FAQ - for people migrating to Australia
How can I obtain an application form for a trade skills assessment?
You can download the application form from Useful Links or contact the TRA office.
Can I get my skills assessed if I haven't done any formal training?
Until further notice TRA will no longer accept applications that predominantly rely on evidence
of work experience.
How does the assessment process work?
The assessment process examines all your qualifications and your skills and work experience.
If I haven't received any formal training or was never indentured as an apprentice, how will the assessment process work?
Until further notice TRA will no longer accept applications that predominantly rely on evidence
of work experience.
What are tradespeople in Australia expected to be capable of?
You must demonstrate that you are capable of doing the full range of work normally done by, and to the same level of skill as, a tradesperson trained in Australia.
The work of a tradesperson includes:
- reading work instructions and technical drawings common to the trade;
- planning independently the method and order of doing a job;
- using measuring instruments correctly;
- marking out, laying out and setting up trade work;
- selecting appropriate materials, tools, machines and equipment;
- making appropriate settings on tools, machines and equipment;
- performing trade work independently; and
- checking and /or testing work against established standards.
You must also demonstrate that you have adequate background/theoretical knowledge.
Am I required to speak and understand English as part of the assessment process?
No, however English is a migration requirement. Furthermore, to be recognised in the electrical trades, you will need to have a standard of English sufficient to ensure you can read instructions and perform that work safely.
If you are seeking to have your skills assessed as a supervisor you must first be able to satisfy the requirements for the base occupation in the supervisory category.
Can relatives in Australia seek information from TRA on my behalf?
TRA normally deals directly with applicants. Australia’s privacy legislation prohibits TRA from discussing your application with other people (third parties) unless specifically authorised to do so. If you want someone such as an agent or a family member to deal with TRA on your behalf, you will need to complete the “Agent” Section of the application form.
Do I need to send original documents?
No. Certified true copies of original documents should be attached to your TRA application. TRA will not return any documentation sent in support of a TRA application.
What evidence must I supply to support my application?
You must support all claims by submitting certified copies of the following documents with your application:
- evidence of your identity and age; such as a birth certificate or passport;
- evidence of completing trade or trade related courses (and for supervisors), such as final certificates, diplomas, evidence of the nature and content of the training, including details of the duration, date of completion and subjects covered, describing the content of each subject studied, and the machines, tools and equipment on which you were trained;
- verifiable statements from your employers to support all your employment as a tradesperson. These statements must be on company letterhead paper signed by a person authorised by your employer; and must include the classification in which you were employed, details of the periods of employment, and a full and detailed description of the nature and content of your work tasks and the tools and equipment you used. STATEMENTS FROM YOUR EMPLOYERS WILL BE VERIFIED;
- evidence of trade training undertaken during service in the armed forces, eg training and employment record (if applicable) and evidence of the nature and content of the training, including details of the duration, date of completion and subjects covered, describing the content of each subject studied, and the machines, tools and equipment on which you were trained;
- evidence of trade or trade-related self employment, including:
- a personal statement on a properly signed statutory declaration, affidavit, sworn statement or similar legal declaration (with your signature witnessed by a legal authority in your country), providing full details on:
- the exact commencement and completion date of each period of self employment
- the occupations in which you were self employed
- the nature and content of the work tasks you personally performed
- the number of staff employed and their occupations,
your workshop and the tools and equipment you used
- your business registration certificate covering each period of self employment;
- a statement on letterhead paper from your accountant or legal representative certifying the name and nature of your business, the exact dates of the period of self employment and the capacity in which you have been self employed;
- at least three statements from suppliers, on letterhead paper (if applicable) confirming the nature of your business, dates of trading periods, the total amount of all material/equipment purchased over a 12 month period and the types of all material/equipment supplied;
- at least three statements from clients, on letterhead paper (if applicable), confirming full details of the work you did for them and the dates, including the total amount of contracts executed over a 12 month period;
- evidence of any current trade licensing or registration and the prerequisites you had to meet to obtain the licence or registration.
ALL STATEMENTS MUST BE SIGNED BY A PERSON AUTHORISED TO AND CAPABLE OF MAKING THE STATEMENT AND THEIR NAME, POSITION AND CONTACT DETAILS MUST BE CLEARLY INDICATED.
Can I pay the application fee on behalf of a relative or friend seeking a skills assessment?
Yes, but the application fee should accompany the application form and associated documents.
Can I pay the application fee by credit card?
No. See how to pay the application fee.
Which occupation should I select?
If you are unsure of an occupation best suits your qualifications/training/experience you should leave the 'trade classification' entry on the front page of the application form blank. The classification you receive will match your skills and experience.
What is TRA's 900 hour work experience requirement?
As of 1 July 2005, applications for pre-migration skills assessment which include an AQF qualification awarded on the basis of acceptable formal training, with the training commencing on or after 1 February 2005, must also provide evidence of relevant and directly related work experience equalling not less than 900 hours.
I have heard about a new skills assessment service in some countries. Does this affect me?
If you live in India, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, South Africa or Philippines and wish to have your skills assessed in the trades of general electrician, general plumber, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, motor mechanic, carpenter and joiner, electrical powerline tradesperson, cable jointer or bricklayer, this new service applies to you. For more information, please go to
http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Category/SchemesInitiatives/TRA/3Newskillsassessmentservice.htm