How to Apply for VETASSESS Credential Recognition in Australia
Daniel Osiomwanuri
This post is also available in:English /
Updated:
Sep 9, 2025
Published:
Aug 20, 2025
Are you dreaming of working in Australia and leveraging your professional skills? If so, one of the most essential steps in your migration journey is having your qualifications and work experience formally recognised. This is where VETASSESS comes in.
VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) is Australia’s leading skills assessment authority for a wide range of professional and trade occupations. Whether you’re an engineer, teacher, marketing professional, or tradesperson, VETASSESS plays a critical role in validating your overseas credentials to meet Australian standards.
In this article, you will learn about VETASSESS credential recognition, who needs it, categories, documents required and steps to apply.
Table of Contents
What is VETASSESS and its role in Australian migration?
VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) is Australia’s largest independent skills assessment authority. It plays a crucial role in the skilled migration process by evaluating an applicant’s overseas qualifications and employment experience against Australian standards.
The main goal of VETASSESS is to determine whether your skills and qualifications are comparable to those required for your nominated occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, including:
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
What makes VETASSESS different from other assessment bodies is its broad coverage of occupations. While some authorities focus on specific professions, like Engineers Australia for engineers or ANMAC for nurses, VETASSESS assesses a wide range of general professional occupations and certain trade occupations. This makes it one of the most versatile and widely used assessment authorities in the migration process.
Who needs a VETASSESS skills assessment for Australia?
A positive VETASSESS assessment is mandatory for applicants pursuing the following skilled migration pathways:
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
In some cases, certain employer-sponsored visas (e.g., subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa) may also require a skill assessment. However, it's only mandatory if requested by the employer or if the specific occupation demands it.
For instance, if you are a Civil Engineer planning to migrate under the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), your occupation is listed on the STSOL and assessed by VETASSESS. This means you must apply for and receive a positive VETASSESS skills assessment before lodging your visa application. Without it, your qualifications and experience would not be recognised for migration purposes.
In addition, before applying, you must confirm whether VETASSESS assesses your intended occupation in Australia. You can check against the official skilled occupation lists published by the Department of Home Affairs, such as the:
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
Regional Occupation List (ROL)
Together, these are referred to as the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) or skilled occupation lists, which guide eligibility for Australia’s skilled visa programs.
International students showing thier credentials on graduation day
Understanding VETASSESS assessment categories
VETASSESS offers different assessment categories depending on the type of occupation and visa pathway. Knowing which category applies to you is crucial for a successful outcome.
General professional occupations
This is the largest category VETASSESS assesses and covers a wide range of professional roles (e.g., Marketing Specialists, HR Advisers, Teachers).
The assessment usually considers both your academic qualifications and your employment experience. To get a positive evaluation, you must demonstrate that your studies align with the skill level required for your nominated occupation. You must also show that you have sufficient post-qualification and relevant work experience.
Trade occupations
In addition to professional roles, VETASSESS also assesses a selection of trade occupations such as electricians, carpenters, and mechanics.
Unlike professional roles, these assessments often go beyond document checks. They can involve a practical skills test, technical interview, or workplace assessment to confirm competency.
Points-test ready
This service is designed for applicants pursuing points-tested visas who need a faster outcome. It provides a straightforward assessment confirming that qualifications and experience meet requirements for the points test used in visas like subclass 189, 190, or 491.
Post-485 skills assessment
Relevant for certain international graduates in Australia on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This pathway allows recent graduates to obtain a skills assessment for their occupation to support post-study work rights and future migration plans. The test assesses whether your qualification is:
At the required educational level
In a highly relevant field of study to your nominated occupation.
Key requirement across all categories
Regardless of category, you must meet the specific criteria for your nominated occupation, which typically includes:
Having the relevant duration of skilled employment experience, often ranging from 1 to 5 years post-qualification, depending on the occupation.
How to apply for VETASSESS skills assessment: A step-by-step guide
The VETASSESS application process is done primarily online. It involves creating an account, selecting the correct assessment pathway, uploading supporting documents, and paying the relevant VETASSESS fees. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of what you need to do:
Step 1: Determine your nominated occupation and pathway
The first and most critical step is to select the correct occupation from Australia’s skilled occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL). Once you've chosen, you should confirm that VETASSESS is the official assessing authority for your occupation. This will help you identify the correct assessment pathway for your occupation. For general professional occupations, this could be one of the Groups A, B, C, D, or E, each with specific qualifications and experience requirements.
Step 2: Gather required documents
You must prepare your documents thoroughly to save time and avoid delays. Common requirements include:
You can request a free quote to get translation services for your VETASSESS credential recognition in Australia.
Step 3: Create a VETASSESS online account
Once you have all the documents, proceed to the official VETASSESS website and create your account. Enter your details accurately. This account will be your hub for submitting documents, tracking progress, and receiving updates.
Step 4: Complete the application form
Carefully complete the online form with details such as personal information, educational, and employment history. Ensure that the information provided matches your supporting documents to avoid inconsistencies.
Step 5: Upload documents
Cross-check all the information and upload all required documents through the portal. Ensure documents are high-quality colour scans of the original documents. If any of the documents are damaged, you should request a replacement from the issuing authority to avoid issues with your assessment. Also, confirm that all non-English documents have certified English translations attached.
Step 6: Pay VETASSESS fees
Proceed to pay the assessment fee online through the VETASSESS portal. Always check the updated fees schedule on the VETASSESS website before payment (costs vary depending on the type of assessment). You can pay the fees with a credit or debit card.
