Changes to TRA skills assessments

/ / Immigration to Australia, News

trade skills assessmentsTrades Recognition Australia (TRA) has announced changes to the Trade Skills Assessment programs for TSS (TSS Skills Assessment Programs), OSAP (Offshore Skills Assessment Program), and TRS (Trades Recognition Services).

These changes come into effect on 1 March 2019 and apply to the following areas:

  1. Employment and training requirements for Pathway 1 assessments
  2. Assessment fees
  3. Evidence submission and payment process
  4. Postal applications

1. Employment and training requirements for Pathway 1 assessments

The amount of verifiable employment evidence a Pathway 1 applicant must submit for their nominated occupation has been changed as follows:

  • Licensed trade with no formal training – 6 years’ work experience
  • Licensed trade with formal training – 4 years’ work experience
  • Non-licensed trade with no formal training – 5 years’ work experience
  • Non-licensed trade with formal training – 3 years’ work experience.

Additionally, all applicants must have completed at least 12 months of employment in their nominated occupation in the three years prior to lodging their application.

Please note: ‘Formal training’ is defined as training that aligns with the national training standards in the applicant’s country of training.

2. Assessment fees

Fees for Trade Skills Assessments are now set by Trades Recognition Australia. Payment of these fees must be made directly to TRA. Information regarding the new fees is available here on our blog.

3. Evidence-submission and payment process

From 1 March 2019, VETASSESS requires new applications to include all required Stage 1 documentary evidence.

4. Postal application forms no longer accepted

VETASSESS will no longer accept postal applications. All applications must be submitted online.

Will these changes affect applicants who applied for their assessments before 1 March 2019?

No. These changes only affect assessments paid for on or after 1 March 2019.

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can either call us on +27 (0) 11 123 4274 or email us.

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