Skills Assessment Bodies Complete List Australia 2026

Skills Assessment Bodies in Australia: Complete 2026 List

Every skilled migration visa to Australia requires a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority — and there are more than 30 of them. Knowing which body assesses your occupation, what it costs, how long it takes, and what's involved is one of the first steps in any migration plan. This is the definitive reference listing every skills assessment authority for Australian migration, with the practical details you need to get started.

Quick Facts: Skills Assessments for Migration

Detail	Information
Total Assessing Authorities	30+ bodies
Most Common	VETASSESS (covers 350+ occupations)
Fastest Processing	Some bodies process in 4–6 weeks
Slowest Processing	TRA and medical boards can take 6–18 months
Cost Range	AUD $300–$10,000+ depending on authority and pathway
Validity	Typically 3 years from date of assessment

How to Find Your Assessing Authority

Your assessing authority is determined by your occupation's ANZSCO code. Each code is assigned to a specific body — you don't get to choose. If you're not sure which ANZSCO code applies to you, use our guide to finding your ANZSCO code first.

Complete List of Assessing Authorities

ACS — Australian Computer Society

Detail	Information
Website	acs.org.au
Occupations Assessed	ICT professionals — Software Engineer (261313), Developer Programmer (261312), ICT Business Analyst (261111), ICT Security Specialist (262112), Systems Analyst (261112), Database Administrator (262111), Network Engineer (263111), ICT Project Manager (135112), and 20+ other ICT roles
Processing Time	6–12 weeks
Cost	AUD $550–$600 (standard), $800+ (RPL pathway)
Key Requirements	ICT-related degree or equivalent, relevant work experience. Applicants without an ICT degree can qualify through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) pathway with 6+ years of ICT experience
Notes	ACS may deduct years from your experience count if your qualification doesn't closely match your nominated occupation. This is the most common surprise for IT applicants

Engineers Australia (EA)

Detail	Information
Website	engineersaustralia.org.au
Occupations Assessed	All engineering occupations — Civil Engineer (233211), Mechanical Engineer (233512), Electrical Engineer (233311), Mining Engineer (233611), Chemical Engineer (233111), Structural Engineer (233214), Environmental Engineer (233999), Electronics Engineer (233411), Industrial Engineer (233511), and others
Processing Time	8–16 weeks
Cost	AUD $850–$1,200
Key Requirements	Engineering degree (Washington Accord-accredited degrees may receive streamlined assessment). Non-accredited degrees require a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) — three career episodes demonstrating engineering competency
Notes	The CDR is the centrepiece of non-accredited assessments. It must be original, detailed, and demonstrate your personal engineering contribution. Plagiarism detection software is used

VETASSESS

Detail	Information
Website	vetassess.com.au
Occupations Assessed	350+ occupations across professional, managerial, and general occupations — including Agricultural Scientist (234112), Accountant (general pathway for some codes), Management Consultant (224711), Marketing Specialist (225113), Environmental Scientist (234313), Chemist (234211), Geologist (234411), Economist (224311), Urban Planner (232611), Translator (272413), and many more
Processing Time	10–16 weeks (standard), 4–6 weeks (priority)
Cost	AUD $1,200–$1,500 (standard), $2,000–$2,500 (priority)
Key Requirements	Relevant qualification (level depends on occupation), plus at least 1 year of relevant post-qualification employment in the last 5 years. Higher-skilled occupations require degree-level qualifications
Notes	VETASSESS is the "catch-all" body for occupations not covered by specialist assessors. Their assessment is document-based and relatively straightforward if you meet the criteria. Strict about employment reference format

