Migration Skill Assessment (MSA) Booklet 2024

This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive yet concise guide to the MSA booklet, breaking down its key components and simplifying its content. By summarising the critical information, we hope to make the MSA booklet more accessible and easier to understand, helping you confidently demonstrating your competencies and achieving a positive skills assessment outcome, for employment, professional registration or migration to Australia via the CDR pathway or Australian qualification (Washington, Sydney, Dublin qualification). 
 

The MSA Booklet, also known as the Migration Skills Assessment Booklet, is a crucial resource published by Engineers Australia (EA) which provides essential information for engineers seeking to migrate to Australia and work as skilled professionals. 

Key points of MSA Booklet: 
 

• The MSA Booklet is an essential guide for engineers aspiring to migrate to Australia.
• It covers all the necessary information and requirements for the Migration Skills Assessment process.
• The booklet provides detailed guidance on preparing a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR).
• It outlines the assessment process, timelines, and documentation needed for a successful migration.
• The booklet also includes information on recognized qualifications, ethical standards, and application fees.

The MSA Booklet is a complete guide covering the skills assessment process for engineers migrating to Australia, structured into 4 sections: 

Section A: Pathways for migration skill assessment and assessment process 
Section B: Accredited Qualifications explaining recognized degrees 
Section C: Preparing the CDR with guidance on career episodes, competency mapping, and report development 
Section D: Relevant Skilled Employment Recognition for demonstrating work experience. 
 

The first part of the MSA booklet gives an overview of the migration skills assessment process for Australia's engineers. It covers topics like types of engineering jobs, English language needs, how to get assessed, applying online, using an agent, costs, the assessment step by step, and what to do if you disagree with the result. It also talks about behaving ethically during the process. 
 

1. Occupational Categories and Requirements

The MSA Booklet explains the types of engineers eligible for the Migration Skills Assessment. There are three main categories: 
 

• Professional Engineer
• Engineering Technologist
• Engineering Associate
• Engineering Manager

Professional Engineers need a 4-years engineering degree following 12 years of schooling and must be skilled in leadership and management. 
Engineering Technologists need a 3-years technology engineering degree following 12 years of schooling and focus on technological advancements. 
Engineering Associates need a 2-years engineering diploma or associate degree following 12 years of schooling. They work on technical support and operational tasks. 
Engineering Manager require a 4-year bachelor degree or higher in engineering or in an engineering related field. They must have worked as Professional Engineer for 5 years minimum, employment as Engineering Manager for at least 2 years. 

2. English Language Requirements

The MSA Booklet sets the English skill level for the Migration Skills Assessment. Engineers must get at least 6.0 in IELTS' each module or meet certain TOEFL and PTE scores.

3. Pathways for Migration Skills Assessment. 

The MSA Booklet shows engineers how to get the Migration Skills Assessment done. It explains different ways to prove your skills, like through the CDR or with certain degrees. This includes the Dublin, Sydney, and Washington Accords as well. This includes details qualification on: 
 

1. Accredited qualifications (e.g., degrees recognized by Engineers Australia) 
a. Australian Qualifications 
b. Washington Accord Qualifications 
c. Sydney Accord Qualifications 
d. Dublin Accord Qualifications 
e. Other Recognised Qualifications 
 

2. Non-Accredited qualifications/Engineering Managers (experience-based assessment) 
a. Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) 
 

4. Applying Online for MSA:

Before You Apply:

• You'll need an EA ID number. Existing members or those with prior applications can use their CID or membership number.
• New applicants need to register for an EA ID via the myPortal.
• Ensure your contact details and billing address on myPortal are accurate. 
   

Applying Online: 

• Login to myPortal and access the MSA system through the "Menu" -> "Migration Skills Assessment" option.
• Complete the online application form. Save and resume as needed.
• Submit the application and supporting documents.

Supporting Documents:

• Upload colour scans of original documents (minimum 300 dpi resolution).
• For non-English documents, include certified translations with translator information.

