From 1 September 2024, Engineers Australia changed the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) approach for AQF Level 6 qualifications (Advanced Diploma / Associate Degree). Only qualifications accredited under the Dublin Accord are eligible for the accredited pathway; applicants with non-accredited RTO qualifications must apply via the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway. An interim arrangement allows certain students who enrolled or completed before 1 Sept 2024 to apply as Civil Engineering Draftsperson via the CDR pathway for migration purposes only, but that interim window ends.
The changes
Key points you need to know:
- Accredited pathway restricted to Dublin Accord-accredited programs. Only Advanced Diplomas or Associate Degrees that are Dublin Accord-accredited now qualify for the accredited assessment pathway.
- Non-accredited RTO graduates must use the CDR pathway. If your qualification is not accredited, your MSA must generally be completed by CDR, a competency-based assessment that examines academic records plus career episodes evidencing practical application.
- Interim arrangement (limited scope & time). Students who enrolled in or completed non-accredited programs before 1 Sept 2024 may apply via the MSA CDR pathway only if they are seeking assessment for the ANZSCO occupation Civil Engineering Draftsperson. This interim option is available only to previous/current students and will not be available after December 2026.
- Tighter documentary and competency evidence required. For the interim Civil Engineering Draftsperson CDR route, Engineers Australia specifies that two of the three career episodes must demonstrate draftsperson competencies (engagement with professional practice, major project evidence, or two minor projects). Where work-based evidence is used, formal employer references and project documentation are required. Additional proof is needed when programs are shorter than 92 weeks or have RPL / credit transfers/entry requirement components.
Why did Engineers Australia make this change?
Engineers Australia’s objective is to align migration-assessment outcomes more tightly with internationally benchmarked accreditation standards (e.g., Dublin Accord) and to preserve the quality and comparability of engineering qualifications used for migration. The changes also encourage Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to seek formal accreditation, so future graduates can use the accredited pathway. Engineers Australia has introduced streamlined accreditation processes (including provisional accreditation with an 8-month target) and support webinars for RTOs.
How this affects applicants (practical implications)
- If your qualification is Dublin-Accord accredited, you can apply under the accredited pathway, which typically requires fewer written competency exhibits and maps to the qualification title. Check Engineers Australia’s accredited program lists.
- If your qualification is non-accredited and you finished/enrolled before 1 Sept 2024: You may be eligible for the interim Civil Engineering Draftsperson CDR route, gather employer references, project evidence, and ensure two career episodes clearly demonstrate draftsperson competencies. Note the interim cutoff of Dec 2026.
- If your qualification is non-accredited and enrolled/finished after 1 Sept 2024: You’ll generally need to pursue the CDR pathway (or seek an accredited replacement program). That means preparing three career episodes, a summary statement, academic transcripts, and verified identity/English documentation. Engineers Australia treats the CDR seriously; plagiarism, fabricated documents, or third-party-written career episodes can result in rejection and bans.
Actionable checklist — what to do next
- Check whether your program is Dublin Accord-accredited. If yes, choose the accredited pathway. If no, proceed to step 2.
- If you have a non-accredited RTO qualification, decide whether you’re eligible for the interim Civil Engineering Draftsperson route (enrolment/completion date before 1 Sept 2024). If yes, prepare targeted career episodes and employer references.
- Prepare a high-quality CDR (three career episodes, summary statement, CV, transcripts, authenticated ID, and English evidence if required). Follow Engineers Australia’s CDR guidance precisely; they require paragraph numbering so competencies can be cross-referenced.
- Gather documentary evidence early: project descriptions, employer references (on company letterhead with duties, dates, contact details), unit lists for RPL/credit transfer proof, and translations where needed.
- Avoid shortcuts: do not outsource the writing of your career episodes; plagiarism or falsified claims can lead to bans. Engineers Australia enforces ethical standards strictly.
For RTOs and training providers
Engineers Australia is offering a streamlined accreditation pathway (provisional accreditation possible) and webinars to help RTOs achieve accreditation faster. If you’re a provider, consider pursuing accreditation; it restores access to the accredited MSA pathway for your graduates and reduces barriers for migration candidates.
Where to find official guidance
- Engineers Australia — official announcement and details on the changes (including interim arrangement, documentation and accreditation steps).
- Engineers Australia — “Prepare your Migration Skills Assessment application” guidance (detailed CDR documentation, English requirements, career-episode rules).
- Department of Home Affairs — overview of skills-assessment role in the visa process (what you need the outcome letter for).
Final note
If you’re planning to use an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree for Australian skilled migration, check your qualification’s accreditation status now, and start preparing any CDR materials or employer evidence early, especially if you may rely on the limited interim arrangement for Civil Engineering Draftspersons (ends December 2026).
For detailed, case-specific advice, you can reach out to CDRsample.com, and always use the official guidance documents when preparing your application.
