Frequently asked questions about skills assessments.
On this page:
General
What is the difference between a skills assessment, recognition of prior learning (RPL), and mutual recognition of occupational licences?
A skills assessment is done by a skilled migration assessing authority. These are mandatory for migration purposes for some visa subclasses. Migrants can also use a successful skills assessment letter when applying for a job.
RPL is a process that checks the skills and knowledge you have gained through formal and informal learning. This helps decide if you meet the requirements for a unit of study in Australia. For more information visit ASQA (for Registered Training Organisations RPLs) or TEQSA (for tertiary education RPLs).
Mutual recognition of occupation licences allows a licence for work in one country or jurisdiction to be accepted in another. This can differ between countries, states and territories in Australia.
Where can I find information about my occupation?
You can find useful information about your occupation in Australia at the following websites:
Skills assessment outcomes
I disagree with the outcome of my skills assessment. Can I get a review?
If you disagree with your outcome, you can ask your assessing authority for a review. Your assessing authority will have review and appeals procedures published on their website.
Assessing authorities are responsible for setting their assessment standards. The department does not review decisions made by assessing authorities.
What does it mean when my outcome letter says my qualification is not comparable to standards in the Australian Qualifications Framework?
You will need to contact your assessing authority for more information. Your assessing authority can give you more information about your skills assessment outcome.
My assessing authority said my qualification was not relevant, even though I have several years of experience working in my occupation. What should I do?
You may be able to enrol in a course or training program to receive recognition of prior learning (RPL) for your work experience. If you choose to undertake a new qualification, make sure your assessing authority will recognise it.
Please contact your assessing authority for more information specific to your occupation.
Complaints and appeals
How do I make a complaint about an assessing authority?
Assessing authorities will have their complaints services and processes published on their website. If you have a complaint about a skills assessment, you should first contact the assessing authority through its published complaints process.
For assessing authorities which are government entities, applicants may be able to escalate their complaint to the relevant ombudsman.
The department works with assessing authorities to promote, support and monitor their conformance with the Guiding Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities (the Guide). To support this function, the department may seek information from assessing authorities about their processes and practices.
The department has no authority under the Migration Regulations 1994 to intervene in individual skills assessments, direct how occupational assessment standards are applied, overturn assessment outcomes or require assessing authorities to refund fees to an applicant.
Visa and migration
I have a question about a visa/permanent residency/immigration. Can the department help?
For information on immigration to Australia, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
The Department of Home Affairs manages visas, migration legislation and migration policy.
You may also choose to seek the services of a Registered Migration Agent to provide migration advice and assistance with your visa application.
Information for organisations
How does my organisation become an assessing authority?
To apply, a person or body must show they can meet the responsibilities of an assessing authority, maintain sound business practices, and apply Best Practice Principles and Standards.
The department assesses all applications and makes a recommendation to the Minister for Skills and Training.
Please note that while the department accepts applications, this does not mean an assessment will start straight away. Meeting all requirements does not guarantee that an application will be approved or that an appointment will be made. The department cannot provide an exact timeframe for when a decision will be made.
For more information, see Becoming an assessing authority.