Accountant Skill Assessment

Overview

CPA Australia is a designated assessing authority for a range of accounting and finance occupations. A positive CPA qualification assessment confirms that your tertiary education and subject coverage are comparable to the Australian standard for your nominated occupation. Where required, a skilled employment assessment can then verify your relevant work experience for migration purposes.

Occupations assessed

Common ANZSCO occupations assessed include:

• Accountant (general) — 221111
• Management Accountant — 221112
• Taxation Accountant — 221113
• External Auditor — 221213
• Corporate Treasurer — 221212
• Finance Manager — 132211

Choose the ANZSCO code that best reflects your usual duties and qualifications.

Types of assessment

• Qualification assessment — checks degree comparability, coverage of mandatory competencies and English proficiency.
• Skilled employment assessment — evaluates your work history and duties; generally requires a suitable qualification assessment outcome first.

Assessment criteria

• Degree comparability: Your primary qualification must be assessed as comparable to at least an Australian bachelor’s degree using Australian government comparability guidelines.
• Educational knowledge: The qualification is checked for coverage of mandatory competencies specific to the nominated ANZSCO occupation (e.g., financial accounting and reporting, management accounting, audit and assurance, business law, quantitative methods, Australian taxation law where required). Accredited courses may map competencies automatically.
• English proficiency: All applicants must demonstrate the required standard of English (acceptable tests and scores are specified by CPA Australia).

Documents you will need

Prepare certified copies (and accredited translations where needed) of:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Detailed course syllabus or accredited course evidence (if not on CPA’s accredited list)
• Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
• CV / resume outlining employment history
• Employment references for skilled employment assessment (duties, dates, employer contact details)
• Proof of English language test results (if required)

How to apply (overview)

1. Identify the CPA occupation/ANZSCO code that best fits your skills.
2. Check whether your qualification is on CPA Australia’s accredited list (reduces documentary requirements).
3. Prepare certified documents, translations and English test results.
4. Submit your application and pay the fee via CPA Australia’s online portal.
5. Monitor your application and provide any additional information promptly if requested.

Outcome, validity and next steps

If successful, CPA Australia will issue an assessment outcome that states whether your qualification and knowledge are suitable for the nominated occupation. A positive qualification outcome may be required before lodging a visa application or requesting a skilled employment assessment. Check CPA Australia for the validity period of assessment outcomes.

Fees, processing times and support

Fees and processing times vary by assessment type and completeness of documentation. Check CPA Australia’s website for current fees, published processing times and application guidance. Use CPA’s FAQs, checklists and contact channels if you need help; consider a registered migration agent for visa-specific advice.

Important notes & disclaimer

CPA Australia assesses qualifications and employment suitability but does not provide migration advice or award migration points. For visa eligibility, lodgement and points queries contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent. Ensure all documents are correctly certified and translated to avoid delays.