Australian Skills Assessing Authorities

Skills Assessment Process

AACA
Architects Accreditation Council of Australia Inc

The assessment of overseas academic qualifications in architecture is carried out by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia Inc . Qualifications obtained outside Australia are assessed in terms of equivalence with an academic qualification in architecture from a recognised school of architecture in Australia. Generally a qualification is of 5 to 6 years duration from a higher education institution.

Applicants should be aware that this assessment is provisional only, and upon arrival in Australia they will be required to submit for the Review of Academic Equivalence (RAE), undertake work experience in an architect's office, and submit for the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) before being eligible for registration.

AASW
Australian Association of Social Workers

The general field of social welfare in Australia is diverse and complex, with a range of occupational groups involved in service provision. The social work profession is one of these groups. Whilst social work is not a legally registered occupation in Australia, many employers do require eligibility for membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

The AASW is the professional organisation for social workers in Australia . It has a number of functions including: approval of Australian Bachelor of Social Work courses so that their graduates can meet AASW membership eligibility requirements; self-regulation of the profession; and assessment of overseas social work qualifications .

The assessment of overseas social work qualifications is undertaken on the basis of AASW's membership eligibility requirements. A comparative method of assessment is used: the formal social work educational course completed overseas is compared with AASW requirements for social work courses in Australia, which are Bachelor degrees in social work awarded after 4 years of study at a university. The overseas qualifications are compared with AASW requirements for Australian courses in terms of educational level, length, structure and content, including required fieldwork placements. AASW encourages applicants to contact AASW directly if they require further information and application forms.

ACOPRA
Australian Council of Physiotherapy Regulation Authorities Inc.

The assessment of overseas physiotherapy qualifications is carried out by the Australian Council of Physiotherapy Regulating Authorities Inc through its committee, the Australian Examining Committee for Overseas Physiotherapists (AECOP). With few exceptions, all overseas-qualified physiotherapists are required to undertake the AECOP examinations process in order to meet Australian registration requirements.

Eligibility

Overseas-qualified physiotherapists seeking to undertake the AECOP examinations must;

(1.)  Have completed a tertiary physiotherapy program of no less than 3 academic years in duration; with a curriculum that-:

• Is sufficiently similar in theory and practice aspects (including clinical hours) to the curricula undertaken in Australia
• including a substantial element of supervised physiotherapy clinical practice; and
• Included theoretical and clinical components of cardio-respiratory, musculo-skeletal and neurological physiotherapy and of electrotherapy, similar in content and duration to physiotherapy education programs offered in Australia ;
  

(2.)  Be eligible to be registered/ licensed as a physiotherapist for in the country in which the rogram was undertaken; and

(3.)  Have practiced as a physiotherapist for 2 out of the past 3 years (or the part-time equivalent) if you have graduated 3 or more years before submitting your eligibility assessment application; or; if you have graduated between one and 3 years before the date of application, have practised for at least two-thirds of that time.

Examination Process

The AECOP examinations process consists of:

•  Occupational English Test (except where English is the candidate's first language or an     exemption is granted on evidence supplied);
•  AECOP Screening Examination (a multiple-choice-question examination covering all the     principal fields of physiotherapy as practised in Australia );
•  AECOP Technical Ability Examination (a practical examination of the candidate's     technical abilities, with a focus on safety, conducted in Australia only);
•  AECOP Clinical Examination (conducted in a clinical setting, in Australia only).

Upon successful completion of the AECOP examinations process, a candidate will be eligible to apply to register to practice as a physiotherapist in Australia . Only then will a candidate's skills be considered suitable for migration purposes.

ACS
Australian Computer Society Inc

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the professional society for information technology practitioners in Australia . It is also the professional body authorised by the Australian Government to conduct skills assessments for migration purposes.

You may apply for a skills assessment if;

•  You are a current member (MACS) of the ACS; or
•  You posses any of the following Australian qualifications or overseas qualifications and     relevant experience assessed as comparable:

•  Bachelor (undergraduate) degree or higher qualification with a major in     IT plus four-years of relevant professional IT work experience;
•  Bachelor (undergraduate) degree or higher qualification with a minor in     IT plus six-years of relevant professional IT work experience.
•  (AQF) Advanced Diploma (three years full-time) or (AQF) Diploma     (two years full-time) in IT plus six-years of relevant professional IT     work experience.

