Overview of Engineers Australia Assessment
Engineers Australia (EA) is the assessing authority for engineering occupations under Australia's skilled migration program. A positive skills assessment from EA is required for most engineering visa applications.
EA offers several assessment pathways depending on your qualifications and experience.
Assessment Pathways
1. Competency Demonstration Report (CDR)
The most common pathway for engineers with qualifications from countries outside the Washington Accord signatories. Requires submission of three Career Episodes, a Summary Statement, and a CPD list.
Who needs it: Engineers from most Asian, African, Middle Eastern, and South American countries.
2. Washington Accord Pathway
For engineers with qualifications from Washington Accord signatory countries (excluding Australia/NZ). Requires academic transcripts and employment evidence.
Eligible countries: USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, China, India, and others.
3. Provisional Assessment
For engineers who have not yet completed their qualifications or who have limited work experience.
4. Academics Pathway
For academics with significant engineering teaching and research experience.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Determine Your Pathway
Review EA's guidelines to determine which assessment pathway applies to you based on your country of qualification.
Step 2: Select Your ANZSCO Code
Choose the ANZSCO occupation code that best matches your engineering background. This determines the competency standard you must meet.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
For CDR pathway:
- CDR (Career Episodes, Summary Statement, CPD)
- Academic transcripts (certified copies)
- Degree certificate (certified copy)
- English language test results (if required)
- Employment evidence (reference letters, payslips)
- Identity documents (passport)
Step 4: Create an EA Online Account
Register at Engineers Australia's online portal (myportal.engineersaustralia.org.au) and create an application.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Upload all required documents and pay the assessment fee.
Current fees (2025):
- CDR Assessment: AUD $820
- Washington Accord: AUD $820
- Reassessment: AUD $410
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary:
- Standard CDR: 12–16 weeks
- Washington Accord: 8–12 weeks
- Urgent processing: Not available
Step 7: Receive Your Outcome
EA will notify you of the outcome:
- Suitable: Proceed with your visa application
- Suitable with conditions: Additional requirements may apply
- Unsuitable: You can request a review or resubmit
After a Successful Assessment
A positive assessment is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. You must lodge your visa application within this period.
For the Skilled Independent Visa (189), you will also need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Start early — The entire process from CDR writing to visa grant can take 12–24 months
2. Get your CDR professionally written — The cost is minimal compared to the consequences of rejection
3. Ensure all documents are certified — EA requires certified copies of all academic documents
4. Check English requirements — Some applicants need IELTS or PTE results
5. Keep your assessment valid — Apply for your visa before the 3-year validity expires
Need Help with Your CDR?
Our team of expert CDR writers has helped over 2,500 engineers achieve successful EA assessments. We provide end-to-end support from ANZSCO code selection to final CDR submission. Get started with a free consultation.