What is Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia?
The Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA) is the statutory accreditation body responsible for accrediting chiropractic education programs across Australia and New Zealand. Established to maintain educational standards and ensure consistency in chiropractic training, CCEA plays a critical role in recognizing qualified chiropractors for professional practice.
For Australian skilled migration purposes, CCEA is the nominated assessing authority for overseas-qualified chiropractors applying for work visas or permanent residence. Under the Chiropractic Board of Australia's registration framework, all foreign-trained chiropractors must obtain a positive skills assessment from CCEA before they can register with the National Practitioners Register (NPR) and practice in Australia.
CCEA assesses whether overseas chiropractic qualifications meet Australian standards for knowledge, clinical competency, and professional practice. The assessment recognizes both formally qualified practitioners and experience-based applicants, comparing overseas training and credentials against the Australian Chiropractic Registration Standards established by the Chiropractic Board.
Which visas require a CCEA skills assessment?
A positive CCEA skills assessment is required for chiropractors applying for skilled migration visas, including permanent residence and temporary work visa pathways.
A positive CCEA assessment confirms that your chiropractic qualifications and experience meet Australian standards, satisfying the occupational skills requirement for skilled migration visas. This assessment is essential for points-based visas (189, 190, 491) and employer-sponsored visas (482, 186), and is mandatory for professional registration with AHPRA.
How CCEA assessment works
CCEA conducts a comprehensive assessment of your chiropractic qualifications, training, and professional experience. The process typically takes 8–16 weeks and involves document verification and competency evaluation against Australian standards.
- Submit a complete application via the CCEA online portal with all required documentation and supporting evidence of qualifications
- CCEA conducts an initial eligibility check to verify that your application is complete and meets minimum requirements
- Your overseas chiropractic qualification and training program are reviewed and verified against Australian accreditation standards
- CCEA assesses your clinical experience, continuing professional development, and compliance with ethical and professional standards
- A detailed competency review is conducted comparing your skills and knowledge against Australian Chiropractic Competency Standards
- CCEA issues an outcome letter detailing the assessment result and any conditions or restrictions on practice registration that may apply
Assessment pathways
CCEA offers two main assessment pathways for chiropractors seeking skills assessment for Australian migration: qualification-based assessment for those with formal chiropractic degrees, and experience-based assessment for practitioners with substantial professional experience.
For chiropractors with a completed chiropractic degree from an accredited program. CCEA verifies your tertiary qualification against Australian Chiropractic Accreditation Standards and assesses whether your training is substantially equivalent to Australian requirements. This is the most common pathway for overseas-trained chiropractors.
For qualified chiropractors with significant professional experience and demonstrated competency. If your formal qualification cannot be fully verified, CCEA may assess your clinical experience, continuing education, and professional standing to determine whether you meet Australian registration standards.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Original or certified copy of your chiropractic degree or diploma with official transcript from the awarding institution
- Proof of completion of any post-graduate training, specialisations, or advanced chiropractic qualifications
- Current professional registration or license documents from your country of training or practice
- Detailed curriculum vitae documenting your professional experience, clinical practice history, and years in practice
- Statutory declaration or affidavit confirming the accuracy of your qualifications and professional experience
- Professional references from senior chiropractors, clinical supervisors, or colleagues attesting to your competency and professional conduct
- Evidence of participation in continuing professional development, conferences, seminars, or further training relevant to chiropractic practice
- Police clearance certificate or character reference demonstrating fitness to practice in Australia
- Translation of all non-English documents by a certified NAATI or equivalent translator
- Proof of professional indemnity insurance history and professional standing in your home country
All documents must be officially certified, notarized, or stamped by the issuing institution. Non-English documents require certified translation by an accredited translator (NAATI or equivalent). Do not submit original documents; certified copies are acceptable and should be accompanied by a Statutory Declaration confirming their authenticity.
CCEA assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Overseas Qualification Assessment | AUD 650 |
| Experience-Based Assessment | AUD 700 |
| Reassessment or Review Application | AUD 600 |
| Interim Skills Certificate | AUD 300 |
Assessment outcomes
CCEA issues one of three outcomes:
A positive CCEA skills assessment confirms that you meet Australian chiropractic standards and are eligible for professional registration. The assessment letter is valid for visa purposes and qualifies you for registration with the Chiropractic Board of Australia under AHPRA. This outcome supports your skilled migration application and is a mandatory prerequisite for practising as a chiropractor in Australia.
If CCEA determines your qualifications do not fully meet Australian standards, you may be offered the option to undertake additional training or formal reassessment. A negative outcome does not prevent future applications, but you must resolve the assessment before registering as a chiropractor in Australia. CCEA provides information about remedial education pathways and reassessment procedures.
If you disagree with CCEA's assessment outcome, you may request a formal review or reassessment within a specified timeframe. The review process allows CCEA to reconsider your application with additional evidence or clarification. Review fees apply and processing typically takes 4–8 weeks.
Occupations assessed by CCEA
CCEA is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 251111 | Chiropractor | MLTSSL |