Skills assessment authorities compared

Skills Assessment Authorities: TRA, Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, AHPRA — Which One?

Navigating the migration process can feel overwhelming, but with MigrationBuro, you are never alone.

A skills assessment is a formal evaluation of your qualifications and employment history against Australian occupational standards. It is required for most skills-based visa applications. The assessing authority depends on your occupation — each authority covers a specific set of ANZSCO codes.

The most common authorities MigrationBuro works with are TRA (trades), Engineers Australia (engineering), ACS (IT), VETASSESS (para-professional and some technical), and AHPRA (health professions). Others exist for specific occupations.

THE MAIN ASSESSING AUTHORITIES

TRA (Trades Recognition Australia): assesses trade occupations including metal fabricators, boilermakers, motor mechanics, machinists, electricians (where not covered by a state licensing body), carpenters, and plumbers. TRA assessments are documentation-based: trade certificates, employment references, and payslips.

Engineers Australia: assesses engineering professionals. Pathways include the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) for engineers from non-Washington Accord institutions, and Skills Assessment for engineers from Washington Accord signatory institutions. Covers civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, chemical, mining, and other engineering disciplines.

ACS (Australian Computer Society): assesses ICT occupations. Software engineers, systems analysts, ICT business analysts, database administrators, network engineers, and others. ACS offers a Fast Track pathway for applicants with qualifying ICT degrees.

VETASSESS: assesses a wide range of professional, para-professional, and trades occupations not covered by a more specific authority. Dental technicians, social workers, business professionals, some technical roles. VETASSESS uses a Group system to indicate the qualification level required.

AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency): regulates and assesses 16 registered health professions in Australia. Nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and others. AHPRA assessment leads to registration, which is both an employment and migration requirement.

HOW TO CONFIRM THE RIGHT AUTHORITY

Step 1 Identify your ANZSCO code

Identify your ANZSCO code. The ANZSCO code determines the assessing authority. One occupation, one authority.

Step 2 Check the skilled occupation list

Check the skilled occupation list. Confirm the occupation is on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL for the visa you are pursuing.

Step 3 Check the assessing authority listed in the occupation specifications

Check the assessing authority listed in the occupation specifications. The Department of Home Affairs website lists the assessing authority for each ANZSCO code on the skilled occupation lists.

Step 4 Confirm the evidence required

Confirm the evidence required. TRA and VETASSESS are employment-evidence-heavy. Engineers Australia requires degree transcripts and a CDR or equivalent. ACS requires degree content evidence. AHPRA requires qualification and clinical evidence.

Step 5 Lodge the assessment with the correct authority

Lodge the assessment with the correct authority. Do not lodge with the wrong authority — the outcome is a failure by default.

Speak to a Migration agent

Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.

Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

(Subclass 482)
Custom migration pathways for businesses facing ongoing skills shortages, including DAMA’s, industry-specific Labour agreements and Company Specific Labour Agreements.

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Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

Secure permanent residency for skilled international employees, strengthening your workforce with long-term expertise.

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Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa provides a way for skilled workers in specific occupations, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, to live and work in Australia for 5 years. This visa contains two ‘streams’ with varying conditions and eligibility requirements. Click below to learn more, and contact us for professional advice and assistance.

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Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)

The Subclass 400 visa allows individuals with highly specialised skills to undertake short-term, non-ongoing work or projects in Australia..

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Some frequently asked questions

Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.

What if two authorities seem to cover my occupation?

In most cases, only one authority is listed for each ANZSCO code on the skilled occupation list. Where there is ambiguity (usually due to overlapping occupational definitions), confirm with MigrationBuro before lodging.

How long does a skills assessment take?

Varies by authority. TRA: several months. Engineers Australia CDR: two to four months typically. ACS: four to twelve weeks depending on the pathway. VETASSESS: two to four months. AHPRA: varies by profession. All timeframes are indicative — check current processing times on each authority's website.

Can I appeal a negative skills assessment?

Most authorities have a review or reassessment mechanism. The process and grounds for appeal vary. A negative assessment is not always final — it depends on the reason for the outcome.

Does employer sponsorship require a skills assessment?

For most MLTSSL occupations on the 482 visa, yes. The specific requirement and the authority depends on the occupation. For the 186 TRT stream, a fresh skills assessment is not required — the employment history with the sponsor substitutes.

What is the difference between a 482 and a 186 visa?

The 482 (Skills in Demand) is a temporary visa, typically granted for two to four years. The 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) is permanent residence. Many 482 holders transition to a 186 after two years of employment with the same employer under the Temporary Residence Transition stream. The 186 can also be lodged directly via the Direct Entry stream if the worker holds the right qualifications and the role meets the criteria.

Migration experience you can trust

MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.

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