If you do not posses a recognised qualification in IT (or IT sub-discipline) but you have a qualification in another discipline together with significant experience in IT and extensive professional development education, you may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Applicants in this category should have a minimum of six years relevant professional IT work experience.

Australian Dental Council

The information on the form is collected by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) for the purposes of assessing overseas qualifications in dentistry.

All personal information will be handled confidentially in accordance with the Privacy Act. Details may be verified or provided to tother agencies where necessary or required by law.

Introduction

If you live overseas and are a dentist with a qualification gained overseas and you intend to migrate and work as dentistry in Australia, you should first contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or consulate for information about migration procedures and requirements for assessment of your qualifications. Information relevant to the general skilled migration categories is available in the General Skilled Migration booklet which can be obtained from Australian overseas posts.

If you are already in Australia on a temporary basis but need a skills assessment to support an application to change you immigration status to Australian resident, you should seek the advice of the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) in your State or Territory.

If you live in Australia and hold qualifications in dentistry gained overseas you may contact the ADC directly for more information.

Completing the form

The information you give is required by ADC to assess your eligibility to enter the professional examination process. You will need to provide all the information and documents requested before your application can be finalised. Incomplete applications may be returned to you.

Answer all questions in English, unless otherwise requested. Initial and date any alterations to the form.

Documents you must include

To support your application, you will need to provide certified copies of all documents listed in the Checklist Section of the application form. Certified copies of the following documents must be submitted.

1.  The degree, diploma or certificate in the original language;
2.  Official transcripts of educational courses completed in the original language shoeing      subjects, hours, examination results and details of practical and clinical education;
3.  Evidence of employment experience as a dentist following graduation to the present;
4.  Two recent references relating to professional competence
5.  Documented evidence of internship, where applicable;
6.  Evidence of registration/licensure from the State or Country in which training was      undertaken;
7.  Evidence of current registration
8.  Evidence of change of name, where applicable; and

Certified \translations in English of all documents must be provided and attached to the document to which they refer (extract translations will not be accepted).

ADC reserves the right to request applicants to provide translations completed by a translator accredited by the National Accreditation authority for translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Level 3 accreditation is normally required.

AIM
Australian Institute of Management

To satisfy the level of qualifications, training and work experience for a 'professional' manager' assessed by AIM, applicants must hold a senior management position at the level of an associate fellow of AIM. The criteria used as follows:

'A record of proven management achievement over a period of 5 years or more in a senior management position such as chief executive, general manger or senior functional manager who delegates authority to several other manages who hold positions requiring the delegation of work to several other positions of a supervisory, or technical, or skilled nature'.

The years of experience may be reduced if the applicant has qualifications in management studies or business administration assessed as comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree, or in a discipline relevant to the field in which the manager is working. You must have relevant work experience recent graduates are not able to meet the requirements.

An important fact in making an assessment is whether a person delegates authority to other managers who are themselves responsible for planning, organisation, decision-making, staffing and control, and who in turn delegate to others.

Applicants who wish to have their skills assessed should contact AIM for further information.

Australian institute of Medical Scientists

Migration applications

Applicants requiring an assessment of qualifications for MIGRATION purposes must complete the Application Form for Assessment of Professional Skills and Qualifications.

Please note

As from 1 st June 2002 applicants with an appropriate degree, other than those who have completed one of the AIMS accredited directed degrees, will require two years post graduate medical laboratory experience to qualify Medical Scientist ASCO 2115-11. With less than two years postgraduate experience applicants will qualify Medical Laboratory Technical Officer ASCO 3111-11.

Other Applications

Applicants requiring an assessment of qualifications for employment in Australia (other than for migration purposes), can either request an application form for membership and join the Institute; OR request an assessment of qualifications and forward the following:

•  Completed application form
•  Certified photocopies of transcripts of subjects studies
•  Certificates, diplomas or degrees
•  Letters from employers certifying period of laboratory experience etc.
•  Where documents are written in a non-English speaking language, please provide     translated copies
•  Assessment fee of AUD$500.00 plus AUD$5 GST (if applicable)

Enquiries should be directed to:
Australian Institute of Medical Scientists
P.O. Box 1911 Milton Qld 4064 AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61 7 3876 2988
Facsimile: +61 7 3876n 2999
E-mail: aimsnat@aims.org.au

Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

Migration assessments are based on a candidate's eligibility for Probationer membership. Candidate's who's qualifications would allow them to enter the Institute as a Probationer will be classified as 'Suitable' and be entitled to the full 60 points under the Skilled Migration category.

