Skills assessment · Fees & processing times · Checked August 2026
Skills assessment fees and processing times — August 2026
What each Australian assessing authority charges and how long it says it takes, in one table — TRA, Engineers Australia, ACS, Anmac, VETASSESS, AITSL and CPA Australia — read from each authority's own fee and processing pages on 17 August 2026, with the source linked for every row. Prepared by Keshab Chapagain, MARN 1576536.
By Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536) since 2015 · WIDEN, Sydney · Reviewed August 2026
Keshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536 · Registered since 2015 - TRA · Migration Skills Assessment
- A$795 · 120 days
- Engineers Australia · CDR
- A$1,034 · ~15 wks
- ACS · General Skills
- A$1,498 · 4–6 wks
- VETASSESS · professional
- A$1,205.60 · ~7 wks
- Anmac · full assessment
- A$595
- Checked
- 17 August 2026
MARN 1576536 · Verifiable at mara.gov.au
Fees at a glance
The standard full assessment for a first-time applicant, per authority. Every figure was read from the authority's own page on 17 August 2026; the detailed tables below carry the source links and the GST basis. Fees change on 1 July for most bodies.
| Authority · standard assessment | Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| TRA Migration Skills Assessment | A$795 | 120 days |
| Engineers Australia CDR (standard) | A$1,034 incl. GST | ~15 weeks to assignment |
| ACS General Skills | A$1,498 excl. GST | 4–6 weeks |
| Anmac Full skills assessment | A$595 | Not published |
| VETASSESS Full professional assessment | A$1,205.60 / A$1,096 offshore | ~7 weeks |
| AITSL Skills assessment | A$1,154 | 4–6 weeks |
| CPA Australia Qualification assessment | A$565 / A$514 offshore | ~10 business days |
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
Assesses: Trade occupations — electricians, carpenters, plumbers, chefs, mechanics, welders, cabinetmakers, hairdressers and more. Fees are stated in AUD; TRA fees are set per program.
Source: tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au · tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au (2) · tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au (3) · tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au (4) · tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au (5) · tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au (6) — Processing times stated 'as of July 2026'; read 17 August 2026.
| Program | Fee | Processing time (as published) |
|---|---|---|
| Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) — most passports, points-tested and employer-sponsored visas | A$795 | Typically within 120 days; tracking at 120 days (July 2026) |
| Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) — Pathway 2 (documentary evidence + technical interview) | A$2,020 (A$1,120 + A$900) | Typically within 15 weeks of complete evidence; tracking at 15 weeks (July 2026) |
| OSAP — Pathway 1 (documentary + technical interview + practical assessment if required) | Up to A$5,320 (A$1,120 + A$2,000 + A$2,200) | Typically within 15 weeks; tracking at 15 weeks (July 2026) |
| Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Skills Assessment — 482 for listed passports/occupations | A$2,020 (Pathway 2) · up to A$5,320 (Pathway 1) | Typically within 9 weeks; tracking at 9 weeks (July 2026) |
| Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) — 485 graduates before the Job Ready Program | A$130 | Typically within 12 weeks; tracking at 12 weeks (July 2026) |
| Job Ready Program (JRP) — employment + workplace assessment + final assessment | A$3,410 total (A$490 + A$2,845 + A$75) | Runs over the 12-month employment period |
| Migration Points Advice (MPA) | A$450 | Typically within 120 days; tracking at 120 days (July 2026) |
Occupations we cover under Trades Recognition Australia: Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic, Automotive Electrician, Baker, Bricklayer, Butcher or Smallgoods Maker, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter, Chef, Cook, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Electrician (General), Fitter (General) and 19 more.
Engineers Australia (EA)
Assesses: Engineering occupations — civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, mining, chemical, industrial, telecommunications and more. Fees shown incl. GST (EA also lists excl.-GST amounts; GST does not apply to applicants outside Australia).
Source: engineersaustralia.org.au · engineersaustralia.org.au (2) — Fees page 'Last updated 02 July 2026'; read 17 August 2026.
| Program | Fee | Processing time (as published) |
|---|---|---|
| Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) — standard | A$1,034 incl. GST (A$940 excl.) | Standard: ~15 weeks to be assigned to an assessor; outcome depends on document quality |
| CDR + relevant skilled employment assessment | A$1,512.50 incl. GST (A$1,375 excl.) | As above |
| Washington/Sydney/Dublin Accord qualification assessment | A$555.50 incl. GST (A$505 excl.) | As above |
| Accord qualification + relevant skilled employment | A$1,034 incl. GST (A$940 excl.) | As above |
| Australian engineering qualification assessment | A$346.50 incl. GST (A$315 excl.) | As above |
| Fast-track (additional to the assessment fee) | +A$396 incl. GST (A$360 excl.) | Assigned to an assessor within 20 business days |
| Review / Appeal | A$368.50 / A$704 incl. GST | — |
Occupations we cover under Engineers Australia: Aeronautical Engineer, Agricultural Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Materials Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) and 3 more.
Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Assesses: ICT occupations — software engineers, developers, analysts, ICT security, network and systems roles. Fees stated excl. GST (GST applies to applicants in Australia).
Source: acs.org.au · acs.org.au (2) — New fee schedule effective 3 November 2025; read 17 August 2026.
| Program | Fee | Processing time (as published) |
|---|---|---|
| General Skills assessment (qualification + work experience) | A$1,498 excl. GST | Allow 4–6 weeks for applications with no requests for further information |
| Post Australian Study | A$1,136 excl. GST | As above |
| Temporary Graduate (485) | A$625 excl. GST | As above |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway — no ICT qualification | A$625 excl. GST | As above |
| Appeal — Level 1 / Level 2 | Level 1 A$516 excl. GST; Level 2 — see ACS fee schedule | — |
| Priority processing | By request only, for visa deadlines under 12 weeks away | Requires at least 2 weeks' notice of the deadline |
Occupations we cover under Australian Computer Society: Analyst Programmer, Computer Network and Systems Engineer, Database Administrator, Developer Programmer, ICT Business Analyst, ICT Project Manager, ICT Security Specialist, Multimedia Specialist, Network Administrator, Software Engineer, Software Tester, Systems Administrator and 2 more.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (Anmac)
Assesses: Registered nurses (all specialties), enrolled nurses, midwives, nurse practitioners. Assessment fees do not attract GST; may be adjusted each financial year.
Source: anmac.org.au · anmac.org.au (2) — Fee schedule read 17 August 2026; read 17 August 2026.
| Program | Fee | Processing time (as published) |
|---|---|---|
| Full skills assessment | A$595 | Not published as a fixed period; applications stay open 12 months for documents; priority processing available on request in limited cases (visa invitation with 60 days, expired earlier assessment, employer/sponsorship offer) |
| Modified skills assessment (Ahpra-registered nurses/midwives) | A$395 | As above |
| Direct care skills assessment | A$545 | As above |
| GradReady skills assessment | A$395 | As above |
| Outcome letter update / Internal review / External appeal | A$145 / A$300 / A$300 | Appeal must be lodged within 30 days of the outcome letter |
Occupations we cover under Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council: Enrolled Nurse, Midwife, Registered Nurse (Aged Care), Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health), Registered Nurse (Community Health), Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency), Registered Nurse (Medical), Registered Nurse (Mental Health), Registered Nurse (Perioperative), Registered Nurse (Surgical).
VETASSESS
Assesses: General professional occupations (managers, marketing, HR, project, agricultural, science and many 'nec' roles) and some trades. Two prices: applicant in Australia (incl. GST) / not an Australian tax resident (excl. GST).
Source: vetassess.com.au · vetassess.com.au (2) · vetassess.com.au (3) — Fees and processing-times pages read 17 August 2026; read 17 August 2026.
| Program | Fee | Processing time (as published) |
|---|---|---|
| Full skills assessment — professional occupations (qualification + employment) | A$1,205.60 in Australia / A$1,096.00 offshore | Approximately 7 weeks |
| Priority processing (additional; professional occupations only) | +A$907.50 / +A$825.00 | 10 business days after a complete application |
| Qualifications-only assessment | A$342.10 / A$311.00 | — |
| Subclass 485 assessment | A$457.60 / A$416.00 | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Renewal (within 3 years) / Reassessment (within 12 months) / Appeal | A$520.30 / A$819.50 / A$1,190.20 in Australia | Renewals 2–5 weeks · Reassessment 7 weeks · Appeal 12 weeks |
| DAMA / Industry Labour Agreement assessment | A$1,205.60 / A$1,096.00 | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Trade occupations — Pathway 1 (documentary + technical + practical) | A$1,120 + A$2,000 + A$2,200 = A$5,320 | Per TRA guidelines |
| Trade occupations — Pathway 2 (documentary + technical interview) | A$1,120 + A$900 = A$2,020 | Per TRA guidelines |
Occupations we cover under VETASSESS: Cafe or Restaurant Manager, Graphic Designer, Human Resource Adviser, Marketing Specialist, Retail Manager (General).
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
Assesses: Teachers — early childhood, primary, secondary, special needs. No GST is charged on any AITSL assessment-for-migration fee.
Source: aitsl.edu.au · aitsl.edu.au (2) — Fees 'Effective 1 July 2025' (as displayed 17 August 2026); read 17 August 2026.
| Program | Fee | Processing time (as published) |
|---|---|---|
| Application for skills assessment | A$1,154 | Most assessment-ready applications completed within 4 weeks; some up to 6 weeks |
| Skilled Employment Statement (SES) | A$255 | — |
| Appeal of assessment outcome | A$904 | — |
Occupations we cover under Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership: Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher, Primary School Teacher, Secondary School Teacher.
