CPA Australia is a government-authorised assessing authority for skilled migration in accounting occupations. The migration skills assessment is a document-based evaluation that checks if your qualifications and English proficiency meet Australian standards for your nominated ANZSCO code. It supports various visa pathways, including 189, 190, 491, 482, 186 and others.
How CPA Australia assesses accounting qualifications and English proficiency against Australian standards for skilled migration.
CPA Australia’s migration skills assessment is document-based. It evaluates your educational qualifications for comparability to Australian standards and coverage of required competency areas specific to your nominated occupation. English language proficiency is mandatory for all applicants. Work experience is assessed separately via the optional skilled employment assessment if you wish to claim points for it.
Main services include qualification assessment (mandatory) and optional skilled employment assessment.
Eligibility: Holders of qualifications (Australian or overseas) seeking assessment for the listed ANZSCO accounting occupations
What it covers: Degree comparability to the Australian bachelor level + coverage of mandatory competency areas (varies by occupation, e.g., accounting systems, financial accounting, management accounting, taxation law where required) + English proficiency
Fee: From AUD $514 (offshore) / $565 (onshore); Fast Track higher
Processing: Standard or Fast Track (approx. 5 business days for Fast Track once complete)
Advantage: Core requirement for skilled migration visa applications
Documents: Academic awards, transcripts, syllabus (if non-accredited), English evidence, ID
Assessment Method: Document review against official guidelines for degree level and competency areas; outcome may recommend further study if gaps exist
Eligibility: Available after (or combined with) a suitable qualification assessment outcome
What it covers: Assessment of paid, closely related post-qualification work experience for points claims
Fee: From AUD $236 (offshore) / $260 (onshore) or combined fees
Processing: Standard (no Fast Track for skilled employment)
Advantage: Allows claiming additional points for relevant employment in visa applications
Documents: Employment references on company letterhead, contracts, payslips, job descriptions, CV
Assessment Method: Determines if employment is at the required skill level and closely related to the ANZSCO occupation
(Note: No separate “bridging” or “international qualification + exam” pathways exist as described originally. Gaps in competencies are addressed via further study or update applications.)
Navigate the document-based assessment process from application to outcome.
Prepare high-quality scans of original documents for your application.
Guidelines: All documents as clear, high-resolution colour scans of originals (no certified copies). Non-English documents require official translations (both versions). Submit in one go to avoid delays.
CPA Australia's migration skills assessment is a document-based process focused on your qualifications, competency coverage, and English proficiency not separate professional exams. Start early by gathering high-quality documents and checking your qualifications against the mandatory competency areas for your chosen ANZSCO code. Allow sufficient time for application processing and any potential further study if gaps are identified. Use official study materials or accredited courses if needed, and consider the Fast Track option for quicker qualification assessment. A positive outcome letter (valid for 3 years) forms a strong foundation for your skilled migration visa application. Plan thoroughly, submit complete documents, and consult the official CPA Australia migration services pages for the latest details before applying.
