If you're a qualified engineer hoping to work in Australia, the Migration Skill Assessment (MSA) Booklet published by Engineers Australia is essential reading. This booklet outlines the assessment process used to evaluate an applicant's qualifications and work history — a step every engineer must go through to be recognized as a skilled migrant in Australia.
Engineers Australia is the official authority responsible for setting and maintaining the standards covered in the MSA Booklet, and it contains everything you need to prepare your documentation for migration.
What the MSA Booklet Covers
Engineers Australia periodically updates the booklet to help applicants understand how to put together a strong application. It's structured into four main sections:
Section A – Introduction: Walks through the overall assessment process, including eligibility requirements, fees, how to apply online, what happens during assessment, and how results are delivered.
Section B – Pathway Selection: Helps candidates identify which assessment pathway suits their qualifications.
Section C – CDR Guidance: Explains how to prepare a well-written Competency Demonstration Report (CDR).
Section D – Additional Services: Covers other assessment-related services Engineers Australia offers.
Assessment Pathways
Broadly, Engineers Australia recognizes two categories of applicants:
Accredited Qualification – for candidates whose degree is already recognized by Engineers Australia.
Non-Accredited Qualification – for candidates without a recognized degree, who must instead submit a well-prepared CDR report.
Within these categories, there are five recognized pathways:
Accredited Australian qualifications
Washington Accord qualifications
Sydney Accord qualifications
Dublin Accord qualifications
Competency Demonstration Report (CDR)
What Goes Into a CDR Report
For candidates without an accredited degree, the CDR becomes central to their application. It typically includes:
Personal Information — passport photo, proof of identity, name-change documents (if any), CV/resume, and English language test results.
Application Information — details of the nominated occupation, which must correspond to a valid ANZSCO code.
Educational Background — degree certificates, transcripts, and other academic records.
Employment History — evidence of relevant skilled work experience, supporting the Relevant Skilled Employment claim.
The CDR Report itself — comprising the CPD statement, Career Episodes, and Summary Statement, all of which must be original and well-written.
Breaking Down the CDR Report
Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Demonstrates how you've kept your engineering knowledge current since completing your degree. This is usually presented as a table (title, date, duration, location, organizer) along with supporting certificates — kept to no more than one A4 page per course.
Career Episodes: Three separate accounts describing how you've applied your engineering skills and knowledge in real work situations relevant to your nominated occupation.
Summary Statement: A concise summary linking back to your three career episodes. Engineers Australia provides sample summary statements in the MSA Booklet for reference.
For further detail, candidates can also refer to the MSA Booklet 2020 published by Engineers Australia.
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