Understanding the New EA Skills Assessment Process for Engineering Associates

The Engineers Australia (EA) skills assessment is a crucial step for Engineering Associates seeking professional opportunities and migration pathways in Australia. However, as of September 1, 2024, significant changes have been implemented, introducing new challenges and considerations for applicants. This blog outlines the updated process, its impact, and how applicants can best navigate the new requirements.

The Process Before September 2024

Before the recent changes, the EA skills assessment process was relatively straightforward for international students with engineering qualifications:

• Pathway to Assessment: Applicants holding an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree from an accredited Australian institution could apply directly.

• No Additional Requirements: There was no need for work experience or language proficiency tests, which made the process simple and fast.

• Quick Processing Times: The earlier system was efficient, allowing graduates to transition smoothly into skilled migration pathways.

This approach catered to recent graduates, offering them an accessible route to enter Australia’s skilled workforce.

The New Requirements

The revised assessment process, effective from September 2024, introduces stricter criteria, significantly impacting the pathway for Engineering Associates:

1. Accredited Qualifications: Degrees must now be from fully accredited providers. For example, the Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering (52873WA) is offered only by select institutions such as the Engineering Institute of Technology and RMIT University.

   
   

2. Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) Pathway: Applicants without accredited qualifications must now use the CDR pathway, which involves submitting detailed documentation of their engineering knowledge and skills.

   
   

These changes are designed to ensure that only candidates with robust and standardized qualifications are eligible for assessment.

Impact on Migration and Visa Applications

• Occupations in Demand: Engineering Associate roles such as Telecommunications Technologist and Civil Engineering Draftsperson remain on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), ensuring eligibility for skilled migration.

  
  

• Graduate Visas: To apply for the Subclass 485 Graduate Visa, applicants now require a full skills assessment. However, Engineers Australia no longer offers provisional assessments, making the process more challenging for recent graduates.

Understanding the CDR

For applicants unable to meet the accreditation requirements, the CDR pathway is now essential. This involves:

• Three Career Episodes: Detailed accounts of academic or professional engineering projects (1,000–2,500 words each).

• Summary Statement: Linking career episodes to specific competency elements.

• CV and Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Demonstrating ongoing learning and technical expertise.

  
  

Interestingly, the CDR pathway still does not require work experience or an English proficiency test, making it accessible to fresh graduates who focus on academic projects.

Cost Implications and Additional Pathways

The revised process comes with increased costs:

• CDR Pathway Fee: $968, up from the previous $324.50 for advanced diploma graduates.

• Priority Processing Fee: An additional $368.50 (optional).

For students in construction design fields, VETASSESS offers provisional assessments for Subclass 485 visas at $431.20. However, these assessments cannot be used for other visa applications.

Final Steps

The new EA skills assessment process ensures higher standards for Engineering Associates entering Australia’s workforce. While it introduces additional challenges, applicants can overcome these with careful planning and preparation. For expert guidance, reach out to Australian Portal Immigration at 0403 417 671 or visa@apimmi.com.au.