The Institute charges a fee of $200.00 for a Skilled Migration assessment.

Membership of the Institute is not a pre-requisite to apply for a Skilled Migration Assessment however, current Probationer and Corporate members need only contact the National Office for a free and faster assessment as their qualifications have already been through the assessment process.

Minimum entry standards to probationer (non corporate) grade are:

•  Age over 21
•  Hold an Australian degree in quantity surveying (refer to the tertiary Course     Guide)

OR

•  An approved overseas qualification (i.e. QS qualifications accredited by AIQS, RICS,     NZIQS, SISV, ASAQS, ISM, HKIS)

AND/OR

•  Be a QS corporate member in good standing of a recognised Institute of quantity     Surveyors. (i.e. RICS, NZIQS, SISV, ASAQS, ISM, HKIS).

Minimum entry standards to affiliate (non corporate) grade are:
Affiliate grade (for those with QS experience but without an AIQS recognised academic qualification)
•  Age over 26;
•  Be engaged in the practice of Quantity Surveying

AND

•  Be a non Quantity Surveying graduate with not less than three years Practical Experience     in approved Employment

OR

•  Hold a diploma in Quantity Surveying or Allied Discipline and have not less than five     years significant Practical Experience in Approved Employment.

Affiliate membership is classified as 'not suitable' under the skilled migration category and is not eligible for any pints under this category

If you wish to apply for a migration skills assessment, please complete the application form and return with the necessary fee and all supporting documents (certified photocopies are acceptable) of your degrees, diplomas and academic transcripts to this office for assessment. Foreign language documents must have a certified English translation.

Please note that a certified copy is a copy an original document which is certified as a true copy by an authorised person. Authorised people include: Justices of the peace (JP'S), legal practitioners, University Lecturers and corporate members of the AIQS or a recognised Institute (as listed above).

If you require any further information please contact:

The National membership officer

The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors
PO Box 301
Deakin West ACT 2600
Telephone: +61 2 6282 2222
Fax: +61 2 6285 2427
E-mail: carole@aiqs.com.au

AIR

Australian Institute of Radiography

Medical Radiation Science in Australia encompasses:

•  Diagnostic Radiographers (Medical Imaging Technologists)
•  Radiation Therapists
•  Sonographers

Radiographers/Radiation Therapists/Sonographers and Industrial Radiographers holding qualifications obtained outside Australia must apply directly to the Australian institute of Radiography for assessment of their qualifications.

The AIR will through its Overseas Qualifications assessment Panel, directly assess Radiographers/Radiation Therapists and Sonographers and will refer assessments on Industrial Radiographers to AINDT. However all applications must be submitted to the AIR.

A comprehensive appeal process is available to all applicants and the appeal mechanism is conducted by persons not associated with the original assessment.

Australian Institute of Welfare and community Workers

The general field of social welfare in Australia is diverse and complex, with a range of occupational groups involved in service provision. Persons with welfare work qualifications are employed across many of these occupations, and their job titles may vary greatly. However, eligibility for membership of the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers (AIWCW) is used by a variety of employers as an important criteria for employment.

The AIWCW is the professional organisation responsible for the assessment of overseas qualifications and work experience suitable for recognition as a generic welfare worker in Australia, using the criteria for eligibility for membership. Eligibility for membership of the AIWCW generally requires a person to have completed a vocational qualification in welfare work, community services or human services, with a 3 year university degree, or a 2 year diploma at a college of technical and further education (TAFE); including studies of society, individual human study and function, welfare work with individuals, groups and communities, welfare services and systems, and practical training of at least 400 hours.

Full membership of the AIWCW is also available to those who:

•  Satisfy the AIWCW core requirements for Core Competencies; and
•  Have a relevant qualification at least equivalent to the Australian Qualification     Framework Diploma in academic standard;
•  Which is equivalent to 2 years full time or 100 hours of study; and
•  Have at least 3 years of professional work experience (30 hours per week or more)     within the last 10 years.

A relevant qualification may include, for example, a general 3-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a psychology or sociology major or a specialised 2-year diploma in the field of social welfare. Decisions about the relevance of alternative qualifications and/or work experience are made on an individual basis by an AIWCW Membership Assessment Coordinator, with doubtful cases being referred to the National Membership Assessment Panel.

