AASW Skills Assessment for Social Workers
Having a positive AASW Skills Assessment is an important step toward your Australian migration pathway if you are an overseas-qualified social worker who wants to move to Australia. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the endorsed assessing authority to evaluate qualifications for migration in the field of Social Work.
The assessment will assess whether your social work qualification from overseas fulfils the relevant Australian social work requirements. A positive result may assist applicants seeking skilled migration in a skilled occupation that is listed as a relevant occupation for a Social Worker (ANZSCO 272511).
A careful way of preparing is essential for the assessment process. Applicants will be required to supply evidence of their identity, academic qualifications, fieldwork, English language proficiency and other information. Inconsistent or missing documents or documents that are not prepared correctly can cause delays or impact the results.
We have the expertise to support social workers in preparing their paperwork and application for an AASW assessment at CDR for Australia. We want to help you to familiarize yourself with the requirements and prepare a complete, clear, and well-organized application.
What Is an AASW Skills Assessment?
An AASW Skills Assessment is an evaluation of a social worker’s skills to meet Australian migration requirements. The AASW evaluates social work qualifications from overseas and, as appropriate, social work post-qualification work.
The AASW is a nominated assessing authority for migration and assesses international qualifications for social work against the AASW Migration and Eligibility Assessment requirements.
In general, for overseas qualified applicants, the evaluation is based on the applicant’s social work qualifications and supporting evidence in relation to the relevant criteria.
Some skilled migration programs may require a successful assessment before an applicant can continue with the application. An AASW assessment does not, however, mean that the visa is awarded or that the person will be invited to apply for a visa or be granted a visa or offered a job in Australia.
Who Needs an AASW Skills Assessment?
The assessment is being primarily developed for the use of qualified social workers who have acquired their social work qualification from a different country and would like to apply it for Australian migration or employment.
AASW assessment may be required if you:
- Have an overseas social work qualification.
- Interested in applying for a visa to Australia as a social worker.
- Need a skills assessment for a relevant skilled migration pathway.
- Desire to see your international social work qualification assessed for professional use.
- Requirements for eligibility for AASW membership that involve recognition of your overseas qualification.
- Have appropriate post-qualifying social work employment which may be evaluated independently.
To be able to apply for an assessment, applicants need to be qualified social workers, according to the AASW. Typically, applicants who have not fulfilled the qualification cannot apply until they can provide acceptable evidence of having fulfilled the qualification.
AASW Assessment for Australian Migration
Skilled Migration includes having the right skills assessment as part of the process.
The AASW plays a part in the evaluation of social work qualifications for migration. It is not part of the visa application, but is assessed on its own.
This is a significant difference.
The assessment in the AASW is an evaluation of your professional qualification and evidence. Australia’s visa and immigration policies are made by the Department of Home Affairs.
For this reason, applicants should consider the procedure to be two distinct steps:
- Obtain the appropriate skills assessment.
- Be able to meet the requirements of the Australian visa pathway(s) that are relevant to you.
If you get a positive assessment, it does not guarantee a visa invitation or visa grant. There may also be age, English, points, nomination, invitation and other visa criteria required for your migration pathway.
AASW Skills Assessment Requirements
The requirements in terms of documentation may vary depending on the qualification and the country of education and application type. Applicants must always refer to the current AASW requirements when making an application.
In general, applicants should have the following evidence ready:
Identity Documents
Documents may be required to establish personal information and identification.
All information on your identity and academic documents should be uniform. Variations in names, dates, or other personal information may necessitate further evidence or explanation.
Social Work Qualification
One of the key components of the assessment is your academic qualifications.
Those who have studied social work overseas should have to submit relevant proof of their prior studies. These may be qualification certificates, academic transcripts, and other documents requested by the AASW.
The AASW evaluates international social work qualifications to facilitate migration and/or employment for social workers.
Academic Transcript
Academic transcript is evidence of subjects/units studied in your social work program.
Make sure the transcript is complete and legible and that it corresponds with the qualification documentation.
Course Information
If so, supporting information related to your course may be of importance to your application. This can be used to illustrate what you have learned, and how it is organized, in your social work studies.
Applicants are advised to follow the relevant AASW application guide carefully and not submit a generic application form.
Fieldwork Evidence
Field education is an important component of social work training.
