Assess Your Professional & Trade Skills

VETASSESS is Australia's largest skills assessment authority, assessing the qualifications and experience of 361 professional occupations and 27 trade skills. As the most common assessing body for non-technical professionals, VETASSESS assessments unlock pathways to skilled migration visas and permanent residency in Australia.

VETASSESS Skills Assessment for Australia

VETASSESS: Australia's leading assessment authority

Understanding VETASSESS coverage and why it matters for your migration journey.

Why VETASSESS stands out

  • 25+ years of experience assessing migration and employment credentials
  • Global assessment centers in India, UK, China, South Africa, Southeast Asia
  • Professional Skills Recognition (PSR) system for consistent outcomes
  • Dedicated customer support and assessment teams
  • Priority processing available (10 business days for eligible applicants)
  • Skills Assessment Support (SAS) services for application readiness
  • Updated systems with clearer timeframes and refined review processes
  • AI-driven innovation ensuring speed and consistency in assessments

What VETASSESS assesses

  • 361 professional occupations across 50+ industries (accounting, human resources, marketing, engineering technology, social work, etc.)
  • 27 trade occupations (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, hairdressers, automotive specialists, chefs, etc.)
  • 900+ occupations under Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) in regional Australia
  • General skilled migration pathways (189, 190, 491) for professionals
  • Temporary Skills Shortage (482) visa assessments for employers
  • Employer-Sponsored Direct Entry (186) assessments
  • Graduate visa (485) qualifications-only assessment
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments with an AI-driven pilot program

If you're a professional choosing to migrate to Australia, VETASSESS likely handles your occupation assessment. The authority specialises in non-technical professional occupations, making it the most accessible pathway for diverse career backgrounds. VETASSESS assessments are recognised across all skilled migration visa categories, enabling permanent residency pathways.

Occupations assessed by VETASSESS

Discover if your profession or trade is recognised under the VETASSESS assessment.

Marketing & advertising professionals

  • Occupations: Marketing Specialist, Advertising Specialist, Public Relations Professional, Market Research Analyst.
  • ANZSCO Codes: 225111, 225112, 225113.
  • Visa Pathways: 190, 491, 482, 186, 485.
  • Assessment Method: Qualification & Employment overlap; degree must be “Highly Relevant” (e.g., Marketing, Communications).
  • Key Requirement: Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) + 1 year post-qualifying highly relevant experience.
  • Fee: AUD $1,070 (Full); $406 (485 only).
  • Processing: 7–10 weeks standard; 10 business days priority.

Human resources & management professionals

  • Occupations: Human Resource Adviser, Management Consultant, Information and Organization Professionals (nec), Program or Project Administrator.
  • Visa Pathways: 189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 485
  • Assessment Method: Comprehensive evaluation of qualifications and work experience alignment with ANZSCO task descriptions
  • Key Requirement: Bachelor degree in relevant field or equivalent AQF Level 7+
  • Employment: Minimum 1-3 years post-qualification highly relevant employment
  • Fee: AUD $1,070 (full assessment); $406 (485 only) as of 2026
  • Processing: 7 weeks standard; 10 business days with priority processing

Science & environmental professionals

  • Occupations: Environmental Consultant, Environmental Research Scientist, Science Technician, Geoscientist, Chemist
  • Visa Pathways: 189, 190, 491, 482, 186, 485
  • Assessment Method: Detailed qualification review (must have relevant science major) plus employment experience demonstrating independent research/analysis work
  • Key Requirement: Bachelor degree in relevant field, or related science (AQF Level 7+)
  • Employment: Minimum 1-2 years post-qualification highly relevant employment
  • Fee: AUD $1,070 (full assessment); $406 (485 only) as of 2026

Trade occupations (Pathway 1 & 2)

  • Occupations: Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, Hairdresser, Chef, Automotive Technician, HVAC Technician, Welder
  • Visa Pathways: 482 (Temporary Skills Shortage), 186, 187 (employer-sponsored), State sponsorship (190 and 491)
  • Assessment Method: Documentary Evidence Assessment (Stage 1) + Technical Evidence Assessment (Stage 2 where required)
  • Key Requirement: Certificate III (minimum) in relevant trade; Pathway 1: Australian qualification; Pathway 2: Overseas qualification
  • Employment: 3+ years post-apprenticeship full-time paid employment at skilled level
  • LLND Requirement: Language, Literacy, Numeracy & Digital (LLND) assessment mandatory from 1 Jan 2026 (Pathway 1)
  • Fee: Varies by occupation; updated schedule published 23 March 2026
  • Processing: 12-16 weeks standard; some occupations currently receiving applications (processing time varies)

VETASSESS assessment process & pathways

Navigate the assessment journey from application to positive outcome for professionals and trades.