Maritime Qualifications

Marine Qualifications Services

AMSA has responsibility for licensing all crew members of Australian ships operating under the Navigation Act 1912 to ensure their competency standards meet the needs of the Australian Shipping Industry and Australia 's obligations under International Convention of Standards of training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers, 1978 as amended (STCW95).

Marine qualifications services are provided through eleven centres around Australia.

To qualify for an AMSA marine qualification, seafarers must complete an approved course of study: these are conducted at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania, and at technical and further education institutes and colleges in Fremantle, Sydney and Newcastle. Additionally, for issue of a certificate of competency, the trainee has to pass an oral examination in operational knowledge and critical skills conducted by AMSA examiners.

Overseas Qualifications all crewmembers on Australian ships are required to hold an Australian marine qualification relevant to their duties. AMSA assesses marine qualifications issued overseas to seafarers who wish to migrate to Australia and require Australia qualifications to work on Australian ships.

Accreditation by Overseas Qualifications

Accreditation at the professional level on the basis of overseas qualifications is available at one level only. Accreditation at this level is usually awarded in one language direction i.e. English in their mother tongue.

Accreditation at the Interpreter level is not available on the basis of overseas qualifications at this stage, since it is rare for provision to be made to accommodate community-interpreting skills in training courses offered outside Australia .

Application for Qualification Assessment

Vocational education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSES) is the assessing authority for a broad range of management, administration, professional and associate professional occupations that appear on the Skilled Occupations List for Australia 's General Skilled Migration Program.

If you have qualifications in one of these nominated occupations and intend to migrate to Australia under the General Skilled migration Program you must have received an assessment of your qualifications through VETASSES prior to lodging your migration application.

On receipt of this completed application form VETASSES will carry out an assessment of your post secondary qualifications, such as university or polytechnic qualifications. This involves providing a written opinion on the comparability of your post secondary qualifications to the Australian qualifications required for a particular occupation. The assessments will reflect the views of VETASSES based on the information and documentation you provide and research undertaken by VETASSES staff.

It should be noted that assessments have no bearing on:

•  Your suitability of your work
•  The quality of your work
•  The appropriateness of your work experience
•  The likely success or failure of you obtaining Australian residency status.

AMSA

Australian Nursing Council

Qualifications Immediately Recognised by the Australian Nurse Regulatory Authorities.

Registered nurses who have completed education programs leading to initial registration as a registered nurse in the following countries meet the requirements for registration with the Australian Nurse Regularity Authorities: United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, *Canada, *Hong Kong, *Singapore and nurses from the *Netherlands with HBO qualifications.

*Proof of English language proficiency is required.

Midwives who have completed education programs leading to initial registration as a midwife in the following countries meet the requirements for registration with the Australian Nurse Regulatory Authorities: United Kingdom and Ireland .

Note: Nurse Regulatory Authorities may impose additional requirements. Nurses from the above countries applying for migration must have their qualifications assessed by the ANCI.

Nurses seeking to determine their eligibility ton apply for registration as a nurse in Australia may apply for an assessment of their qualifications provided they have:

•  Completed a pre-registration course of training;
•  Been registered as a nurse in the country where their education was undertaken;
•  Current registration, a practising certificate or licence in the country where they are     currently practising; and
•  Demonstrated proficiency in the English language.

It is a requirement for nurses to possess and demonstrate the National Nursing Competency Standards before they are granted registration. Overseas nurses may be required to complete a Competency Based Assessment Program/Migrant Bridging Program in order to be able to meet this requirement. These course must be completed either all or in part in Australia. The requirement to complete such a program will be determined at assessment.

Enrolled Nurses

Please note: There is no nominated occupation with corresponding ASCO Code under the Skilled Occupation list for Enrolled Nurses, Registered Nurses (Division 2), Licensed Practical Nurse or Nurse Assistant. Nurses who have these qualifications are not able to apply for assessment of their skills under General skilled Migration.

ANZSNM

The Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Technologists holding overseas nuclear medicine technology qualifications obtained outside Australia must apply directly to the ANSZNM Accreditation Board for assessment of their qualifications.

Assessment Criteria

Applicants must provide evidence of:

•  Tertiary qualifications in nuclear medicine technology;
•  Proof of 2 years post graduate full time work experience; and
•  Evidence of registration to practice nuclear medicine technology in their home country.

