From 1 January 2015, VETASSESS is introducing a revised Skills Assessment process for general professional occupations. The Skills Assessment will include an assessment of the highest qualification level and the “date deemed skilled” based on qualification and employment evidence provided. This will offer a streamlined application process with one application form, a simpler fee structure and a reduced turn-around time. Additional information will be provided on our website to assist with lodging assessment-ready applications.

 What’s Changing

• Skills Assessment

The Skills Assessment criteria and the occupational groups (A-F) will remain the same. Applicants will need to hold a qualification which is assessed as comparable to the required educational level for their nominated occupation in a highly relevant field and one year of employment that is highly relevant and at the required skill level.

Additionally, based on the applicant’s qualification and employment evidence provided within the last 10 years, VETASSESS will determine the date at which the applicant is deemed skilled based on closely related employment.

• Revised Fee Structure and  Application Forms

In order to accommodate the changes being made our current fee structure has been revised to make it simpler and support the comprehensive service that will be provided for our applicants from 1 January 2015. The revised fee structure applicable from 1 January 2015 will be made available on our website on 12 December.

• Additional support for applicants/agents

VETASSESS is also publishing information sheets on its website for frequently nominated occupations. These sheets will provide detailed information on our assessment criteria as well as specific requirements for these occupations to assist applicants/agents to lodge assessment-ready applications.

• Processing time

Applications lodged from 1 January 2015 will be processed within 8-10 weeks provided that the applications are assessment-ready. Applications requiring additional documents, external advice or integrity checks may be delayed.