Step 1: Eligibility check & application preparation

Confirm Occupation & Gather Documentation
Verify your occupation on the VETASSESS list and ensure your job duties align perfectly with ANZSCO task descriptions. Confirm your qualifications meet the required AQF level and gather all essential documents, including certified certificates and official employment references.

Step 2: Online application & document submission

Submit Complete Application Package.
Complete the online application thoroughly and upload high-quality colour scans of all required evidence to avoid reopening fees. Include a detailed Statement of Service, payslips, and NAATI-certified translations for any non-English documents before paying the assessment fee.

Step 3: Assessment & outcome (Timeline: 8-14 Weeks)

Professional Evaluation & Results
An assessor reviews your qualifications and employment claims against Australian standards, potentially issuing a request for further information if needed. Once the evaluation is finished, a positive outcome letter is issued, which remains valid for three years and allows you to proceed with your visa application.

VETASSESS requirements & documentation checklist

Prepare comprehensive documentation to support a successful VETASSESS assessment.

1. Qualification & academic evidence

  • Original graduation certificate(s) from all relevant degrees/diplomas
  • Official academic transcripts from all educational institutions attended
  • Course syllabus or curriculum outline (for specific occupations where AQF comparison needed)
  • Certified English translation of all non-English qualifications
  • Evidence of accreditation status (university rankings, program accreditation in home country)
  • Professional licenses or registrations held in home country (if applicable)
  • Apprenticeship completion certificate (for trade occupations)

2. Employment evidence & references

  • Statement of Service letter from employer (official letterhead, signed, dated, detailing employment period, position, hours/week, salary)
  • Reference letters from supervisors/managers (on company letterhead, signed, dated, detailing your responsibilities and role)
  • Payslips covering employment period (showing consistent salary and employment)
  • Tax documents or payment summaries from relevant years (verify employment income)
  • Employment contracts or offer letters (show job duties and position level)
  • Superannuation statements (proof of employment in Australia, if applicable)
  • CV/Resume with complete employment history

3. Identity & personal documentation

  • Current passport (minimum 6+ months validity)
  • Birth certificate
  • National identity card or driving license
  • Marriage certificate (if name change, certified copy)
  • Statutory Declaration of accuracy (sworn statement confirming truthfulness of application)

4. Professional & competency evidence

  • Professional licenses or registrations (certified copies)
  • Professional memberships or associations
  • Job descriptions detailing your role and responsibilities
  • Project portfolios or examples of work (where applicable)
  • Publications or research (for science/research occupations)
  • Training certificates or professional development evidence

5. Special requirements (Occupation-specific)

  • For trades: Certificate III (minimum) qualification certificate; Video evidence following occupation-specific guide (from 1 Jan 2026); LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy & Digital) assessment results (Pathway 1, mandatory from 1 Jan 2026)
  • For few specific occupations: Evidence of independent research work; publication records; project reports demonstrating autonomous contribution
  • For priority processing: Employer statement confirming employment availability within 10 business days for verification
  • All documents must be original or official copies, high-quality color scans, and in English or certified English translation

A successful VETASSESS outcome relies on matching your job duties exactly to ANZSCO task descriptions and providing high-quality documentation that meets specific AQF level requirements. Applicants should plan for processing times of up to 7 weeks and stay updated on the 2026 fee increases and structural changes to the Professional Skills Recognition area. Securing a positive assessment involves using official fact sheets for alignment and ensuring all evidence is comprehensive from the first submission to unlock various Australian visa pathways.

Preparing for VETASSESS success in 2026

VETASSESS Skills Assessment