Documentation of course structure and work experience will be required to be eligible to sit ANZSNM examinations.

A skills assessment letter for the purpose of lodgement of an application for skilled migration to Australia is given on successful completion of an English examination and the ANZSNM Nuclear Medicine (2 x 22 hour) multiple choice examinations offered at venues within Australia.

For full accreditation the applicant is required to complete a 12-month period of supervised practice in Australia.

APEC

Australian Pharmacy Examining Council Incorporated

Qualifications Immediately acceptable to Pharmacy Registration Authorities

A pharmacy degree obtained in the UK , Ireland and NZ and a licence to practice in the UK , Ireland and NZ-note: registering authority may impose additional requirements. You must still have your qualifications recognised by APEC before you are able to apply for migration.

Qualifications immediately Acceptable to pharmacy Registration Authorities

If your qualifications do not immediately meet the Australian requirements you will need to undertake the examination process conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Examining Council Inc (APEC).

Eligibility Criteria

The APWEC assessment procedure is open to any overseas trained pharmacist who has completed an approved pharmacy course which included a minimum component of the equivalent of three years of full time academic study and is eligible for registration as a pharmacist in the country in which the qualification was obtained.

AVBC Inc

Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc.

To practise as a veterinarian in Australia you must be registered with the registration board of the state or territory in which you practise. If you are an overseas trained veterinarian, there are 3 ways in which you can enter the profession in Australia :

•  By immediate recognition of your overseas qualifications;
•  By completion of a primary veterinary degree at an Australian veterinary school; or
•  By successfully completing the national Veterinary Examination (NVE).

Qualifications immediately acceptable for registration in Australia

Bachelor degrees awarded after 5 years of study by United Kingdom and New Zealand veterinary schools are accepted for immediate registration in all states and Territories. Similar qualifications awarded by some universities in other English speaking countries may, in some instances, be accepted for immediate registration. For information about his you should contact your veterinary registration board in the State or Territory in which you wish to practice.

Qualifications not immediately acceptable for registration in Australia .

If your qualifications are not acceptable for immediate registration you can either apply at an Australian university where you may be granted credit for your overseas studies, and complete the veterinary science course, or you can take the NVE. If you intend to enrol at an Australian university, you must contact the University directly. If you wish to take the NVE you have to be formally assessed as meeting the eligibility criteria to sit the examination. You need to:

•  Hold a degree or diploma awarded after at least 4 years of study at a veterinary school listed in the    'World Veterinary Directory' or at a school which was part of a college or university listed in the    'World List of Universities' ; and
•  Be registered, licensed or eligible to be recognised as a veterinarian of good standing in the country in     which you studied or worked.

Examination Procedure

The examination procedures consist of the following components:

•  Eligibility Assessment of qualifications and associated documents to determine     eligibility to undertake the NVE procedures.
•  English Language Requirement before proceeding to the NVE Preliminary     Examination.
•  Preliminary Examination written multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination.
•  Final examination Clinical Examination.

Please note that an application for an assessment of qualifications determines a person's eligibility to undertake the examinations procedure. To satisfy the skills component of a migration application a Candidate must successfully complete all stages of the NVE.

CASA

Civil Aviation Safety Authority

The civil Aviation Safety authority (CASA) is responsible for safety regulation of civil air operations in Australia and the operation of Australian aircraft overseas. Its functions include:

•  Standards setting;
•  Entry control (includes certification and licensing);
•  Safety surveillance of the industry enforcement of standards;
•  Regulatory oversight of the national airways system, and air traffic services, aviation     rescue and fire-fighting services provided by Airservices Australia.

A professional Aircraft Pilot flies aircraft to transport passengers, mail and freight or provide agricultural, aviation and aerial surveillance services. Licenses are issued as either commercial pilot licence (CPL) or air transport pilot licences (ATPL).

There are no formal educational qualifications required for this occupation but applicants must be licensed by CASA.

An overseas pilot licence may be deemed equivalent to an Australian ATPL or CPL if it authorises the holder to fly aircraft as pilot in command in air transport operations or commercial operations respectively.

CPAA

Certified Practising Accountants Australia

CPA Australia (CPAA) is one of the 2 professional accounting bodies in Australia and is a designated assessing authority for ASCO occupations Accountant, Corporate Treasurer, External Auditor and Finance Manager.