The AASW has revised its international qualification requirements and now has a specification on fieldwork hours. The minimum hours of fieldwork required in the field across at least two fieldwork placements have risen from 980 to 1,000 hours for the relevant qualification criteria.
As such, it is important for applicants to adequately compile evidence of placements, including dates, hours and documentation.
Employment Evidence
Applicants may also want to take an optional skilled employment assessment.
AASW evaluates the nature of social work jobs for migration purposes. It has been identified that employment evidence should be made available to enable the AASW to confirm information on position title, employment dates, working arrangements etc.
If you’re claiming relevant professional experience, be sure to have evidence of employment that truly reflects your job duties.
AASW English Language Requirements
Applicants should be mindful of the need for good English skills in particular.
The AASW describes its English requirements as being based on professional social work practice, and may be different from the English requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs for migration purposes.
You can not automatically assume that just because you meet the English requirement for a visa, you also meet the AASW requirement.
The current AASW information states that applicants can satisfy the English requirement via the following IELTS Academic pathways.
To date, the AASW asserts that IELTS scores must be within the relevant period of validity before the application for the assessment, as per AASW policy and exemptions.
As policies may evolve from time to time, applicants are advised to check the current requirements before taking a test or submitting an assessment.
AASW Skills Assessment Process
The basic process for the application can be explained in the following stages.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
First, check if you have a relevant social work qualification and whether you are seeking migration assessment or employment-related recognition or another type of assessment.
The AASW offers a variety of applications based on the applicant’s situation.
Step 2: Review the Current AASW Requirements
Before you gather your documents, please read the appropriate AASW application guide.
The AASW advises reviewing the application information and resources before preparing and submitting an application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Collect your:
- Passport or identity papers
- This is a qualification certificate in social work.
- Academic transcript
- Course-related documentation
- Fieldwork evidence
- English language evidence
- Employment evidence (if available),
- If a name has been changed, document the name change, if available.
- Other documents requested by AASW (if applicable)
Step 4: Create or Access Your MyAASW Account
The AASW uses its online system for applications. Applicants can use a MyAASW account to access the online process.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
The AASW suggests colour, high-quality scans of original documents be uploaded.
The application process can be harder due to poor quality scans, missing documents or evidence.
Step 6: Pay the Assessment Fee
The assessment fee will be as applicable based on the type of application, along with, in certain cases, the correspondence address.
The following fees are subject to change, and applicants should ensure that they check the current fee with AASW before remitting.
Step 7: AASW Assessment
The AASW considers the application and supporting information in relation to the assessment requirements.
The applicant may be called for further information or clarification if these are not provided.
Step 8: Receive the Assessment Outcome
The result of the assessment will be sent by AASW after the assessment.
The positive evaluation can then be applied to the respective migration process (subject to the demands of the specific visa pathway).
AASW Assessment Fees
The AASW assessment fees are dependent on the type of application submitted.
For instance, the AASW’s published fee schedule for the FY 2025-26 shows that the cost of the international social work qualification assessment is AU2,123.64forpeoplewithacorrespondenceaddressoutsideAustraliaandAU2,336 (inc GST) for those with a correspondence address within Australia.
Skilled employment and Doctorate assessments are optional, with separate fees.
The AASW fee may change; please check the current fee with AASW before applying.
AASW Processing Time
Processing times may vary according to the type of application form, whether the applications are complete, or if further information is needed.
For applicants, it is important not to plan to migrate based on a presumed processing time.
Avoid unnecessary delays by ensuring a complete application with properly prepared documentation. The AASW also notes that it has an online application system that should streamline the application process if all the necessary documents are ready to be sent.
Common Reasons an AASW Assessment May Be Delayed
There are several issues with documentation and preparation which can complicate an application.
Common issues include:
Incomplete Documentation
Requests for additional information may be received for missing transcripts, qualification certificates, or supporting evidence.
Inconsistent Information
Use the same names, dates, and institutions or employment information throughout documents.
Insufficient Fieldwork Evidence
Relevant evidence of social work placements/hours is required.
English Requirement Problems
Failure to submit an English test with the required specific criteria by the AASW can have issues.
Poor-Quality Scans
Documents should be Clear, complete, and Readable. AASW is specifically asking for quality colour scans of original documents for applications uploaded.
Incorrect Employment Evidence
When requesting a skilled employment assessment, you will need to provide clear evidence of the information you seek in relation to employment.
