What is Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors?
The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) is the professional membership organisation for Quantity Surveyors in Australia. As a self-regulating professional body recognised under the Architects Act and other state legislation, AIQS maintains professional standards, enforces a Code of Ethics, and provides skills assessment for overseas-trained Quantity Surveyors seeking to work in Australia.
AIQS is the designated assessing authority for Quantity Surveyors under Australia's skilled migration system. The Institute evaluates applicants' formal qualifications, professional experience, and practical competency in construction cost management, contract administration, project controls, and commercial risk management. Assessments are conducted against Australian professional standards and the AIQS Professional Competency Standards Framework.
AIQS assessments apply to the sole occupation code: Quantity Surveyor (ANZSCO 2332). The Institute operates assessment pathways for both recent graduates and experienced professionals, accommodating diverse educational backgrounds and career trajectories.
Which visas require an AIQS skills assessment?
AIQS skills assessments support Australian Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), Skilled Regional (491), Employer Nominated Scheme (186), and Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa applications.
A positive AIQS assessment confirms your qualifications and experience meet Australian professional standards for Quantity Surveyors, making you eligible to apply for skilled migration visas in Australia. Without an AIQS assessment, applicants cannot be sponsored under skilled migration pathways or apply for Skilled Independent visas.
How AIQS assessment works
The AIQS assessment process typically takes 8-12 weeks and involves verification of qualifications, evaluation of professional experience, and assessment of technical competency against Australian standards.
- Complete the AIQS online application form with personal, educational, and employment details
- Submit certified copies of tertiary qualification certificates and official transcripts from awarding institutions
- Provide detailed employment history with references from current and previous employers confirming role, responsibilities, and duration
- Submit a statutory declaration outlining your professional experience, key projects, and technical competencies in cost management and contract administration
- AIQS assesses your documentation against the Professional Competency Standards Framework for Quantity Surveyors
- AIQS may request additional information or clarification on your qualifications or experience
- You receive an assessment outcome letter detailing whether your skills match Australian standards
Assessment pathways
AIQS offers assessment pathways tailored to different experience levels and educational backgrounds. Applicants may qualify through either the standard qualification and experience pathway or alternative recognition pathways.
For applicants with formal tertiary qualifications in quantity surveying or construction management and relevant professional experience. AIQS evaluates your qualification against Australian standards and assesses whether your experience meets competency requirements for independent practice as an Australian Quantity Surveyor.
For experienced Quantity Surveyors whose qualifications may not directly match Australian tertiary programs. AIQS evaluates extensive professional experience and demonstrated competency to determine if you meet standards equivalent to formally qualified Australian practitioners.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Certified copy of bachelor's or master's degree certificate in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management
- Official academic transcripts from the awarding university showing all subjects completed and grades
- Employment reference letters on company letterhead from all employers listed in your application, confirming position, duration, and key responsibilities
- Statutory declaration detailing your professional experience, specific projects managed, and technical competencies in cost management, contract administration, and risk assessment
- Certified copies of any professional accreditation or membership certificates from overseas professional bodies
- Curriculum vitae or detailed resume outlining your complete work history and career progression
- Evidence of continuing professional development or additional qualifications obtained during your career
- English language proficiency test results if your qualification was not completed in English (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- Certified translation of any documents not originally in English
- Copy of passport identity page for verification purposes
All qualifications must be certified copies issued directly by the educational institution or certified by a qualified professional. Non-English documents must be accompanied by official translations certified by NAATI translators or equivalent.
AIQS assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| AIQS Assessment Application | AUD 450 |
| Skills Assessment Evaluation | AUD 520 |
| Reassessment/Review | AUD 300 |
| Expedited Processing (if available) | AUD 150 supplement |
Assessment outcomes
AIQS issues one of three outcomes:
A positive AIQS assessment confirms your qualifications and professional experience meet Australian Quantity Surveyor standards. The assessment is valid for three years from the date of issue and supports applications for skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491, 482, 186). A positive assessment means you are recognised as qualified to practice as a Quantity Surveyor in Australia.
A negative assessment means your qualifications or experience do not currently meet Australian professional standards. AIQS will outline the specific gaps identified. You may request a reassessment after gaining additional experience or qualifications, or seek further information from AIQS about addressing identified shortfalls.
If you disagree with a negative assessment, you may lodge a formal review request with AIQS within a specified timeframe. The review examines whether the assessment was conducted according to AIQS procedures and may result in a different outcome if additional information is provided.
Occupations assessed by AIQS
AIQS is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 2332 | Quantity Surveyor | MLTSSL / STSOL |
| 2332-11 | Quantity Surveyor - Cost Estimator | MLTSSL / STSOL |
| 2332-12 | Quantity Surveyor - Cost Manager | MLTSSL / STSOL |
| 2332-13 | Quantity Surveyor - Contract Administrator | MLTSSL / STSOL |