Assessment for migration purposes is based on the same criteria for admission to associate (non-voting) membership of CPAA. In general, you can select either CPAA or ICAA (The institute of Chartered Accountants Australia ) to provide your assessment. Note: ACCA and CIMA qualified accountants who do not also have an undergraduate degree are offered several options for meeting the requirements for admission as an Associate (entry level) membership of CPAA. However, for the purpose of migration applications, these accountants are advised to apply to the ICAA for skills assessment.

To meet the educational standard for any of the above ASCO occupations, you must have formal qualifications assessed by CPAA as comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree. These qualifications must include adequate coverage of at least 9 of the 12 core curriculum areas required for Associate membership. Work experience is NOT accepted in lieu of formal qualifications. The core curriculum areas are basic accounting, financial and corporate accounting, current accounting issues (standards and theory), cost and management accounting, business finance, auditing, introductory law (including contracts), economics, statistics, computer information systems, Australian taxation law and Australian company law.

CPAA will issue a written assessment result indicating that your qualifications either meet or do not meet the requirement for your nominated ASCO occupation. If your assessment advises that you meet the requirement, you can submit it with your visa application without completing any further study. Assessments are valid for 5 years and will include details of accredited study programs available by distance learning. Thus, if your assessment is not successful in the first instance, you will be able to complete additional studies required to meet the standard required for migration. If your visa is granted (and validated) and you wish to apply for membership of CPAA, you must complete the remaining entry-level studies prescribed before admission. Members admitted at associate level must complete our postgraduate level CPA Program and satisfy requisite work experience before advancing to CPA status.

COTRB

Council of Occupational Therapists Registration Boards

( Australia and New Zealand ) Inc

STAGE 1 DESKTOP

ASSESSMENT FOR AUSTRALIAN

MIGRATION / REGISTRATION

The CORTB is the body responsible for assessing occupational therapy qualifications for recognition in Australia.

The Overseas Qualifications Assessment Committee (OQAC) of the CORTB is responsible for the administration of the assessment procedures and will liaise with the Registration Boards.

The OQAC of CORTB assesses your eligibility by checking that you are recognised as an occupational therapist in your country of origin or education, and that your professional education is of standard that would adequately prepare you for practice in Australia.

Minimum Assessment Criteria

You must satisfy the following minimum criteria to be eligible for recognition by CORTB:

•  Have completed a World Federation of Occupational therapy (WFOT) approved tertiary     level education program leading to an award in occupational therapy, that is equivalent     to an Australian Bachelor degree (as per NOOSR Country Education Profiles).
•  You are registered, licensed or otherwise officially recognised and in good standing as an     occupational therapist in the country in which you were educated or practiced and;
•  Have English as a first language OR completed your occupational therapy education in     English OR have achieved a pass on an appropriate English language test either a pass     in the Occupational English Test (OET) or a pass in the international English Language     Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of band 7 in the academic level.

DAA Careers & Education

Dieticians Association Australia

Procedures for Assessment and Recognition of Overseas Qualifications

Although there are no legal requirements for registration of dieticians in Australia , for most employment and professional situations you will be expected to have qualifications that meet the eligibility requirements for membership of the DAA and accreditation as an Accredited Practicing Dietician (ADP). The ADP Program is conducted by DAA as means of self-regulation by the profession to obtain and maintain high levels of professional practice.

If you hold overseas qualifications, employers will normally require you to have completed the assessment procedures that enable you to apply for membership of the DAA and participation in the ADP program.

Assessment Procedure

The standards and processes for assessment are established and maintained by the Council on Dietetic Standards Recognition (CODSR) and are included in the CODSR Charter.

The assessment procedure has two stages:

•  Assessment of eligibility to sit the DAA Examination in Dietetics for Overseas Trained    Dieticians, and
•  Completion of the DAA Examination in Dietetics for Overseas Trained Dieticians.

Eligibility Criteria

You can take the DAA examination in dietetics if you:

•  Are registered, licensed or otherwise officially recognised as a dietician in the country where you trained    or practised, or can demonstrate your eligibility for registration in that country; and
•  Have completed a tertiary training program of at least four years equivalent leading to a degree or post-   graduate diploma in nutrition, dietetics or related field acceptable to DAA. This course should include    human systems physiology and metabolic biochemistry at least at second year degree level and a    minimum of 65 days of relevant practical placement in clinical, food service management and community    settings; and
•  Speak English as your first language, OR completed your tertiary training in English and have worked in an    English-speaking country for at least two years, OR have achieved a pass on an appropriate English    language test; either an overall pass on the academic Occupational English Test (OET) or an overall;    Band score of 7 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); and
•  Can demonstrate currency of practice through adequate work experience OR education in the profession    within the last five years.

