Australia’s engineering sector is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing in the world. To be part of this thriving industry, passing the Engineers Australia (EA) skills assessment is essential. Engineers Australia assesses your engineering experience and competencies to ensure that you meet the high standards, whether you hold an accredited qualification or non-accredited qualification.
So, how do you get started? The application process involves creating an online account from EA portal, choosing your assessment pathway based on your qualifications, and submit the documents of your qualifications and engineering experience, including detailed career episodes and a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) statement.
This assessment not only validates your expertise but also enhances your professional credibility, opening doors to advanced career opportunities and recognition in Australia. Don’t worry. In this blog, we have gathered all the essential information, from required documents to application fees; you need to navigate the Engineers Australia skills assessment with confidence.
Table of Contents
- What is the Engineers Australia Skills Assessment?
- Why is the Engineers Australia Skills Assessment Important?
- Types of Assessments Offered by Engineers Australia
- Accredited Qualification Pathway
- Non-Accredited Qualifications Pathway
- Eligibility Criteria for Engineers Australia Skills Assessment
- Criteria For Accredited Qualification
- Criteria for Non-Accredited Qualifications
- English Language Proficiency Requirements
- What documents are required by engineers in Australia for skill assessment?
- How long does it take for an Engineers Australia assessment?
- How long does the skill assessment take for fast-track Australia?
- How long is the EA Skill Assessment Valid for in Australia?
- Engineer Migration Skills Assessment Fees
- Concluding Statement
What is the Engineers Australia Skills Assessment?
The Engineers Australia Skills Assessment is a mandatory requirement for engineers who want to work or migrate to Australia. It is conducted by Engineers Australia, a professional body representing engineers across various disciplines in the country. The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate the qualifications, skills, and work experience of foreign engineers to determine their eligibility for skilled migration or employment in Australia.
Why is the Engineers Australia Skills Assessment Important?
The EA Skills Assessment holds significant importance for engineers aiming to work in Australia. It serves multiple purposes:
Immigration Eligibility: The positive skill assessment helps determine whether an engineer meets the minimum requirements for skilled migration visas application, such as the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), and Skilled Regional (Subclass 491) visas.
Professional Recognition: Engineers Australia is the designated authority responsible for assessing the qualifications of engineers. A positive assessment outcome from Engineers Australia is often required by employers in Australia for job applications.
Occupational Categorisation: The assessment process helps classify engineers into specific occupational categories based on their qualifications and work experience. This classification can impact job opportunities and visa options.
Types of Assessments Offered by Engineers Australia
When it comes to assessing your skills as an engineer, Engineers Australia offers two pathways:
- Accredited Qualification Pathway
Engineers with accredited qualifications can choose from several pathways under the Accredited Qualification pathway:
Australian Qualifications: Applicants with engineering qualifications from Australian universities or institutions recognized by Engineers Australia.
Washington Accord Qualifications: Qualifications from countries that are signatories to the Washington Accord, ensuring international recognition of engineering degrees.
Sydney Accord Qualifications: Recognised qualifications in engineering technology from signatory countries of the Sydney Accord.
Dublin Accord Qualifications: Qualifications in engineering technology from countries participating in the Dublin Accord.
- Non-Accredited Qualifications Pathway
For engineers with non-accredited qualifications, the Non-Accredited Qualification pathway offers the following assessment options:
Competency Demonstration Report (CDR): Engineers can demonstrate their competencies through a CDR, detailing their academic and professional achievements, engineering projects, and practical experience
Eligibility Criteria for Engineers Australia Skills Assessment
The skills assessment process starts with checking the qualifications. Qualifications are evaluated based on the country of completion, type, and accreditation status.
Criteria For Accredited Qualification
Engineers Australia categorizes engineers into four distinct occupational categories, each tailored to specific roles and levels of expertise within the engineering profession. These categories are crucial for determining eligibility criteria and assessing qualifications under the Engineers Australia Skills Assessment framework:
- Professional Engineer
- Engineering technologist
- Engineering associate
- Engineering manager
Professional Engineer
To qualify as a professional engineer for migration or professional recognition in Australia, you must hold a Four-Year professional engineering degree that is recognized by Engineers Australia.
Alternatively, your qualifications can include degrees validated by signatories to the Washington Accord, ensuring international recognition. As a professional engineer, you are expected to demonstrate:
- Proficiency in focusing on overall systems within engineering projects.
- Ability to develop and apply innovative engineering practices.
- Leadership and management skills necessary for guiding teams and projects.
- Capability to approach engineering challenges holistically, considering environmental, community, and social factors.
