Changes to migration skills assessment process for advanced diploma and associate degree qualifications

Effective 1 September 2024, Engineers Australia has updated its approach to migration skills assessments for individuals with advanced diploma or associate degree qualifications from Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

Key changes

  • Only qualifications accredited under the Dublin Accord (such as specific associate degrees or advanced diplomas) are now eligible for the accredited pathway.
  • Applicants without an accredited qualification must now apply through the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway, which assesses individual competencies based on knowledge, skills and experience.

Interim arrangement 

Engineers Australia has implemented an interim solution to the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway for holders of non-accredited qualifications, specifically those seeking the occupation of Civil Engineering Draftsperson. This solution only applies for previous and current students. This solution will not be available after December 2026.

If you hold a non-accredited advanced diploma or associate degree qualification (enrolled in or completed your program prior to 1 September 2024) and wish to apply for the occupation of Civil Engineering Draftsperson for migration purposes only, you may now submit your applications via MSA CDR pathway.

In addition to the documentation described on MSA page, these changes require:

  • two of the three career episodes to satisfactorily demonstrate competencies as civil engineering draftsperson based on: 

    • engagement with professional practice, which should include one or more of the following activities:
      • relevant industry employment
      • unpaid work experience (work placement)
      • simulated work experience
      • any other engagement with professional practice such as industry presentations, site visits, conferences, etc., or
    • a major engineering project (more than 120 hours), including the assessment rubric), or
    • two minor projects (up to 100 hours of work per project).

    If your career episode is based on your engagement with professional practice in a workplace, a reference letter from your employer or supervisor is required. It must be signed and dated, on official letterhead and contain: 

    • the dates and duration of your work experience or placement
    • the name of the organisation or employer
    • a description of your role and duties.
  • additional documentation if you completed the program is less than 92 weeks and in includes a recognised prior learning (RPL), credit transfer (CT) or entry requirement (ER) component. You’ll need to submit documents that demonstrate: 
    • RPL: the list of units for which it was granted, and evidence of the assessment and approval the RTO undertook to grant it. 
    • CT: the list of units for which it was awarded, and the certificate and transcript (or certificate of attainment) for the qualification on which the CT is based. 
    • ER: the certificate and transcript (or statement of attainment) for the qualification that meets the RTO’s entry requirements for a program with a shorter duration. 
  • the inclusion of a summary statement (PDF) with your application, which can be used as a guide for the competency elements to be covered in your career episodes. For more information on the required competencies, refer to ANZSCO 312211 Civil Engineering Draftsperson.

What this means for students

We understand this change affects students who enrolled before 1 September 2024. The interim arrangement could provide those affected a suitable MSA outcome letter for migration purposes only, subject to a successful assessment outcome.

This interim arrangement is only available to previous or current students who enrolled in or completed their program prior to 1 September 2024.

Program accreditation for RTOs

To help address the change, Engineers Australia has streamlined the program accreditation process, targeting completion within eight months of application.

Programs may receive provisional accreditation if there are no graduates available for review. Full accreditation can be granted after a formal review involving at least five graduates and assessment of their final-year work.

Provisionally accredited programs strengthen the quality of CDR-based assessments and provide greater confidence to assessors.

Support available

Engineers Australia will run a series of webinars to guide RTOs through the accreditation process. Dates and registration details will be announced shortly.

Key documents for RTOs include:

For more information or to explore accreditation, visit our Accreditation Management System or contact us.