After Submission:

• You'll receive an email confirmation with your application number.
• The application will be processed upon payment of the fee.
• You'll receive a receipt via email for the assessment fee (credit card or invoice).

Note:

• It is your responsibility to provide all necessary supporting documents.
• Ensure the accuracy of your information throughout the process. 
   

5. Using A Migration Agent 
 

If you plan to use a migration agent for your skills assessment with Engineers Australia, there are a few key points to note. Provide your existing EA ID/CID/membership number to your agent, or they can create a new ID for you if you don't have one yet. The agent will then initiate the online application process on your behalf.

6. Assessment Fees and Payments 

The MSA Booklet gives a lot of info on fees and how to pay for the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA). You can find costs in MSA Applicant Guidelines.

To pay for the MSA, you use Visa or MasterCard online. The fees are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Remember, you can't get a refund if you don't meet the program's rules, decide to stop your assessment, or don't send in all needed documents on time.

Most MSA applications are wrapped up within 120 days of applying online. But, this can change depending on how many people apply or the process's difficulty.

7. The Assessment Process and Assessment Outcomes

According to the MSA booklet, You can check the status of your application and respond to any requests for additional information from the assessor by logging into Engineers Australia's myPortal online system, where notifications and tasks will be provided.

If you meet all the requirements then EA will provide you with positive outcomes through email.

8. Reviewing/ Appealing the Assessment Outcome

The EA provides you a review process if you're not satisfied with the outcomes of the evaluation.

Step 1: Apply for a Review

Applicants have 3 months to apply for a review of their original assessment outcome by submitting the required form and fee, with the option to appeal if unsatisfied with the review result.

Step 2: Apply for an Appeal

After receiving a review outcome, applicants have 6 months to apply for a final appeal by submitting the "Application for Appeal of Assessment Outcome" form and fee, with the possibility of a refund if the appeal yields the desired original outcome without providing additional documents.

9. Ethical Standard

The MSA Booklet highlights how crucial it is to observe ethical standards during the Migration Skills Assessment. It warns applicants to avoid plagiarism, using fake papers, or sharing false details.

The booklet makes it clear: acting unethically leads to the application being rejected. It can also mean a ban from 12 to 36 months, or even facing investigation by the Department of Home Affairs.

Engineers Australia can add or extend such bans for any unethical acts throughout the application process. These ethical requirements aim to safeguard the truthfulness of the Migration Skills Assessment. 

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The MSA Booklet lists qualifications and accords needed for the Migration Skills Assessment. It covers Australian qualifications too. These are degrees and certificates from Australian schools. They are known around the world. 

1. Occupational outcome 
 

This shows the occupational outcome of assessment reflecting the title and/or content of your degree.

2. Recognition of Prior Learning 
 

For qualifications with recognized prior learning (RPL), upload original documents from the original institution where those subjects were completed.

3. Accords Accredited qualifications 
 

Accords accredited qualifications refer to engineering degrees and qualifications that are officially recognized and accredited by relevant professional bodies or accords.

3.1 Australian Qualifications 
Graduates of accredited Australian engineering programs are eligible for migration skills assessment via the Australian Engineering Qualifications application pathway. 
In Australia, Engineers Australia sees three main types of engineers. They are Professional Engineers, Engineering Technologists, and Engineering Associates.

3.2 Washington Accord 
Washington Accord assessment requires engineering qualifications comparable to a 4-year Australian Bachelor's degree. The Washington Accord is about making sure engineering qualifications are top-level. It helps engineers move and work around the world.

3.3 Sydney Accord 
Then, there's the Sydney Accord. To get assessed through the Sydney Accord, your engineering qualification needs to be similar to a 3-year Australian Bachelor of Technology degree. It focuses on accrediting engineering technology programs. This makes these qualifications important worldwide.

3.4 Dublin Accord 
The Dublin Accord is for engineering programs. It helps professionals in engineering work internationally.

