What is CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA?
Three professional accounting bodies conduct skills assessments for the Australian skilled migration program: CPA Australia (Certified Practising Accountants Australia), CA ANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand), and IPA (Institute of Public Accountants). All three are recognized by the Department of Home Affairs as assessing authorities for accountant occupations under the Skilled Migration Program.
CPA Australia is the largest body, representing over 150,000 members across Australia. CA ANZ serves both Australian and New Zealand members and assesses accounting professionals with an international focus. IPA specializes in accounting professionals and is recognized for assessments across the full breadth of accounting roles, from sole practitioners to corporate accountants.
Each body evaluates applicants against Australian Accounting Standards and the National Competency Standards for Professional Accountants. Assessments confirm that your education, training, and work experience meet the standards required for the occupation as defined by the Department of Home Affairs. The assessment determines your eligibility for skilled visa pathways that require occupational recognition.
Which visas require a CPAA skills assessment?
Applicants seeking skilled visas in accounting occupations must obtain a positive skills assessment from one of these three bodies before applying for most skilled migration visas.
A positive assessment from CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA is a mandatory requirement for skilled independent (189), state-sponsored (190, 491), employer-sponsored (482, 186, 494), and most other skilled migration visa subclasses. The assessment confirms you meet Australian professional standards in your accounting occupation, supporting your visa application with employment verification.
How CPAA assessment works
The assessment process involves verifying your qualifications, professional experience, and English language proficiency against the National Competency Standards. Each body follows similar processes with application, documentation review, and assessment stages typically completed in 4–8 weeks.
- Create an online account on the assessing authority's portal and begin your application
- Provide certified copies of educational qualifications (degree certificates, transcripts, including foreign qualifications with official English translations if applicable)
- Submit detailed employment history with verified references from employers confirming your accounting roles, responsibilities, and dates of employment
- Declare your English language proficiency (usually IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent with minimum bands/scores)
- Pay the assessment fee (varies by body and assessment stream, typically AUD 500–800)
- Submit all documents through the online portal before the specified deadline
- Receive a skills assessment outcome letter confirming your result (positive, negative, or requiring further information)
Assessment pathways
Each assessing authority offers different assessment streams or pathways. The pathway you follow depends on your educational background and professional experience level.
For applicants with bachelor's degrees in accounting or equivalent qualifications and relevant professional experience. Assesses recognition of your formal education and work history against Australian Accounting Standards. Most common pathway for graduates from recognized universities.
For applicants with extensive relevant work experience but non-accounting degrees or qualifications from less recognized institutions. Requires detailed employment evidence and typically takes longer to assess. May require employer verification and statutory declarations.
For applicants who do not yet have all required qualifications or experience but are progressing toward them. Provides conditional recognition pending completion of additional studies or professional development. Common for overseas accountants planning to complete additional Australian qualifications.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Original or certified bachelor's degree certificate in accounting or relevant field
- Official academic transcripts from all tertiary institutions attended
- Certified English translations of all non-English educational documents
- Employment reference letters on company letterhead confirming job title, duties, employment dates, and salary (at least 3–5 years of recent experience)
- Statutory declaration signed by a JP describing your accounting roles and professional responsibilities
- Current CV or resume detailing your work history, qualifications, and professional memberships
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent test results)
- Evidence of membership or registration with professional accounting bodies (if applicable)
- Proof of payment for the assessment fee
- Completed application form with personal and employment details
- Character reference or statutory declaration from a professional colleague or supervisor
All non-English documents must be accompanied by official English translations certified by a NAATI-accredited translator or equivalent. Certified copies typically require notarization or certification by a Justice of the Peace.
CPAA assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Assessment (Full Qualification) | AUD 550–700 |
| Work Experience Assessment | AUD 650–750 |
| Provisional Assessment | AUD 500–650 |
| Reassessment or Review | AUD 400–550 |
| Fast-track Processing (if available) | Additional AUD 150–200 |
Assessment outcomes
CPAA issues one of three outcomes:
A positive assessment confirms that you meet Australian professional standards for your accounting occupation and are eligible to apply for skilled migration visas. The assessment letter is valid for three years from the issue date and can be used for multiple visa applications. It verifies your qualifications, experience, and professional standing to Home Affairs and employer-sponsors.
A negative assessment means your qualifications or experience do not currently meet Australian Accounting Standards. You can request a review of the decision within a specified timeframe (usually 30–90 days), provide additional documentation, or undertake further professional development and reapply. Some applicants pursue additional qualifications to strengthen a future application.
If you disagree with a negative outcome, you may request a formal review of the assessment decision. The review process requires submission of additional evidence and payment of a review fee. Some bodies also allow appeals through independent review mechanisms if you believe the original assessment was flawed.
Occupations assessed by CPAA
CPAA is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 221111 | Accountant (General) | MLTSSL |
| 221112 | Management Accountant | MLTSSL |
| 221113 | Taxation Accountant | MLTSSL |
| 224111 | Financial Analyst | MLTSSL |
| 224112 | Financial Investment Adviser | STSOL |
| 231112 | Financial Manager | MLTSSL |
| 224113 | Actuary | STSOL |
| 132112 | Finance Manager | MLTSSL |
| 132113 | Taxation Manager | STSOL |
| 221211 | Auditor | MLTSSL |
| 221212 | Company Secretary | STSOL |
| 132211 | Chief Financial Officer | STSOL |