CPA Australia (also CA ANZ and IPA assess accountants)
Assesses: Accountants, external auditors, taxation accountants, finance managers. CPA Australia lists onshore, offshore and Singapore prices; onshore shown first.
Source: cpaaustralia.com.au · cpaaustralia.com.au (2) — Fees page read 17 August 2026; read 17 August 2026.
| Program | Fee | Processing time (as published) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification assessment | A$565 onshore / A$514 offshore | Standard approximately 10 business days |
| Combined qualification + skilled employment assessment | A$620 / A$564 | Approximately 10 business days |
| Fast Track qualification assessment | A$675 / A$614 | Approximately 5 business days |
| Skilled employment assessment (separate) | A$260 / A$236 | — |
| Additional ANZSCO / Update / Review | A$260 / A$185 / A$185 onshore | — |
Occupations we cover under CPA Australia: Accountant (General).
Other assessing bodies
Health professions are assessed by their own councils. Their fees are set per profession and often bundled with registration steps, so we link rather than restate them:
- Australian Physiotherapy Council — Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapy Council — Occupational Therapist
- Australian Pharmacy Council — Pharmacist
- Australian Dental Council — Dentist
- Australian Association of Social Workers — Social Worker
- Dietitians Australia — Dietitian
- Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand — Optometrist
- AIMS (medical laboratory scientists) — Medical Laboratory Scientist
What the assessment fee doesn't include
- Document costs — certified copies, translations (NAATI-accredited for Australian use), and for TRA/VETASSESS trade pathways the RTO's own charges are the fee.
- English test — required separately for the visa and, for some authorities, for the assessment.
- Reassessment or appeal if the outcome is negative — each authority charges again (rows above).
- Registration to practise for licensed and registered occupations (electrical licences, Ahpra registration) — a separate process from the migration skills assessment.
- Professional fees if you use an agent or a preparation service; the RPL qualification, where relevant, is issued by an RTO and priced separately.
Keshab Chapagain, MARN 1576536. General information only, not migration advice. Fees and processing times are set by each assessing authority and change without notice — this page states the source and the date each figure was read so you can verify it. Skills assessments are conducted by the authorities, not by WIDEN.
Questions we get asked first
How much does a skills assessment cost in Australia in 2026?
It depends on the assessing authority for your occupation. As read from the authorities' own fee pages on 17 August 2026: TRA Migration Skills Assessment A$795; Engineers Australia CDR A$1,034 incl. GST (A$940 excl.); ACS General Skills A$1,498 excl. GST; Anmac full assessment A$595; VETASSESS full professional assessment A$1,205.60 in Australia / A$1,096.00 offshore; AITSL A$1,154; CPA Australia qualification assessment A$565 onshore / A$514 offshore. Trade assessments through TRA's OSAP/TSS programs cost A$2,020 (Pathway 2) to A$5,320 (Pathway 1) because they include a technical interview and, for some trades, a practical assessment.
How long does a skills assessment take?
Published turnarounds as at 17 August 2026: TRA MSA typically 120 days (OSAP ~15 weeks, TSS ~9 weeks); Engineers Australia ~15 weeks to be assigned to an assessor (fast-track 20 business days); ACS 4–6 weeks; VETASSESS professional ~7 weeks (priority 10 business days); AITSL 4–6 weeks; CPA Australia ~10 business days (fast track ~5). Anmac does not publish a fixed period. Every authority notes that incomplete documents restart or extend the clock.
Which assessing authority do I use?
It is fixed by your ANZSCO occupation, not your choice: trades → TRA (or VETASSESS for some trades), engineers → Engineers Australia, ICT → ACS, nurses and midwives → Anmac, teachers → AITSL, accountants → CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA, most other professional occupations → VETASSESS, and health professions → their own council. Our occupation pages state the authority for each of 87 occupations.
Is GST charged on skills assessment fees?
It varies. Engineers Australia and VETASSESS charge GST to applicants in Australia and list separate excl.-GST prices for offshore applicants; ACS states its fees excl. GST; Anmac and AITSL charge no GST on assessment-for-migration fees; TRA fees are stated as flat AUD amounts. Check the row for your authority.
Can I speed a skills assessment up?
Some authorities sell priority: Engineers Australia fast-track (+A$396 incl. GST, assigned within 20 business days), VETASSESS priority processing (+A$907.50, 10 business days), CPA Australia fast track (~5 business days). ACS offers priority only for visa deadlines under 12 weeks away, and Anmac only in limited circumstances. In every case the clock starts from a complete application — the fastest lever is lodging decision-ready documents.
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