- A track record of effectively solving diverse engineering problems through analytical and practical methods.
| ANZSCO Occupations Designated under Professional Engineer |
| Civil Engineer (233211)
Chemical Engineer (233111) Electronics Engineers (233411) Electrical Engineer (233311) Environmental Engineer (233915) Aeronautical Engineer (233911) Agricultural Engineer (233912) Biomedical Engineer (233913) Geotechnical Engineer (233212) Industrial Engineer (233511) Materials Engineer (233112) Mechanical Engineer (233512) Mining Engineer (233611) Naval Architect (233916) Petroleum Engineer (233612) Production or Plant Engineer (233513) Structural Engineer (233214) Telecommunications Engineer (263311) Telecommunications Network Engineer (263312) Transport Engineer (233215) Engineering Professional nec (233999)
|
Engineering Technologist
To qualify as an engineering technologist for migration or professional recognition in Australia, you must have completed a Three-Year engineering technology degree that is recognised by Engineers Australia.
Alternatively, your degree can be accredited by a country that is a signatory to the Sydney Accord, ensuring its international recognition.
As an engineering technologist, you are expected to demonstrate:
- Specialised knowledge in interacting with complex engineering systems.
- Proficiency in modifying and adapting established engineering practices to meet project requirements.
- Ability to contribute to the advancement of engineering technology through practical application and innovation.
| ANZSCO Occupations Designated under Engineering Technologist (Skill Level 1) |
| 1. Engineering Technologist (233914) including specialisations |
Engineering Associate
To qualify as an engineering associate for migration or professional recognition in Australia, you must have completed a two-year advanced diploma or associate degree in engineering that is recognized by Engineers Australia.
Alternatively, your qualification can be accredited by a country that is a signatory to the Dublin Accord, ensuring its international recognition with a strong emphasis on practical application.
As an engineering associate, you are expected to demonstrate:
- Specialised knowledge in managing specific elements of engineering systems.
- Proficiency in applying established engineering codes, practices, and procedures.
- Strong practical skills essential for implementing engineering solutions effectively.
| ANZSCO Occupations Designated under Engineering Associate (Skill Level 2) |
| 1. Civil Engineering Drafts person (312211) including specialisations
2. Electrical Engineering Drafts person (312311) including specialisations 3. Telecommunication Field Engineer (313212) 4. Telecommunications Network Planner (313213) 5. Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist (313214) |
Engineering Manager
Overseas engineers whose qualifications do not fit into one of the three engineering categories recognised by Engineers Australia can apply for a migrant skills assessment under the occupational category of Engineering Manager. This manager and administrator category (Skill Level 1) is classified under the Managers ANZSCO group as listed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
To qualify as an engineering manager for migration or professional recognition in Australia, you must obtain:
- A Bachelor of Engineering degree or an equivalent qualification in a related engineering field.
- Relevant experience demonstrating your ability to:
- Develop, implement, and oversee engineering strategies, policies, and plans.
- Manage and review the administration of engineering operations within an organization.
Criteria for Non-Accredited Qualifications
To be eligible for submitting a CDR pathway with non-accredited qualifications, you must
- Provide accurate personal information and evidence as per the requirements.
- Select and nominate your preferred occupation.
- Submit detailed information of qualification along with supporting evidence.
Additionally, for your engineering occupation, you need to provide skilled employment information and evidence, including career episodes relevant to your skilled nominated occupation. It is also essential to prepare and include a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) statement, career episodes, and a summary statement. After completing these steps, you will be ready to submit your CDR application.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you’re applying for a skills assessment with Engineers Australia, you’ll need to show proof of your English language skills. You can do this by providing results from one of these tests:
| TEST | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE Academic |
| Listening | 6 | 12 | 50 |
| Reading | 6 | 13 | 50 |
| Speaking | 6 | 18 | 50 |
| Writing | 6 | 21 | 50 |
Applicants may not need to provide a test result if they:
- Have completed an Australian undergraduate engineering degree, a 2-year Masters, or a PhD program.
- Are native English speakers from countries like Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Ireland, and Canada (excluding Quebec).
Exemptions are considered individually, and Engineers Australia may ask for a test result later in the assessment process if needed.
What documents are required by engineers in Australia for skill assessment?
Common Requirements for All Applicants:
- A recent passport photo (35mm x 45mm)
- A prime identification document / Valid passport (page with photo and name)
- An academic degree certificate (a letter of completion is acceptable before graduation for Australian qualifications)
- A complete and official academic transcript showing all your courses and grades.
- A resume or CV that outlines your experience and skills.
- An IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE score to prove your English language proficiency.
- Official documentation if you’ve legally changed your name.
- English translations of any documents originally written in another language.
Additional Requirements for Non-Accredited Applicants:
Registration Certificate: Certificate from the relevant licensing authority, if applicable.
Employment Documentation: Proof that you have worked for periods of 12 months or more or if the job is relevant to your career episodes.