TRA — Trades Recognition Australia

Detail	Information
Website	tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au
Occupations Assessed	Trade occupations — Motor Mechanic (321211), Electrician (341111), Plumber (334111), Carpenter (331212), Welder (322311), Bricklayer (331111), Cabinet Maker (394111), Air Conditioning Technician (342111), Fitter (323211), Metal Machinist (323214), Baker (351111), Chef (351311), Cook (351411), Hairdresser (391111), and 50+ other trades
Processing Time	8–16 weeks (document assessment), additional time for practical assessment
Cost	AUD $600–$1,500 (varies by assessment type)
Key Requirements	Trade qualification equivalent to Australian Certificate III, plus 3+ years post-qualification experience. May require practical (hands-on) assessment
Notes	TRA is one of the more demanding assessment bodies. Employment references must be extremely detailed, and practical assessments are common for applicants from countries where TRA has less familiarity with training standards. The Job Ready Program applies to overseas graduates of Australian trade courses

ANMAC — Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council

Detail	Information
Website	anmac.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Registered Nurse (254499 and specialisation codes), Midwife (254111), Nurse Practitioner (254411)
Processing Time	4–8 weeks
Cost	AUD $560–$900
Key Requirements	Nursing/midwifery degree equivalent to Australian Bachelor of Nursing, recency of practice, English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 each band or OET B each)
Notes	ANMAC assessment is separate from AHPRA registration. You need the ANMAC assessment for your visa, and AHPRA registration to work. Many applicants do both concurrently

AACA — Architects Accreditation Council of Australia

Detail	Information
Website	aaca.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Architect (232111)
Processing Time	8–16 weeks
Cost	AUD $1,500–$3,000
Key Requirements	Architecture degree, professional portfolio review demonstrating design and technical competency, evidence of professional experience
Notes	Unique among assessment bodies for its portfolio-based assessment. Qualifications from Canberra Accord-accredited programmes may receive streamlined recognition. The Architectural Practice Examination (APE) is an alternative pathway

AVBC — Australasian Veterinary Boards Council

Detail	Information
Website	avbc.asn.au
Occupations Assessed	Veterinarian (234711)
Processing Time	4–8 weeks (accredited degree), 6–18 months (NVE pathway)
Cost	AUD $1,500–$5,000+
Key Requirements	Veterinary science degree from an AVBC-accredited institution, or successful completion of the National Veterinary Examination (NVE)
Notes	If your degree is from an accredited school (UK, USA, Canada, and others), assessment is straightforward. Non-accredited graduates must pass the NVE — a two-part exam (preliminary written + clinical practical) that's conducted in Australia

Detail	Information
Website	aasw.asn.au
Occupations Assessed	Social Worker (272511)
Processing Time	10–16 weeks
Cost	AUD $750–$1,200
Key Requirements	Social work degree equivalent to Australian BSW, minimum 980 hours supervised field education, English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 each band)
Notes	The 980-hour field placement requirement is the main stumbling block for overseas applicants. If your program didn't include enough supervised hours, AASW may recommend bridging study

APS — Australian Psychological Society

Detail	Information
Website	psychology.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Psychologist (272399 and specialist codes including Clinical Psychologist 272311, Educational Psychologist 272312, Organisational Psychologist 272313)
Processing Time	8–14 weeks
Cost	AUD $1,100–$1,500
Key Requirements	Psychology qualification equivalent to a 6-year sequence (4-year degree + 2-year master's or equivalent), supervised practice experience, English (IELTS 7.0 each)
Notes	AHPRA registration is mandatory for practising psychologists — separate from the APS skills assessment. APS assesses for visa purposes; AHPRA registration is for work purposes

AITSL — Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership

Detail	Information
Website	aitsl.edu.au
Occupations Assessed	Secondary School Teacher (241411), Primary School Teacher (241213), Special Education Teacher (241511), Early Childhood Teacher (241111)
Processing Time	10–16 weeks
Cost	AUD $550–$700
Key Requirements	Teaching degree (minimum 4 years, including at least 1 year of teaching methodology), supervised teaching practice (minimum 45 days), English (IELTS 7.5 Read + 8.0 Listen + 7.0 Write + 7.0 Speak, or equivalent)
Notes	AITSL has some of the highest English requirements of any assessment body — the IELTS 8.0 Listening requirement catches many applicants. State teacher registration through a state authority is also required to teach

CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA — Accounting Bodies

Detail	Information
Websites	cpaaustralia.com.au, charteredaccountantsanz.com, publicaccountants.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Accountant (General) (221111), Management Accountant (221112), Taxation Accountant (221113), External Auditor (221213), Finance Manager (132211 — via VETASSESS)
Processing Time	6–10 weeks
Cost	AUD $550–$700
Key Requirements	Accounting degree covering required core knowledge areas (accounting, auditing, finance, business law, economics, information systems, quantitative methods). Gaps can be addressed through bridging subjects
Notes	Three different bodies can assess accountants — you only need one. All three assess against the same competency areas. If your degree is missing coverage in some areas, you can complete bridging subjects (usually 1–4 subjects) before or after assessment

AIQS — Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

Detail	Information
Website	aiqs.com.au
Occupations Assessed	Quantity Surveyor (233213)
Processing Time	8–12 weeks
Cost	AUD $1,000–$1,500
Key Requirements	Quantity surveying degree, relevant work experience
Notes	Degrees from AIQS-accredited programmes (some UK, Australian, and other institutions) receive faster recognition

APC — Australian Pharmacy Council

Detail	Information
Website	pharmacycouncil.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Hospital Pharmacist (251511), Retail Pharmacist (251513)
Processing Time	Variable (exam-based)
Cost	AUD $2,500–$5,000+ (including exam fees)
Key Requirements	Pharmacy degree, KAPS exam (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences), English proficiency, internship or supervised practice
Notes	The KAPS exam is the main assessment hurdle. After passing, you need to complete supervised practice and apply for AHPRA registration. The full process can take 12–24 months

ADC — Australian Dental Council

Detail	Information
Website	adc.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Dentist (252312), Dental Specialist (252311)
Processing Time	Variable (exam-based, 12–24 months total)
Cost	AUD $5,000–$10,000+ (written + clinical exams)
Key Requirements	Dental degree, written examination, clinical examination (conducted in Australia), English proficiency
Notes	One of the most expensive and time-consuming assessment processes. The clinical exam is conducted over multiple days in an Australian dental school. Pass rates vary but are generally challenging for first-time sitters

AMC — Australian Medical Council

Detail	Information
Website	amc.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Medical Practitioner (253111 General Practitioner, and specialist codes), Psychiatrist (253411), Surgeon (253511–253518)
Processing Time	Variable (exam-based, 12–36 months)
Cost	AUD $3,000–$8,000+ (MCQ + clinical exams)
Key Requirements	Medical degree, AMC MCQ exam, AMC Clinical Exam, workplace-based assessment pathway available for some
Notes	The standard pathway involves a two-part exam: MCQ (multiple-choice) and Clinical. A competent authority pathway exists for specialists with recognised qualifications. AHPRA registration required to practise. Complex and lengthy — plan for 2+ years from start to practice

Medical Board of Australia (via AHPRA)

Detail	Information
Website	medicalboard.gov.au
Occupations Assessed	Works in conjunction with AMC for registration purposes
Processing Time	Variable
Cost	Included in AHPRA registration fees
Key Requirements	AMC assessment, English proficiency, good standing
Notes	The Medical Board operates under AHPRA. For migration skills assessment, AMC is the primary body. Medical Board registration is for practising purposes

Dental Board of Australia (via AHPRA)

Detail	Information
Website	dentalboard.gov.au
Occupations Assessed	Works with ADC for registration
Processing Time	Variable
Cost	AHPRA registration fees
Key Requirements	ADC assessment, English, good standing

ACWA — Australian Community Workers Association

Detail	Information
Website	acwa.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Welfare Worker (272613), Community Worker (411711), Residential Care Officer (411715)
Processing Time	8–12 weeks
Cost	AUD $600–$900
Key Requirements	Relevant diploma or degree, work experience

DAA — Dietitians Australia

Detail	Information
Website	dietitiansaustralia.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Dietitian (251111)
Processing Time	8–12 weeks
Cost	AUD $800–$1,200
Key Requirements	Dietetics/nutrition degree with supervised practice component