4. Checklist

• Recent colour photograph (35x45mm, 1200x1600 pixels)
• Passport bio page
• Degree certificate
• Complete academic transcript
• CV/Resume
• English proficiency test result
• Official Name change documents (if applicable)
• English Translated documents (if applicable)

1. Steps in preparing a CDR: 
 

The MSA Booklet has all you need to know about making a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR). This report is a key part of the Migration Skills Assessment. It teaches you what to do, including steps, info to add, and how to format your report.

1.1 Understanding CDR Requirements 
The MSA Booklet shows how to write career episodes, which tell about your engineering work. It gives tips on what to write, the structure, and which proofs to include. This helps show you're skilled in engineering.

1.2 Writing Career Episodes 
The booklet also tells you to write a Summary Statement. This gives a quick look at your engineering skills from your career episodes. It explains what the statement should contain and how to structure it. This makes sure your engineering abilities stand out.

1.3 Drafting the Summary Statement 
The MSA Booklet is a must-read for engineers wanting to move to Australia. It covers making your CDR, writing career episodes, and drafting your Statement. Following this guide can help you through the assessment process. It also improves your chances of a successful move.

2. Components of the CDR Assessment 

2.1 personal information: 
a. passport size photo 
b prime identification document 
c. Name change documentation 
d. Curriculum vitae/Resume 
e. English Language Competency 
f. Application information 
g. Engineering occupation 
h. Registration

2.3 Education: 
You must upload all your engineering qualifications (degrees, transcripts, syllabi) and current enrollment details (if applicable) for a smooth assessment.

2.4 Employment: 
For work experience proof (2.4.1 & 2.4.2), submit documents in English. If translated, include both the original and an authorised translation.

a. Standard competency demonstration report Assessment 
b. Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment

2.5 The Report 
a. Identification of continuing professional development (CPD) 
b. Writing your three career episodes 
c. plagiarism 
d. Career Episode Format

Each career episode should follow the format below:

e. Preparation of the Summary Statement:

This section explains how to ensure your career episode descriptions cover all the required skills for your chosen engineering category.

• Number your paragraphs in your career episode descriptions.
• Use a downloadable template to create a Summary Statement that cross-references skills with the relevant paragraphs in your descriptions.
• You only need one Summary Statement for all three career episodes, and it doesn't need to be one page long. Focus on demonstrating the most relevant skills.

3. Checklist

• Recent passport photo (specific dimensions and format)
• Original passport (page with photo and name)
• Degree certificate (or completion letter for upcoming graduation - for Australian qualifications only)
• Official academic transcript (including RPL and course syllabus if applicable)
• CV/Resume
• English language test result (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
• Name change documents (marriage certificate, etc)
• Engineering registration certificate (if applicable)
• Employment documents (if used for career episodes)
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) list
• Three Career Episode descriptions
• Summary Statement for your chosen occupational category
• Translated versions of any non-English documents

This MSA Booklet section serves as your top guide for navigating the online application process for a Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) with Engineers Australia (EA). Let's dive into the key aspects:

1. Fast Track (Optional):

Applicants who have already completed an online application can also use the Fast Track program. Applicants may apply for the Fast Track service if they require a skills assessment to be performed urgently. Explore the possibility of expediting your application processing time (subject to eligibility and additional fees).

2. Online Application Process:

A comprehensive guide (potentially a separate document or webpage) will provide step-by-step instructions on completing the online application form and submitting all necessary documents. Please submit colour scans of the original paperwork for your PhD or comparable skilled work online. Documents of poor resolution (should be at least 300 dpi) will not be accepted. Documents that are certified are not accepted.

3. Overseas PhD in Engineering Assessment

Engineers Australia offers an assessment service to equivalence an overseas PhD in engineering to an Australian PhD.

What's needed for this service?

• Payment
• Coloured scans of original academic documents (degrees and transcripts)
• List of doctoral examiners and details
• List of publications during and after the program
• Thesis abstract

Important Note: This service is only for overseas PhD qualifications, not Australian ones.

