements for a smooth assessment process.
Here’s a complete Engineers Australia Skill Assessment Document Checklist for applying through the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) pathway, which includes Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) and other options like Accredited Qualifications:
1. Identity Documents
- Passport bio page (clear, color scan)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (color, no more than 6 months old)
2. Academic Qualifications
- Degree certificate/s (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD – as applicable)
- Official transcripts/mark sheets (with subjects and grades)
- English translations (if documents are not in English, certified translations are mandatory)
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume)
- Detailed and up-to-date
- Clearly formatted, including employment history in reverse chronological order
4. Employment Evidence (If claiming work experience)
- Reference letters on company letterhead, signed and dated
- Include: job title, duration, duties, salary, and contact details
- Payslips, tax records, or employment contracts (optional but supportive)
5. English Language Proficiency
- IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic results (within 3 years)
- Minimum requirements depend on the type of assessment
6. Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) (For non-accredited qualifications)
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) list
- Three Career Episodes
- Summary Statement (mapped to ANZSCO occupational category)
7. Additional Documents (if applicable)
- Name change certificate (if your name differs across documents)
- Professional registration certificates (if applicable)
- Statutory declaration or affidavit (for self-employment or missing records)
Submission Guidelines
All documents must be in PDF format, clearly scanned, and translated into English (if not originally in English). Name files logically for easier review.
How to Apply for Skill Assessment in Engineers Australia
To apply for an Engineers Australia skill assessment, first check that your engineering qualification meets their requirements. Identify your occupational category (Professional Engineer, Engineering Technologist, Engineering Associate, or Engineering Manager) and choose the appropriate assessment pathway (Australian Qualification, Accord Pathways, or Competency Demonstration Report). Prepare necessary documents like ID, degree certificates, transcripts, and English test results. If needed, complete your CDR with Career Episodes and Summary Statement. Submit your application and documents through MyPortal and pay the fee. Once assessed, you’ll receive the outcome, which can support your skilled migration application.
Here is the step by step process:
1. Check Your Qualification
Make sure that your engineering qualification aligns with Engineers Australia’s requirements.
2. Understand the Four Occupational Categories
Know which one applies to you:
- Professional Engineer
- Engineering Technologist
- Engineering Associate
- Engineering Manager
3. Choose an Assessment Pathway
- Select the correct route:
- Australian Qualification
- Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord
- Competency Demonstration Report (CDR)
- Non-Accredited Qualification
4. Prepare Your Application
Gather required documents:
- ID proof, degree, transcripts, English test results
- CDR (if required): CPD, Career Episodes, Summary Statement
5. Submit Your Application
Apply through MyPortal, upload documents, and pay the fee.
6. Receive the Outcome
You’ll be notified of your result, positive outcomes can be used for skilled migration.
This is the standard skill assessment process for applicants aiming to migrate.
Engineers Australia Skill Assessment Fees
The fees for the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) program are updated annually. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the updated fees effective from 1 July 2024, including GST.
International Accords Qualification Assessment Fees
| Item | Fee excl. GST (AUD) | Fee incl. GST (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification assessment (Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord) | $490 | $539 |
| Qualification + Skilled Employment | $905 | $995.50 |
| Qualification + Overseas PhD | $755 | $830.50 |
| Qualification + Skilled Employment + PhD | $1,160 | $1,276 |
Australian Engineering Qualification Assessment Fees
| Item | Fee excl. GST (AUD) | Fee incl. GST (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification assessment | $305 | $335.50 |
| Qualification + Skilled Employment | $720 | $792 |
| Qualification + Overseas PhD | $570 | $627 |
| Qualification + Skilled Employment + PhD | $975 | $1,072.50 |
Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) Fees
| Item | Fee excl. GST (AUD) | Fee incl. GST (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard CDR | $910 | $1,001 |
| CDR + Skilled Employment | $1,320 | $1,452 |
| CDR + Overseas PhD | $1,165 | $1,281.50 |
| CDR + Skilled Employment + PhD | $1,575 | $1,732.50 |
Additional Services
| Service | Fee excl. GST (AUD) | Fee incl. GST (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-track Assessment | $350 | $385 |
| Separate Skilled Employment Assessment | $470 | $517 |
| Separate Overseas PhD Assessment | $315 | $346.50 |
| Employment + PhD (Combined) | $730 | $803 |
| Review Fee | $325 | $357.50 |
| Appeal Fee | $620 | $682 |
| Updated Outcome Letter | $165 | $181.50 |
| Administration Fee | $125 | $137.50 |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Visit the official EA website for the latest updates.
Engineers Australia Skill Assessment Processing Time
The average processing time for Engineers Australia skill assessment varies based on workload and pathway:
Standard Assessment: 12 to 16 weeks
Fast Track Applications: 20 business days or less.
For accurate results, make sure all documents are complete and submitted per guidelines. Delays may occur if cdr report writing or documentation is incomplete.
Engineers Australia Skill Assessment Validity
Your skill assessment outcome is typically valid as per Australia governments official website is for 3 years from the date of issue. If it expires before visa lodgment, you’ll need to renew Engineers Australia skill assessment by submitting a new application.