SSSI — Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute

Detail	Information
Website	sssi.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Surveyor (232212), Cartographer (232213)
Processing Time	8–14 weeks
Cost	AUD $800–$1,200
Key Requirements	Surveying degree, relevant experience

AIM — Australian Institute of Management

Detail	Information
Website	aim.com.au
Occupations Assessed	Selected management occupations not covered by other bodies
Processing Time	8–12 weeks
Cost	AUD $500–$800

NAATI — National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters

Detail	Information
Website	naati.com.au
Occupations Assessed	Translator (272413), Interpreter (272412)
Processing Time	Exam-based (varies by sitting dates)
Cost	AUD $500–$1,500
Key Requirements	Pass NAATI certification test in your language pair

ANZPAC — Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council

Detail	Information
Website	anzpac.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Podiatrist (252611)
Processing Time	8–16 weeks
Cost	AUD $1,000–$2,000
Key Requirements	Podiatry degree, English proficiency, may require competency exam

AOPA — Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association

Detail	Information
Website	aopa.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Orthotist or Prosthetist (251912)
Processing Time	8–12 weeks
Cost	AUD $800–$1,200

ASMIRT — Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy

Detail	Information
Website	asmirt.org
Occupations Assessed	Medical Radiation Therapist (251212), Medical Diagnostic Radiographer (251211), Nuclear Medicine Technologist (251213)
Processing Time	8–12 weeks
Cost	AUD $800–$1,200

AIMS — Australian Institute of Medical Scientists

Detail	Information
Website	aims.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Medical Laboratory Scientist (234611), Medical Laboratory Technician (311213)
Processing Time	8–12 weeks
Cost	AUD $600–$900

SPA — Speech Pathology Australia

Detail	Information
Website	speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Speech Pathologist (252712)
Processing Time	8–12 weeks
Cost	AUD $800–$1,200
Key Requirements	Speech pathology degree, supervised clinical practice, English proficiency

OTC — Occupational Therapy Council of Australia

Detail	Information
Website	otcouncil.com.au
Occupations Assessed	Occupational Therapist (252411)
Processing Time	8–16 weeks
Cost	AUD $800–$1,500
Key Requirements	OT degree with supervised practice, English proficiency

APC — Australian Physiotherapy Council

Detail	Information
Website	physiocouncil.com.au
Occupations Assessed	Physiotherapist (252511)
Processing Time	Variable (exam-based pathway may take 6–12 months)
Cost	AUD $1,500–$4,000+
Key Requirements	Physiotherapy degree, written and clinical examinations (if not from a recognised programme), English proficiency

CCEA — Country Education Foundation / Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia

Detail	Information
Website	ccea.com.au
Occupations Assessed	Chiropractor (252111)
Processing Time	8–16 weeks
Cost	AUD $1,000–$2,500
Key Requirements	Chiropractic degree, may require examinations, English proficiency

OCANZ — Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand

Detail	Information
Website	ocanz.org
Occupations Assessed	Optometrist (251411)
Processing Time	Exam-based (6–12 months total)
Cost	AUD $3,000–$6,000+
Key Requirements	Optometry degree, competence in clinical optometry exam

ANZSNM — Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine

Detail	Information
Website	anzsnm.org.au
Occupations Assessed	Nuclear Medicine Technologist (251213) — in conjunction with ASMIRT
Processing Time	8–12 weeks
Cost	Variable

AIWCW — Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers

Merged into/operates alongside ACWA for assessment purposes. See ACWA above.

