Proofreading Your CDR: A 10-Point QA Checklist Before Submission

Submitting your Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) to Engineers Australia (EA) is one of the most important steps in your migration skills assessment. Even the strongest technical achievements can lose impact if your document is riddled with grammatical errors, inconsistencies, or formatting mistakes. This is why proofreading your CDR is a critical step before submission.

As Engineers Australia highlights in the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) booklet:

“Your CDR must be entirely your own work and must demonstrate communication skills in English to a professional standard.”

This shows that clarity, accuracy, and consistency are just as important as technical knowledge. To help you, here is a 10-point QA checklist to guide you through proofreading your CDR before sending it to Engineers Australia.

1. Check Grammar and Spelling

Even minor spelling mistakes or grammatical slips can make your report look unprofessional. Proofreading your CDR should begin with a close review of grammar and spelling. Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway, but also manually check technical terms that may not be recognized by software.

• Ensure correct use of technical language.
• Watch out for subject-verb agreement.
• Avoid overly complex sentences that may confuse assessors.

Good grammar enhances readability and shows attention to detail—both highly valued by Engineers Australia.

2. Ensure Consistency in Terminology

Your CDR should maintain consistent usage of technical terms, job titles, and abbreviations throughout. For example, if you introduce “Photovoltaic (PV) System” in Career Episode 1, avoid switching to “Solar Power Setup” in later episodes. Consistency improves flow and makes your report appear professionally structured.

3. Follow EA Formatting Requirements

Engineers Australia provides clear formatting guidelines for CDR reports. Proofreading your CDR should include verifying:

• Proper use of headings (Career Episode 1, 2, 3, Summary Statement, CPD).
• Correct word counts (each Career Episode should be 1000–2500 words).
• Numbered paragraphs in Career Episodes.
• Document organisation: CPD first, followed by Career Episodes, and then the Summary Statement.

As EA states:

“Applicants must number each paragraph in their career episodes to assist the cross-referencing to the summary statement.”

Overlooking formatting could weaken your application, even if the content is strong.

4. Verify Relevance of Evidence

Proofreading is not just about grammar—it is also about ensuring that every detail in your CDR contributes directly to your engineering competencies. Remove irrelevant technical explanations or project details that don’t showcase your role.

Check that your evidence:

• Clearly demonstrates problem-solving.
• Highlights innovation or engineering judgment.
• Shows your personal contribution, not just team outcomes.

5. Review Tone and Professional Language

Your CDR should project a professional, clear, and objective tone. Avoid exaggerations like “I was the best engineer in the company” or overly casual phrases such as “I just fixed it quickly.” Instead, use precise descriptions:

• ✅ “I designed and implemented a cost-effective energy monitoring system, reducing power losses by 12%.”
• ❌ “I was amazing at designing the best system ever.”

Engineers Australia emphasises:

“Communication must be precise, clear, and focused on your own role in the engineering tasks.”

This underlines the importance of maintaining a professional and evidence-based tone.

6. Cross-Check the Summary Statement

The Summary Statement links your Career Episodes to the competency elements required by EA. When proofreading your CDR, double-check that every paragraph reference in the Summary Statement matches the correct paragraph numbers in your episodes. A single mismatch can cause confusion for the assessor.

7. Verify Word Counts

Word count is an often-overlooked detail. Each Career Episode must be between 1000–2500 words. If you exceed the limit, cut unnecessary explanations and focus on results. If your word count is too low, expand on your role and technical contributions. Staying within the limits reflects compliance with EA’s standards.

8. Confirm Plagiarism-Free Content

Engineers Australia uses advanced plagiarism-detection tools. Copying from textbooks, manuals, or even company reports can lead to rejection. Proofreading your CDR should include verifying originality. Use plagiarism-check tools and rewrite sections if needed.

Remember EA’s strict warning:

“Plagiarism will not be tolerated in the CDR application, and detection may result in a ban from reapplying for up to 12 months.”

Also read: Plagiarism in CDR Reports: Risks and How to Ensure Originality

9. Check References to Standards and Tools

If you mention software, standards, or tools, ensure accuracy and consistency. For instance, don’t write “AutoCAD 2019” in one Career Episode and “AutoCAD” in another. Use full names of standards like “AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules” instead of abbreviations on first mention. This shows thoroughness and professionalism.

10. Final Proofread and Peer Review

The last step is a complete read-through of your CDR from start to finish. Reading aloud often helps identify awkward phrasing or missing words. If possible, ask a colleague, mentor, or professional CDR review service to provide feedback. Fresh eyes can catch issues you may have overlooked.

Bonus Tip: Use a QA Checklist Table

Here is a quick 10-point proofreading checklist you can print and tick off:

No.	Checklist Item	Status
1	Grammar and spelling checked	☐
2	Consistency in terminology	☐
3	EA formatting requirements followed	☐
4	Evidence relevance verified	☐
5	Professional tone maintained	☐
6	Summary Statement cross-checked	☐
7	Word count within limits	☐
8	Plagiarism-free content	☐
9	Standards and tools referenced	☐
10	Final proofread and peer review done	☐

 

In conclusion, proofreading your CDR is more than just correcting grammar; it’s about ensuring clarity, professionalism, and compliance with Engineers Australia’s standards. A polished CDR not only improves your chances of approval but also reflects your attention to detail – a key trait of every successful engineer.

By following this 10-point QA checklist, you can confidently submit a well-prepared report. Remember, Engineers Australia values quality, originality, and precision. Taking time to refine your CDR could make all the difference in your migration skills assessment success. Contact us at cdr@cdrsample.com if you need help proofreading your CDR.