CPD Record: List of Continuing Professional Development activities
Three detailed Career Episodes: You can base your career episode on
| Ø An engineering assignment from your educational program
Ø A project you’ve worked on or are currently participating in Ø A specific post you held or are currently holding (which must include more than simply a duty statement) Ø A specific engineering problem you resolved |
Each career episode must be written in English and in your own words to demonstrate your communication skills to your examiner. Avoid delivering a large amount of technical information. Each narrative should have between 1000 and 2500 words.
Summary Statement: A Summary Statement for the nominated category (One summary statement for all three career episodes)
How long does it take for an Engineers Australia assessment?
The Engineers Australia skills assessment application process typically takes around 4 weeks and is conducted by qualified assessors. However, processing times can vary based on the completeness of your application and the volume of applications received by Engineers Australia at any given time.
In case of an unsuccessful assessment, you have the option to apply for a review within three months or an appeal within six months, with applicable fees for both processes.
How long does the skill assessment take for fast-track Australia?
The process of fast-track skill assessment for engineers Australia normally takes 20 business days; however, an outcome within this timeframe is not guaranteed. It is critical to double-check your assessment pathway and account ID before submitting your application, as the fast-track charge is nonrefundable.
How long is the EA Skill Assessment Valid for in Australia?
You’ll receive an official assessment outcome letter via email from Engineers Australia after your skills assessment is successfully completed. This letter is necessary for migration purpose, and you can verify it from EA portal.
It is important to note that the assessment letter itself has no expiration date assigned by Engineers Australia. As per Australian Government, a skills evaluation document is valid for three years from the date of issuance if it does not mention a validity term.
Engineer Migration Skills Assessment Fees
Here’s a structured table for the Engineers Australia migration skills assessment fees for the 2024 to 2025 period:
International Accords qualification assessment fees
| Item/s | Fee excl. GST AUD | Fee incl. GST AUD |
| Washington/Dublin/Sydney Accord qualification assessment | $475 | $522.50 |
| Washington/Dublin/Sydney Accord qualification assessment + relevant skilled employment assessment | $880 | $968 |
| Washington/Dublin/Sydney Accord qualification assessment + overseas PhD assessment | $730 | $803 |
| Washington/Dublin/Sydney Accord qualification assessment + relevant skilled employment assessment +overseas engineering PhD assessment | $1135 | $1248.50 |
Australian accredited engineering qualification assessment fees
| Item/s | Fee excl. GST AUD | Fee incl. GST AUD |
| Australian Engineering Qualification Assessment (AEQA) | $295 | $324.50 |
| AEQA with relevant skilled employment assessment | $700 | $770 |
| AEQA with overseas engineering PhD assessment | $550 | $605 |
| AEQA with both relevant skilled employment assessment and overseas engineering PhD assessment | $955 | $1050.50 |
Competency demonstration report assessment fees
| Item/s | Fee excl. GST AUD | Fee incl. GST AUD |
| Standard competency demonstration report | $880 | $968 |
| Competency demonstration report with relevant skilled employment assessment | $1285 | $1413.50 |
| Competency demonstration report with overseas engineering PhD assessment | $1135 | $1248.50 |
| Competency demonstration report with both relevant skilled employment assessment and overseas engineering PhD assessment | $1540 | $1694 |
Additional services
| Item/s | Fee excl. GST AUD | Fee incl. GST AUD |
| Fast-track assessment fee (additional to MSA assessment fee) | $335 | $368.50 |
| Separate relevant skilled employment assessment | $455 | $500.50 |
| Separate overseas engineering PhD assessment | $305 | $335.50 |
| Separate relevant skilled employment assessment plus overseas engineering PhD assessment | $710 | $781 |
Review and Appeal fees
| Item/s | Fee excl. GST AUD | Fee incl. GST AUD |
| Review fee | $315 | $346.50 |
| Appeal fee | $600 | $660 |
| Updated outcome letter | $165 | $181.50 |
| Standard administration fee | $120 | $132 |
Concluding Statement
The Engineers Australia skills assessment is not just a formal requirement—it’s a vital step towards unlocking your full potential in one of the world’s most dynamic engineering landscapes. By understanding the process, meeting the eligibility criteria, and preparing the necessary documentation, you position yourself for unparalleled career growth and recognition.
Ready to take the next step? If you’re looking to migrate through a skilled migration visa, our team is dedicated to simplifying the entire process for you. From assisting in gathering and organizing your documents to navigating the complexities of the assessment process, we are here to ensure that every step is handled with expertise and care.
Why choose ACIC Melbourne Services?
At ACIC Melbourne services we distinguish ourselves from the majority of agents who often provide an indifferent, high-cost services. We have more than 36 years of experience and a high success rate & will assist you in all steps of the application process to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
If you have any queries or would like to get in contact with ACIC Melbourne.
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