Summary Comparison Table

Authority	Occupations	Cost (AUD)	Time	Assessment Type
ACS	IT professionals	$550–$800+	6–12 wks	Document
Engineers Australia	Engineers	$850–$1,200	8–16 wks	Document + CDR
VETASSESS	350+ occupations	$1,200–$2,500	4–16 wks	Document
TRA	Trades	$600–$1,500	8–16 wks	Document + practical
ANMAC	Nurses, midwives	$560–$900	4–8 wks	Document
AACA	Architects	$1,500–$3,000	8–16 wks	Portfolio review
AVBC	Veterinarians	$1,500–$5,000+	4 wks–18 mths	Degree check / exam
AASW	Social workers	$750–$1,200	10–16 wks	Document
APS	Psychologists	$1,100–$1,500	8–14 wks	Document
AITSL	Teachers	$550–$700	10–16 wks	Document
CPA/CAANZ/IPA	Accountants	$550–$700	6–10 wks	Document
AIQS	Quantity surveyors	$1,000–$1,500	8–12 wks	Document
APC (Pharmacy)	Pharmacists	$2,500–$5,000+	Variable	Exam
ADC	Dentists	$5,000–$10,000+	12–24 mths	Exam
AMC	Doctors	$3,000–$8,000+	12–36 mths	Exam
APC (Physio)	Physiotherapists	$1,500–$4,000+	Variable	Exam
OCANZ	Optometrists	$3,000–$6,000+	6–12 mths	Exam

Key Tips for Any Skills Assessment

Identify your assessing authority before anything else. Your entire migration timeline hinges on understanding which body assesses your occupation and what they require. Use our ANZSCO code finder to confirm.
Read the authority's official guidelines thoroughly. Every body has its own requirements, documentation format, and quirks. Don't rely on forum posts or outdated advice — go directly to the source.
Get employment references right the first time. This is the number one reason for delays and rejections across almost all assessment bodies. Follow the specific format your authority requires — don't use generic references.
Start English preparation early. Several bodies require IELTS 7.0+ in each band (nursing, psychology, social work, teaching). The IELTS 8.0 Listening score for teachers is particularly challenging. Budget adequate preparation time.
Consider priority processing if available. VETASSESS and some other bodies offer priority processing for an additional fee. If your timeline is tight, it's often worth the extra cost.
Factor assessment costs into your budget. Between English tests ($300–$400), skills assessment ($500–$5,000+), visa application ($3,210–$4,910), and health/police checks ($200–$500), migration costs add up. Plan for $8,000–$15,000+ in total application costs.
Check if your skills assessment is expiring. Most assessments are valid for 3 years. If you're in a long EOI queue, make sure your assessment won't expire before you receive an invitation.

For a complete step-by-step walkthrough of the skills assessment process, see our skills assessment complete guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which assessing authority to use?

In most cases, no. Each ANZSCO code is assigned to a specific body, and you must use that body. The main exception is accounting — where CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ, or IPA can all assess accountants, and you choose one. For all other occupations, the authority is predetermined. Check the skilled occupation list to confirm which body applies to your code.

What happens if my skills assessment is negative?

A negative outcome isn't necessarily the end. Most bodies provide feedback explaining why you didn't meet the criteria. Common options include: reapplying with additional documentation, completing bridging courses to fill qualification gaps, gaining more work experience and reapplying later, or appealing the decision through the body's review process. Each authority has its own appeal/review pathway.

How long is a skills assessment valid?

Typically 3 years from the date of the assessment letter, though some bodies issue assessments with shorter or longer validity. Your assessment must be valid at the time you're invited to apply for a visa and when you lodge your application. If it's close to expiring, you may need to reassess.

Do I need to be in Australia for a skills assessment?

For most bodies, no — you can apply from anywhere in the world. The exceptions are assessments that require practical/clinical examinations conducted in Australia, such as the NVE for vets, the ADC clinical exam for dentists, the AMC clinical exam for doctors, and some TRA practical assessments. Document-based assessments (VETASSESS, ACS, Engineers Australia, ANMAC, etc.) can all be completed from overseas.

Is the skills assessment the same as professional registration?

No — these are two different things. A skills assessment is for migration purposes (proving your qualification and experience meet Australian standards). Professional registration (via AHPRA for health professions, state boards for architects, vets, etc.) is for working purposes. You typically need the skills assessment first (for your visa), then registration (to practise your profession after arriving). Some occupations don't require registration at all — check the requirements for your specific profession.