If you’re an internationally qualified accountant seeking to migrate to Australia, one of the key requirements is a skills assessment from a recognized authority. For accounting professionals, Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA Australia) is one of three official assessing authorities designated by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
CPA Australia’s assessment is not just a formality—it plays a critical role in determining your eligibility for skilled migration through General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas, employer-sponsored visas, and regional migration programs.
This comprehensive guide outlines how to successfully navigate the CPA Australia assessment process, detailing eligibility, documentation, assessment types, timelines, fees, and strategic tips to improve your chances of migration success.
🔗 CPA Australia Migration Assessment
What is CPA Australia and Why Is It an Assessing Authority?
CPA Australia (CPAA) is a global professional accounting body that supports members through professional development, advocacy, and education. For migration purposes, CPA Australia assesses the qualifications and work experience of internationally trained accountants to determine their suitability for Australian skilled occupations.
It is authorized to assess applicants for the following skilled occupations under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO):
- 221111: Accountant (General)
- 221112: Management Accountant
- 221113: Taxation Accountant
- 221213: External Auditor
- 221214: Internal Auditor
- 221211: Company Secretary
- 221212: Corporate Treasurer
These assessments are required when applying for skilled visas such as:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
Who Should Apply for a CPA Australia Skills Assessment?
You should apply to CPA Australia for a skills assessment if:
- You hold a degree in accounting or a closely related field from outside Australia.
- You intend to migrate to Australia under a skilled occupation listed above.
- You need a positive skills assessment to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- You are applying for points-tested or state-nominated visas.
CPA Australia’s assessments are used by both the Department of Home Affairs and state/territory governments to determine visa eligibility.
CPA Australia vs. Other Assessing Bodies
There are three assessing bodies for accounting professionals:
- CPA Australia
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
While all three can assess core accounting occupations, CPA Australia is often chosen due to its transparent process, international recognition, and supportive documentation resources.
🔗 Compare Assessing Authorities
Types of Skills Assessments Offered by CPA Australia
CPA Australia offers two main types of assessments:
1. General Skills Assessment
This is for migration purposes only and is most commonly used by applicants applying for skilled visas.
Requirements:
- A qualification that meets CPA Australia’s academic and core knowledge standards.
- English language proficiency evidence (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic).
- Supporting documentation including transcripts and completion letters.
2. Provisional Skills Assessment
Required for applicants under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) who completed their studies in Australia.
It confirms that:
- The qualification is relevant to an accounting occupation.
- The qualification meets the Australian Study Requirement.
🔗 Types of CPA Skills Assessments
Eligibility Criteria for a Positive CPA Skills Assessment
1. Educational Qualifications
CPA Australia requires your qualification to be assessed against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and must include specific core accounting knowledge areas.
Minimum requirement:
- Bachelor’s degree equivalent to AQF Level 7 or higher
- Must include or be supported by study in 9 core knowledge areas:
Core Knowledge Areas:
- Accounting Systems and Processes
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Management Accounting
- Finance
- Audit and Assurance
- Business Law
- Economics
- Quantitative Methods
- Australian Taxation Law (optional for some occupations)
If any of these areas are not covered, CPA Australia may require further studies or bridging programs.
2. English Language Proficiency
Mandatory for applicants who completed their qualifications in a non-English speaking country.
Accepted test scores (must be within 2 years):
- IELTS: Minimum 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 24 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 27 in Writing, 23 in Speaking
- PTE Academic: 65 overall, with a minimum of 65 in all sections
3. Work Experience (Optional but Beneficial)
While CPA Australia’s General Skills Assessment is primarily qualification-based, including relevant post-qualification work experience can improve your credibility—especially when applying for employment-based visas or seeking state nomination.
Step-by-Step CPA Australia Assessment Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
You’ll need:
- Valid passport (ID page)
- Degree certificate and transcripts
- Completion letter from your university (confirming graduation)
- Official course descriptions (translated if necessary)
- English proficiency test scores
- Resume or CV (optional but recommended)
If your documents are not in English, you must provide a certified translation from a NAATI-certified or internationally recognized translator.
Step 2: Create a CPA Australia Account and Apply Online
Go to the CPA Australia website and create an account to start your online application.
Select the type of assessment:
- General Skills Assessment or
- Provisional Assessment for 485 Visa
Step 3: Upload Documents and Pay the Fee
Current fees for General Skills Assessment (as of 2024):
- AUD $540 (plus GST for domestic applicants)
You’ll need to pay securely online using a credit or debit card.
Step 4: Wait for Assessment Outcome
CPA Australia will assess:
- Whether your qualification is equivalent to an Australian degree
- If your studies covered all required core knowledge areas
- Whether your English meets their language requirements
Processing Time:
- 8 to 12 weeks, depending on application volume and document completeness
You’ll receive a PDF report indicating whether your qualifications are suitable for skilled migration and which occupation(s) you are deemed qualified for.
What Happens After a Positive Assessment?
With a positive CPA Australia assessment, you can proceed to:
- Create or update your SkillSelect EOI
- Apply for points-tested visas (189, 190, or 491)
- Apply for state or regional nomination (especially in states with demand for accountants)
The ECA reference number issued by CPA Australia is required for your visa application through ImmiAccount.
What If You Receive a Negative Assessment?
If CPA Australia deems your qualifications insufficient, you can:
- Request a reassessment after supplying additional information
- Complete a bridging program through an accredited Australian provider
- Undertake further studies to meet core knowledge gaps
Providers such as Kaplan Professional, Navitas, or Open Colleges offer recognized courses that align with CPA Australia’s knowledge area requirements.
Strategic Tips for a Successful Application
- Check country-specific recognition issues: Some qualifications from non-accredited institutions may be downgraded or rejected.
- Don’t underestimate course descriptions: This is the most overlooked document. Make sure it aligns with CPA’s core knowledge definitions.
- Meet language requirements early: Failing to include valid scores can delay your application significantly.
- Plan ahead for delays: With high volumes, processing times may extend. Apply as early as possible, especially if visa timelines are strict.
Using CPA Australia Assessment for State Nomination
Many states use CPA assessment outcomes as part of their State Nomination Requirements. For example:
- Victoria requires a valid CPA assessment to invite accountants under Subclass 190/491.
- South Australia lists specific occupation pathways for accounting professionals based on assessment results.
Having a positive assessment is a strong asset in the points ranking system and regional nomination selection.
🔗 State Nomination Criteria – Victoria
🔗 Skilled Occupation List – South Australia
Validity of CPA Assessments
CPA skills assessments are valid for two years from the date of issue for migration purposes. Make sure to submit your visa application within this timeframe or seek revalidation if expired.
Final Thoughts: Is CPA Australia Right for You?
If you are an internationally qualified accountant aiming to migrate to Australia, CPA Australia offers a transparent, structured, and internationally recognized skills assessment pathway. Whether you’re planning to enter through General Skilled Migration, a Temporary Graduate Visa, or a regional nomination route, CPA Australia’s migration assessment can be your foundation for a successful transition.
Key Takeaways:
- Ensure your qualification meets CPA’s academic and core area requirements.
- Prepare your documents carefully, especially course outlines and English scores.
- Use CPA’s migration assessment as a stepping stone to secure state nomination and permanent residency.
For aspiring migrants who are serious about building a long-term career in Australia, getting a positive skills assessment from CPA Australia is one of the most crucial early steps.
