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UAESkills assessment
A skills assessment is an independent check that your qualifications and work experience match your occupation. Most skilled visas need a positive assessment before you apply, so it is often the first step.
Reviewed by Arun Padmani, MARN 2418630 · Government charges checked November 2026Some assessing authorities
ACS
Australian Computer Society. Assesses many information and communications technology occupations.
Engineers Australia
Assesses engineering occupations, including civil, electrical, mechanical and software engineering.
VETASSESS
Assesses a wide range of professional and general occupations, such as marketing, human resources and many other roles.
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
Assesses many trade occupations, such as electricians, plumbers and chefs.
Nursing and midwifery
Nurses and midwives are assessed by the nursing and midwifery assessing authority, which is separate from registration with AHPRA.
Other authorities
Accounting, teaching, social work, medicine and other fields each have their own authority. We help you find the right one.
What the Department looks at
- Your occupation matches the Australian occupation you are applying under.
- Your qualifications are at the right level and field, and are recognised.
- Your work experience is relevant, recent and well documented, with duties that match the occupation.
- Your identity documents and English results meet the authority's rules.
Costs and time
| Authority | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| ACS (ICT), Qualification Only | $625 (as listed by ACS) |
| ACS (ICT), Post Australian Study | $1,136 (as listed by ACS) |
| ACS (ICT), General Skills | $1,498 (as listed by ACS) |
| ACS (ICT), Recognition of Prior Learning | $625 (as listed by ACS) |
| ACS (ICT), Level 1 Appeal | $516 (as listed by ACS) |
| ACS (ICT), Level 2 Appeal | $620 (as listed by ACS) |
| Engineers Australia, Competency Demonstration Report | $1,034 (incl. GST) |
| Engineers Australia, Washington Accord qualification | $555.50 (incl. GST) |
| VETASSESS, professional occupations (applying from within Australia) | $1,136.30 (incl. GST) |
| VETASSESS, professional occupations (not an Australian tax resident) | $1,033 |
| Trades Recognition Australia, Documentary Evidence | $1,120 (excl. GST) |
| Trades Recognition Australia, Technical Interview Pathway 1 | $2,000 (excl. GST) |
Fees are set by each authority, change often and depend on your occupation and pathway. Taken from the authorities' websites in November 2026. We confirm the current figure for your occupation before you apply.
Documents checklist
Common questions
Do I need a skills assessment for every visa?
Many skilled visas need one, and some employer sponsored visas do too. We tell you whether your visa and occupation need it.
What if my assessment is negative?
Authorities often explain why. We look at whether you can fix the gap, appeal or choose a different occupation or pathway.
How do I choose my occupation?
Your qualifications and real duties decide which occupations fit. We compare options and their visa pathways with you.
Start with the right authority
Each occupation has its own assessing authority and rules. We match your occupation and prepare your evidence.
Book a consultationArun Padmani, MARN 2418630