Step 7: Submit and track the application
Double-check everything one last time and submit your completed application. You can track your assessment progress through the VETASSESS online account you created. VETASSESS may contact you to request additional documents or clarification, so monitor your account and email regularly. If everything is done correctly, you should be able to download your skill assessment outcome from your profile.
VETASSESS processing time: What to expect
The time it takes to receive a VETASSESS outcome depends on your assessment category, the completeness of your application, and current application volumes. Here's what to expect:
General professional occupations
Estimated processing time: 8–10 weeks from acceptance of your application.
Trade occupations
These assessments often take longer due to required practical tests, technical interviews, or other verification steps. No specific timeframe is guaranteed, but delays beyond the standard are common.
Priority processing
Officially known as Priority Processing, this option applies to general and professional occupations.
Turnaround time: Approximately 10 business days, once eligibility is confirmed (pre-review may take up to 2 business days).
Note: All timeframes are estimates, and delays may occur due to requests for additional evidence or document verification with education institutions and employers.
VETASSESS assessment cost: A full breakdown of fees
VETASSESS fees vary depending on your assessment type and any optional supplementary services, such as fast-tracking or reviewing decisions. All fees listed may include GST if you're an Australian tax resident. Always refer to the VETASSESS website for the most current rates.
Professional occupations
Assessment type
Applying from within Australia (includes GST)
Applicant is not a resident of Australia for tax purposes (excludes GST)
Full Skills Assessment (General Professional Occupations)
AUD 1177.00
AUD 1070.00
Points-Test Ready (PTR) Service
AUD 334.40
AUD 304.00
Post-Vocational Education Work Visa (Subclass 485) visas
Translation requirements for VETASSESS applications
When applying for a VETASSESS assessment, you should ensure that all documents are in English. If any of your documents are in another language, they must be translated into English to be accepted. Here are a few things to note
If you are in Australia, translations must be completed by a NAATI translator.
If you are applying from outside Australia, translations should be carried out by a professional translator recognised in your country.
The translation must reflect the original document exactly, without summaries or omissions.
You must upload both the original document (in its native language) and the corresponding English translation.
In some cases, VETASSESS may request certified copies of the original documents. Always check the latest VETASSESS guidelines for confirmation.
How can Translayte help?
Translate is a leading provider of certified translation services for academic evaluation and immigration purposes. Whether you are applying for WES evaluation, ECE, or VETASSES assessments, we offer high-quality translation that meets the requirements. Here’s how we can help;
Provide accurate translations by NAATI-Approved translators for applicants in Australia and globally accepted translations if applying from overseas.
Experienced in translating academic transcripts, employment references, qualifications, and official documents, all of which are common in VETASSESS applications.
Offers fast turnaround times and competitive rates, helping you stay on top of deadlines without compromising accuracy.
Ensures your documents meet compliance standards and reduce the risk of rejection or delays.
Request a free quote for translation services to support your VETASSESS credential recognition in Australia.
Tips for a Smooth VETASSESS Skills Assessment Application
Confirm that your nominated occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Check that VETASSESS assesses it and that your qualifications and employment history genuinely align with the occupation’s requirements.
Begin the process well ahead of any visa application deadlines.
Focus on quality over quantity, and provide clear, specific, and verifiable evidence of your employment and qualifications.
Include payslips, contracts, certificates, transcripts, and detailed reference letters.
Ensure translations are word-for-word and correctly linked to the original document.
Make sure all information across your CV, application form, reference letters, and translations is consistent.
If VETASSESS asks for additional evidence or clarification, reply quickly and thoroughly to avoid delays.
Always refer back to the official VETASSESS website for the latest requirements, as rules and fees can change.
VETASSESS is an official skills assessment authority in Australia. It evaluates your qualifications and work experience to confirm whether they meet Australian standards for a specific occupation. This assessment is often required for skilled migration and employment purposes.
Costs vary depending on the type of assessment (General Professional Occupations or Trade Occupations). As of 2025, fees generally start from AUD 900–1,200, but you should always check the official VETASSESS website for the latest fees.
Processing typically takes 10–12 weeks for standard applications. Priority processing (for an extra fee) may reduce the time to as little as 20 business days, provided your documents are complete.
Not all visas require VETASSESS. You only need it if VETASSESS assesses your nominated occupation as part of your visa pathway. Other occupations may fall under different evaluating authorities.
You will usually need a passport bio page, academic transcripts, certificates, employment references, contracts, CV/resume, and payslips or tax records (as proof of employment)
Yes, any documents not in English must be translated by a NAATI approved translator if you’re in Australia or a recognised translator in your country. Incomplete or inaccurate translations can delay or even reject your application.
VETASSESS assesses over 360 occupations, mostly in General Professional and Trade categories (e.g., management, social sciences, hospitality, education, and trades). Always check the current occupation list on their website.
General Professional Assessment: for occupations that require higher education or professional qualifications (e.g., marketing specialists, teachers, managers).
Trade Assessment: for technical or trade roles (e.g., chefs, electricians, carpenters) and usually includes both qualifications and practical skills evidence.
Yes, but you must show that your work experience aligns with the requirements of the nominated occupation. VETASSESS may require additional years of work experience if your qualification is not closely related.
It depends on your occupation. VETASSESS is a skills assessment authority for specific professional and trade occupations. While general credential evaluators (like WES or others) are typically used for academic recognition, they are they are not typically used for skilled migration.
VETASSESS offers a Points-Test Ready service for certain applicants, which can be faster if all documents are complete. However, speed varies depending on the assessing authority, the type of application, and whether you opt for priority processing.
