What is CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA?
CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) are the primary assessing authorities for accounting occupations under Australia's skilled migration program. Each body regulates its profession and conducts skills assessments for individuals seeking to migrate to Australia in accounting-related roles.
CPA Australia represents Certified Practising Accountants and manages the assessment of accountants across various specialisations. CA ANZ assesses chartered accountants who meet international accounting standards and professional requirements. The IPA focuses on assessing public accountants and those pursuing public accountancy as a career. Together, these three bodies cover the full range of accounting occupations on Australia's skilled occupation lists.
A skills assessment from any of these bodies confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian professional standards. This assessment is a mandatory requirement for most skilled visa subclasses, including the skilled independent visa (subclass 189), employer-sponsored visas (subclass 186), and regional visas (subclasses 190 and 491).
The assessment process typically takes 4–8 weeks from submission to outcome. Each body has its own application portal, documentation requirements, and assessment criteria, though all follow similar quality assurance standards set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Which visas require a CPAA skills assessment?
A skills assessment from CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA is required for most skilled migration visa pathways. The assessment confirms your accounting qualifications and experience meet Australian professional standards, enabling you to apply for visas as a skilled worker.
The skilled independent visa (189), state-nominated visas (190), regional sponsored visas (491 and 494), temporary skill shortage visa (482), and employer-sponsored visas (186) all require a positive skills assessment in your occupation. The assessment is typically one of the first steps in your visa application process and must be completed before you can be granted a visa.
How CPAA assessment works
The skills assessment process with CPA Australia, CA ANZ, or IPA involves several stages: initial application, document verification, competency assessment, and outcome notification. The entire process typically takes 4–8 weeks, though complex applications may take longer.
- Create an account on the assessing authority's online portal and complete the application form with your personal and professional details.
- Gather and upload all required documents including degree certificates, transcripts, employment references, and evidence of professional development.
- Pay the assessment fee (typically AUD 500–800) via the online portal or by bank transfer.
- The assessing authority reviews your application and documents to verify your qualifications match Australian educational standards.
- Your professional experience is assessed against the authority's criteria to confirm you meet the competency requirements for your occupation.
- The authority issues an assessment outcome letter confirming either a positive assessment, negative assessment, or request for further information.
- If granted, your positive assessment is valid for 3 years and can be used to support visa applications throughout that period.
Assessment pathways
Each assessing authority offers different pathways depending on your educational background and professional experience. The main pathways are based on formal qualifications, work experience, or a combination of both.
Designed for applicants with relevant university degrees or professional qualifications recognised by the assessing authority. You must have completed at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field from a recognised institution. This is the most straightforward pathway and typically results in quicker assessment outcomes.
Available to applicants with substantial accounting work experience who may not hold formal qualifications recognised in Australia. This pathway requires typically 5+ years of relevant full-time work experience in an accounting role. Your experience is assessed against the occupational standards to verify competency.
For applicants with both relevant qualifications and work experience. This pathway allows your experience to supplement your qualifications and may strengthen your assessment outcome. It is particularly useful if your qualifications do not fully meet Australian standards but your experience demonstrates competency.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Certified copies of your bachelor's degree certificate or diploma in accounting or related field.
- Official academic transcripts from your university or tertiary institution showing all subjects completed and grades achieved.
- Certified copies of any professional accounting qualifications (CPA, CA, CMA, etc.) obtained in your home country.
- Employment reference letters from each employer covering at least the past 5–10 years, on company letterhead and signed by a senior manager.
- Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) or resume outlining your professional experience, roles held, responsibilities, and accounting skills.
- Statutory declaration confirming the accuracy of all information provided in your application.
- Evidence of continuous professional development or training (attendance certificates, course completion records).
- Proof of English language proficiency if your qualifications were not completed in English (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
- Evidence of membership in any professional accounting bodies in your home country.
- Certified translation of all non-English documents completed by a qualified translator.
All documents must be certified copies or originals. If your qualifications were completed in a language other than English, official translations by a certified translator are required. Certification typically means a notary public or qualified professional has verified that the copy matches the original document.
CPAA assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| CPA Australia Assessment Fee | AUD 630 |
| CA ANZ Assessment Fee | AUD 750 |
| IPA Assessment Fee | AUD 570 |
| Reassessment or Appeal Fee | AUD 400–500 |
| Expedited Processing (if available) | AUD 200 surcharge |
Assessment outcomes
CPAA issues one of three outcomes:
A positive skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and professional experience meet Australian standards for your occupation. You can then use this assessment to support visa applications. Your positive assessment remains valid for 3 years from the date of issue, allowing you to apply for multiple visas without needing reassessment.
A negative assessment means the assessing authority found that your qualifications or experience do not meet Australian standards for the occupation. You have the right to request a reassessment or appeal the decision. Many applicants seek further professional development, additional work experience, or obtain additional qualifications before reapplying.
If you disagree with a negative assessment, you may request a formal review or reassessment. The review process typically takes an additional 4–8 weeks. You must provide supporting evidence for your review, such as additional qualifications, work references, or professional development undertaken since the original assessment.
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 | MLTSSL |
| 221113 | Chartered Accountant | MLTSSL |
| 221211 | Auditor | MLTSSL |
| 221213 | Taxation Accountant | MLTSSL |
| 221311 | Internal Auditor | STSOL |
| 221312 | Management Accountant | STSOL |
| 221313 | Public Accountant | STSOL |
| 222111 | Finance Manager | STSOL |
| 222113 | General Manager – Finance | STSOL |
| 221214 | External Auditor | STSOL |
| 221215 | Forensic Accountant | STSOL |
| 222112 | Finance Director | STSOL |