Relying on Outdated Information
The requirements, fees and English policies for AASW are subject to change. Old websites or social media posts may not be up to date.
AASW Skills Assessment for Social Workers from Overseas
Countries like India, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and others may require the assessment of their qualifications before their use for Australian migration.
But it is not enough to just have a country of education; the applicant must also be given a positive outcome.
Assessment to be based on the qualifications and evidence of the applicant to the AASW applicable criteria.
In addition, the AASW has assessment guidelines for several countries that are published. These are meant to give an applicant an idea of the chances of a successful application, but do not exclude any applicant from other countries.
Optional Skilled Employment Assessment
AASW offers an optional skilled employment evaluation for suitable applicants.
This may apply if an applicant requires an assessment of their post-qualifying social work employment to apply for migration.
The published AASW guidance suggests that the evidence of employment should include the following information:
- Position title
- Organisation
- The job’s start date and end date.
- Employment type
- Hours worked
- The kind of work you are doing.
The applicant is required to submit evidence that will enable the AASW to verify the employment history.
AASW Skills Assessment vs AASW Membership
These terms may be similar but are not synonymous.
Assessment of qualifications for migration is a focus of an AASW migration assessment.
AASW also evaluates the qualifying requirements of other countries for membership for employment.
If you want to head towards Australian migration, ensure that you choose the correct assessment pathway for your situation.
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Why Professional AASW Assessment Assistance Can Help
Creating an Application may be difficult if you are not acquainted with Australian assessment requirements.
You can get help from a professional if:
- Know the criteria for assessment
- Determine which documents you require
- Organize academic evidence
- Review fieldwork documentation
- Look at evidence of English language.
- Organize employment documentation
- Look for inconsistencies prior to submission
- Improve the overall organization of your application
- Minimize unnecessary errors in documentation.
The job of CDR for Australia is to document and apply the information and evidence provided by the applicant.
We cannot make decisions for AASW, and there is no professional service that can guarantee a positive assessment result.
Why Choose CDR for Australia for AASW Assistance?
Filling out an application for assessment can be daunting, especially if you are qualified from overseas.
The support we offer centres on making the preparation more structured and easier to manage.
Requirement-Focused Support
We advise you on documentation for your assessment pathway.
Document Organization
We can assist you in preparing your academic, professional, and supporting documentation in such a way that an application is easier to prepare.
Experienced Documentation Support
We aim to be consistently and accurately documented, with a particular focus on Australian skills assessment documentation.
Personalized Assistance
Each applicant’s Background and/or Qualifications are unique. We therefore recommend preparing your documentation on an individual basis and not on the basis of templates.
Start Your AASW Skills Assessment Preparation
The first step to successfully making the journey to Australia is preparation.
To avoid any unnecessary delays and documentation issues, it is important to know what the AASW requirements are prior to making your application if you are an overseas qualified social worker intending to migrate to Australia.
Your application should be well thought through and in line with the most recent formal requirements for each component of the application, including qualification documents, fieldwork evidence, English requirements and employment records.
Looking for assistance in completing your AASW Skills Assessment? Call CDR for Australia today to get expert advice on assessment documentation and application preparation.
Please be aware that there may be changes in AASW requirements, fees, English requirements and migration requirements. Please seek clarification about any current requirements from AASW and the Australian Department of Home Affairs prior to submitting an application.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is the ANZSCO code for a Quantity Surveyor in Australia?
ANZSCO 233213 Quantity Surveyor. It falls under the occupation group, Civil Engineering Professionals.
What does Quantity Surveying ANZSCO Mapping mean?
The process of comparing your skills and work activities to an Australian occupation classification, in order to identify whether your skills match the classification of Quantity Surveyor – ANZSCO 233213.
Is Quantity Surveyor the same as Surveyor?
NO, Quantity Surveyor and Surveyor are two different jobs. The ANZSCO 233213 includes Surveyor, but Surveyor is listed separately as ANZSCO 232212.
What are the main duties of a Quantity Surveyor?
Activities are: Estimating project costs, preparing cost plans and estimates, identifying design changes, Measurement, valuation and negotiation of variations. Employers and positions may require different work activities.
Can a Cost Engineer apply under Quantity Surveyor ANZSCO 233213?
This will depend on the type of position. Not all occupations are aligned with a job title. You should compare your skills, work and experience to the occupation of a Quantity Surveyor.