4. Relevant Skilled Employment:

Gain clarity on the types of work experience considered relevant for the MSA process. This will help you determine which experiences to highlight in your application.

4.1 Documentary Evidence:

Understand the types of documentation required to support your claims of skilled employment experience. Ensure you have all necessary documents readily available before applying. There are two main types of documents you'll need to prove your work experience for an MSA:

Primary Documents: These come directly from your employer or client and detail your employment details and responsibilities.

Secondary Documents: These are independent verifications of your employment from third-party sources like government agencies. Examples include tax returns, social security reports, registration certificates, or work permits.

4.2 Fraudulent Documents:

Be aware of the consequences of submitting fraudulent documents with your application. Engineers Australia takes such matters very seriously.

4.3 Skilled Employment Assessment for Employees:

You'll need both primary and secondary documents to verify your entire employment period.

4.4 Skilled Employment Assessment for Self-Employed:

You'll need both primary and secondary documents to support your entire self-employment period.

4.5 Skilled Employment Recognition: 
This section will cover the criteria used by Engineers Australia to recognize your skilled employment experience for the MSA.

Conclusion

The MSA Booklet is a must-have for engineers wanting to move to Australia. It gives a detailed look at the Migration Skills Assessment. Contents include how the assessment works, jobs you can apply for, what documents you need, and how much it costs. This makes sure engineers know what to do for a successful migration.

It also talks about how long the assessment usually takes, 4-7 months. But, there’s a faster choice for some engineers, where their applications get looked at sooner, in about 20 days. It tells everyone to be very honest and follow the rules without any exceptions. The booklet hints at job types that Engineers Australia recognizes, what English skills you need, and different pathways for the assessment.

If you're aiming to work in Australia as an engineer or in a similar field, the MSA Booklet gives you a complete overview. By using this guide, you can confidently move through the steps of the Migration Skills Assessment. This gets you closer to achieving your dreams of working in Australia.

What is the purpose of the MSA Booklet 2024?

The MSA Booklet 2024 serves as a guide for engineers wanting to move to Australia. It ensures they understand what's needed for a successful assessment. This includes the required documents and the whole process.

What are the key components of the MSA Booklet?

The MSA Booklet has important parts like how the assessment works and what engineers must do. It talks about what's needed for a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) and how to prepare it. It also explains the assessment stages and when it's done, what documents are needed, and the rules to follow. There's also info on qualifications and how to pay.

What are the engineering occupations covered in the MSA Booklet?

The MSA Booklet lists the engineering jobs that can get an assessment. It helps applicants find the right job for their skills and background.

What are the English language requirements for the MSA process?

The MSA Booklet explains the English level needed. It says how to prove your English is good enough. You can do this with tests like IELTS or TOEFL and you must reach certain scores.

What are the different pathways for the Migration Skills Assessment process?

There are several ways to show you're ready for Australia in the MSA Booklet. You can use a CDR, an Australian degree, or qualifications from the Dublin, Sydney, or Washington Accords.

How should I prepare a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) for the MSA process?

The MSA Booklet offers a detailed guide on how to do your CDR. It explains exactly what to do, what to include, and how to format your report.

What is the general assessment timeline for the MSA process?

The MSA Booklet says the assessment takes 4-7 months. It lays out how your application is reviewed and the time it should take.

What are the documentary requirements for the MSA process?

The MSA Booklet tells you what paperwork you need. This includes IDs, your qualifications, and proof of your work or projects.

What are the recognized qualifications and accords for the MSA process?

The MSA Booklet lists the qualifications and agreements that are okay for your assessment. This includes certain Australian degrees and accords like the Sydney and Dublin Accords.

What are the application fees and payment options for the MSA process?

The MSA Booklet shares the cost to apply and how to pay. It mentions that prices can change. You can pay online with Visa or Mastercard.