You must apply to DAA for assessment against these criteria and receive notification form DAA of your eligibility before you can apply to sit the dietetics examination. Candidates who do not successfully complete the examination requirements within two years of assessment of their eligibility may need to have their currency of practice reassessed.

ICAA

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia

The institute of chartered accountants in Australia (ICCA) is one of the 2 designated assessing authorities for the occupations of accountant, Corporate Treasurer, External Auditor and Finance Manager.

To be considered suitable for any of these occupations for the purpose of migration, you must hold formal qualifications assessed by the ICAA as at least comparable to the level of an Australian Bachelor degree and have adequate coverage of the core curriculum areas identified by the ICAA as necessary for these occupations in Australia.

It is important to note that practical experience is not accepted as an alternative to a formal qualification or for coverage of the core curriculum areas. A degree/qualification and subjects completed by examination and recognised by the ICAA are required.

The core curriculum areas required include: financial accounting, corporate accounting and reporting, accounting standards and theory, cost and management accounting, business finance, auditing, the legal framework of business, contract law and its application, micro and macro economics, statistics, business information systems, Australian taxation law, and Australian company law. (Most overseas trained accountants will not have completed studies in Australia tax and company law and this is taken into consideration during the assessment).

Although, in general, you can apply to either the ICAA or the other assessing authority (CPA Australia) for a skills assessment for the purpose of migration, if you are an Associate or Fellow member of ACCA (UK) or CIMA (UK) but you do not also hold an undergraduate degree, it is recommended that you apply to the ICAA for the skills assessments.

Based on the certified documentation you provide the ICAA, they will send you a formal letter of assessment. This will indicate whether your qualifications are suitable or not suitable for the occupation you have nominated. If your letter of assessment states that you are suitable you should then include it with the visa application that you make to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Adelaide Skilled processing Centre. If the assessment indicates you are not suitable then you should not proceed with a migration application.

If your qualifications are acceptable for migration purposes you will still need to undertake further studies after arriving in Australia if you intend to seek admission to membership of the ICAA. This may include university studies and the completion of the ICAA's post-graduate admissions program (the CA program). A period of approved mentored experience may also be necessary.

IEAust

Institution of Engineers, Australia

The institution of Engineers, Australia (IEAust) is the assessing authority in Australia that conducts engineering skills assessments for migration purposes.

There are 3 occupational categories in the engineering profession: professional engineer, engineering technologists and engineering associate. Details regarding these occupational categories and the assessment process are presented on the website www.ieaust.org.au

Intending applicants for assessments should go to the website and read or download the Overseas Qualifications Assessment Kit. The kit provides comprehensive instructions on what you need to do to have your engineering skills and qualifications assessed. Applicants with further questions on the assessment process may contact the IEAust by telephone, facsimile or email (see contact details of assessing authorities).

Institution of Surveyors, Australia

Introduction

The Institution of Surveyors, Australia represents Surveying and Land Information professionals in Australia . Its members work in all fields of Land & Hydrographic Surveying as well as the management of Land information and Land development. (ASCO Codes 2123-13 Surveyor and 3121-15 Surveying and Cartographic Associate; as per the publication General Skilled Migration released by the Department of immigration and Multicultural Affairs).

Other areas of what is termed "surveying" in other countries, such as Quantity Surveying, Valuation or General practice Surveying and Building Surveying are assessed by other bodies.

The Institution carries out assessment of overseas qualifications on behalf of the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. The assessments are made in terms of the grade of membership of the Institution the applicant would be eligible to join at, should he or she wish to join the Institution. Those grades and criteria being:

Associate Must either hold a Diploma in a discipline of Surveying approved by the Institution, or its Equivalent, or where applicants can demonstrate That their experience and knowledge of surveying is not less than a holder of a Diploma.
Graduate Must hold a Bachelor Degree Award or its Equivalent in a discipline of Surveying approved
By the Institution or its equivalent .

The assessment is based upon the information provided to the Institution, together with educational profiles to determine the equivalence of overseas courses as well as an examination of the experience gained by the applicant and responsibilities of the applicant in carrying out their work.

