ACECQA Skills Assessment

ACECQA Assessment for Skilled Migration in Child Care

The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) is the approved assessing authority for the Child Care Centre Manager and Child Care Worker (group leaders only) occupations under the skilled migration program. The ACECQA skills assessment is a documentary-based evaluation that checks whether your qualifications and employment experience meet the required standards for these occupations. A successful outcome is required for points-tested skilled migration visas, such as subclasses 189, 190, and 491, as well as some employer-sponsored visas. The assessment is for migration purposes only and is separate from ACECQA's National Quality Framework qualification assessment.

ACECQA assessment & child care standards

ACECQA assesses qualifications and employment experience against Australian standards for nominated child care occupations.

Why ACECQA matters

Mandatory for applicants in these child care occupations seeking skilled migration to Australia.
Ensures your qualifications and work experience meet the standards set under the Migration Regulations.
A positive outcome provides an official certificate for your visa application.
Helps meet Department of Home Affairs requirements for migration points and visa eligibility.
Note: ACECQA does not assess Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher contact AITSL for that occupation.

ACECQA assessment scope

Approved assessing authority for Child Care Centre Manager (ANZSCO 134111) and Child Care Worker (group leaders only) (ANZSCO 421111).
Documentary-based assessment of qualifications and relevant paid employment history.
Requires an ACECQA nationally approved diploma-level (or higher) education and care qualification.
Assesses employment experience in a regulated early childhood education and care service.
Supports skilled migration visa pathways when a positive outcome is issued.
The outcome is valid for three years from the date of issue.

The ACECQA skills assessment focuses on both qualification comparability and practical employment experience in regulated child care services. It includes specific requirements for currency of skills and detailed employment references. Your assessment must demonstrate you can perform the expected duties of the nominated occupation at the required skill level.

ACECQA assessment pathways

The main service is the migration skills assessment for child care occupations.

1: Skills assessment (mandatory)

Eligibility: Applicants nominating a Child Care Centre Manager or Child Care Worker (group leaders only) on the skilled occupation list with ACECQA as the assessing authority.

What it covers: ACECQA nationally approved diploma level (or higher) qualification plus required years of relevant employment experience.

Fee: $1100 (incl. GST) for skills assessment application.

Processing: Aimed to be completed within 60 days from receipt of a complete application.

Advantage: Provides the required skills assessment certificate for visa applications.

Documents: Certified colour copies of qualifications, transcripts, employment references, and service registration evidence.

2: Review of assessment outcome

Eligibility: Available if you disagree with the original assessment outcome.

What it covers: Review of evidence, consideration or submission of additional evidence.

Fee: $990 (incl. GST) for review application.

Advantage: Opportunity to provide further information or correct inadequate consideration of evidence.

Documents: Review application form plus any additional supporting evidence.

Assessment method: Reviewed by a different ACECQA representative.

ACECQA assessment process

Navigate the documentary-based assessment process from preparation to outcome.

Step 1: Preparation & eligibility check

Confirm your nominated occupation is on the skilled occupation list with ACECQA as the assessing authority and that your visa pathway requires a skills assessment. Review the ACECQA Assessment Standards and Application Guidelines. Use the qualifications checker to determine if you hold an approved qualification or need assessment under the National Quality Framework.

Step 2: Application submission

Complete the online skills assessment application form on the ACECQA website. Gather and certify all required supporting documents, provide proof of payment, and submit the complete application. ACECQA will confirm receipt within 10 business days and advise if additional information is needed.

Step 3: Assessment review & outcome

ACECQA reviews your qualifications and employment evidence against the assessment standards. You will receive the outcome via email. If successful, you will receive a certificate by mail to include with your visa application. If unsuccessful, you will receive reasons and information on the review process.

Documentation & requirements checklist

Prepare certified colour copies of original documents for your application.

1: Personal identification

Certified colour copy of the identity page of your valid passport
Certified colour copy of evidence of change of name (if applicable)

2: Academic qualifications

Certified colour copy of the parchment or award for your qualification
Certified colour copy of the official transcript (including all years of study)
Copy of ACECQA decision letter or certificate (if previously assessed under NQF)
Evidence of English language proficiency (if your qualification requires NQF assessment)

3: Employment experience

Employer Reference Template(s) completed by your direct supervisor
Employment Experience Template(s) for all claimed periods
Certified colour copy of formal employment contract and position description
Evidence of service registration or regulation for each employment period

4: Additional supporting documents

Applicant Declaration and Consent Form
Authorised Representative Declaration and Consent Form (if applicable)
Migration Agent Declaration and Consent Form (if using a migration agent)

5: Payment & other

Proof of payment of the application fee
Australian teacher registration or accreditation (if applicable)

ACECQA skills assessment is a key requirement for professionals in child care occupations seeking skilled migration to Australia. By confirming your eligibility, ensuring you hold an approved diploma-level qualification, and providing detailed evidence of relevant employment experience, you can achieve a positive outcome that supports your visa application. Start early by reviewing the official Assessment Standards and Application Guidelines on the ACECQA website. Prepare all documents as certified colour copies and submit a complete application to minimise processing delays. A successful outcome is valid for three years, but remember that a skills assessment does not guarantee visa approval. Always verify the latest requirements, fees, and guidelines directly on the official ACECQA website before applying.

Succeeding with your ACECQA skills assessment in 2026

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