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Skills assessment by occupation

Occupation-by-occupation guides — ANZSCO code, assessing authority, and where RPL fits

Each occupation below links to a guide covering its ANZSCO code, its migration skills assessing authority, the evidence typically required, and how Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) fits the pathway. A VET RPL qualification (issued by an RTO) and a migration skills assessment are different things — each guide explains the distinction for that occupation.

Occupations are grouped by assessing authority. You can also browse RPL guides by assessing authority or the skills assessment overview. Or start with a migration guide for your field: nursing & midwifery (ANMAC + AHPRA), engineering (Engineers Australia + CDR), or trades (TRA + RPL).

MARN 1576536 · Verifiable at mara.gov.au

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)

Assesses trade occupations for migration (offshore skills assessment and the Job Ready Program).

Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Assesses ICT occupations for migration.

VETASSESS

Assesses a broad range of professional and general (VET) occupations for migration.

Engineers Australia

Assesses engineering occupations for migration, primarily via the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR).

ANMAC

Assesses nursing and midwifery occupations for migration (registration is separate, via AHPRA/NMBA).

AITSL

Assesses teaching occupations for migration.

CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA

The three professional accounting bodies assess accounting and audit occupations for migration.

Australian Physiotherapy Council

Assesses physiotherapists for skilled migration on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

Occupational Therapy Council (OTC)

Assesses occupational therapists for skilled migration.

Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)

Assesses pharmacists for skilled migration (registration to practise is separate).

Australian Dental Council (ADC)

Assesses dentists for skilled migration (registration to practise is separate).

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Assesses social workers for skilled migration.

Dietitians Australia

Australia’s skills assessing authority for dietitians.

Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ)

Assesses optometrists for skilled migration.

AIMS

Assesses medical laboratory / clinical scientists for skilled migration.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a skills assessment for migration?

A skills assessment is an evaluation of whether your qualifications and work experience meet the standard for a nominated occupation, conducted by the occupation's assessing authority (for example TRA, ACS, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ANMAC or AITSL). A suitable skills assessment is required for most skilled and many employer-sponsored visa pathways.

How does RPL relate to a skills assessment?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) produces a nationally recognised Australian qualification, issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). For some occupations an Australian qualification supports the skills-assessment evidence base. RPL and a skills assessment are different processes — an RPL qualification does not replace the assessing authority's assessment.

What is an ANZSCO code?

ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) assigns a code and skill level to each occupation. Skilled occupation lists and assessing-authority arrangements reference these codes. ANZSCO is transitioning to a new classification (OSCA) — the occupation pages here use the ANZSCO code, which remains the most commonly referenced.

Does WIDEN conduct skills assessments or RPL?

No. WIDEN is a migration practice, not an assessing authority or an RTO. Skills assessments are conducted by the relevant authority and RPL by RTOs. WIDEN provides migration advice on whether a pathway is viable and coordinates RTO referrals where RPL is appropriate.

General information only, not migration advice. ANZSCO codes, assessing-authority arrangements and skilled occupation lists change over time — confirm current requirements for your situation. Skills assessments are conducted by the relevant assessing authority and RPL qualifications by Registered Training Organisations, not by WIDEN. Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) after a paid consultation under a written service agreement.