Application for Assessment

Applications for assessment of overseas qualifications must be made upon the form Applicable for assessment of Professional qualifications, which is available from the Institutions Office or can be found on the Institutions website: www.ieaust.org.au

NIA

National Institute of Accountants

The National institute of Accountants in Australia (NIA) is an assessing authority for the occupations of Accountant, Corporate Treasurer, External auditor and finance Manager.

To be considered suitable for any of these occupations for the purposes of migration, you must hold formal qualifications assessed by the NIA as at least comparable to the level of an Australian Bachelor Degree, majoring in accounting. The qualification must also meet the specific content requirements of the NIA . It is important to note that practical experience is not accepted as an alternative to a formal qualification.

If your qualifications are acceptable for migration purposes you will still need to undertake further studies after arriving in Australia if you intend to seek admission to membership of the NIA. This may include some additional studies in Australian Company law, Australian Taxation Law and Financial Accounting.

OCANZ

Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand

Optometry in Australia

Optometrists carry out eye examinations to measure visual efficiency and detect any visual defects. They may prescribe and disperse suitable visual; aids such as spectacles and contact lenses as well as special telescopic and magnifying devices for the visually impaired. Optometrists may also advise patients on eye exercises to improve eye muscles and coordination. They are trained in detection and diagnosis of eye diseases, and can refer patients to ophthalmologists or other health care practitioners.

Optometry Education in Australia

A Bachelor degree in optometry is required.

Entry of overseas qualified optometrist into the profession in Australia.

The qualifications recognised for registration as an optometrist are specified by legislation in each State and Territory. Australian and New Zealand qualifications are accepted in all jurisdictions. Optometrists who qualified in other countries can sit an examination conducted by the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand or the New South Wales Board of Optmetrical Registration. A pass in the first examination is accepted for registration purposes in all States and Territories of Australia and New Zealand while a pass in the latter will not be automatically accepted in any of the other Australian States or Territories, or in New Zealand.

Optometrists who received their qualification outside Australia or New Zealand should contact the Optometry Council.

If your qualifications are acceptable for migration purposes, you will still need to apply for registration if you are successful in migrating to Australia . If following migration to Australia , your qualifications are accepted by a registration board, this does not guarantee your employment as an optometrist. That will depend on other factors, such as the number of vacancies or your suitability for a particular job.

Trades Recognition Australia TRA

The term 'trades' is used in Australia to describe occupations which require technical knowledge, manual skills and where training is usually through an apprenticeship.

In the past, trade skills and knowledge have been recognised in Australia through a trade certificate. Recent changes to Australia 's training system are replacing trade certificates with qualifications known as Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) certificates.

The AQF comprises qualifications at levels which reflect the complexity and range of the required skills and knowledge. The qualification for a trade is usually an AQF Certificate III or, in some cases, AQF Certificate IV. These qualification levels also apply to other occupations, and the qualification level by itself does not make an occupation a trade. A trade is defined by the combination of the type of knowledge and skill involved, together with the level of qualification.

AQF Certificates are issued in respect of defined sets of competencies. Competencies, and the combinations of competencies required for a certificate, are specified minimum training Packages.

Competences are detailed specifications of the knowledge and skill required in the workplace in Australia . They provide the benchmarks for assessing skills for migration purposes.

Assessing skills against competencies requires very detailed information from a variety of sources. You will be required to provide extensive and detailed information about your training and/or work experience to the assessing authority. You will need to meet the assessing authority's requirements for the authentication of the information you provide.

The assessing authority will charge you a fee to carry out the assessment.

The assessment of your skills by the assessing authority will be for migration purposes only. The outcome of your assessment will not be a qualification.

It will assist you in your self-assessment against the skill requirement for migration, but it does not mean that your application for migration to Australia will be necessarily be approved. It will be considered by the Australian Government, together with other factors, in making a decision on your migration application.

Information about trade skills and application forms for having your trade skills assessed are available by contacting the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Applications and payments for assessment must be made directly to the assessing authority. Any further inquiries about your skills assessment must also be made directly to the assessing authority.

If you are successful in your migration application, it is also important to understand that you will not automatically be provided with a qualification in Australia on the basis of your skills assessment. You may be required to undergo further assessment before a decision can be made on whether to issue you with a qualification in Australia . The assessing authority will provide you with more information on this, including additional fees you will have to pay.