What is Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute?
The Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) is the professional peak body representing surveyors, spatial scientists, and geospatial professionals across Australia. It is the recognised skills assessment authority for surveying occupations under Australia's skilled migration system.
SSSI conducts independent skills assessments to verify that applicants meet the professional standards required for Australian surveying practice. The Institute evaluates formal qualifications, professional experience, and technical competency against the ANZSCO occupation standards and the professional codes of practice that govern the surveying profession.
For skilled migration purposes, SSSI assessment confirms that a surveyor or spatial science professional holds qualifications and experience equivalent to Australian standards. This assessment is a mandatory requirement for surveying professionals applying for skilled visa subclasses and supports migration applications to Australia.
SSSI assesses professionals in surveying and spatial science occupations including surveyors, surveying technicians, photogrammetrists, cartographers, and related spatial science roles. The Institute's assessment process is rigorous and based on documented evidence of qualifications, professional registration, and practical experience.
Which visas require a SSSI skills assessment?
An SSSI skills assessment is required for surveying professionals applying for most Australian skilled migration visa subclasses.
The SSSI assessment validates your surveying qualifications and experience against Australian professional standards. A positive assessment is a mandatory prerequisite for most skilled visa pathways; without it, your surveying credentials will not be recognised by the Department of Home Affairs.
How SSSI assessment works
The SSSI assessment process evaluates your surveying qualifications, professional experience, and technical competency. Applicants submit documented evidence and are assessed against ANZSCO standards and professional practice requirements.
- Register with SSSI online and create an assessment account on the SSSI Website (https://www.sssi.org.au/skills-assessment)
- Collect and prepare all required documents including degree certificates, transcripts, employment references, and evidence of professional practice
- Submit your complete application with certified documents through the SSSI Website and pay the assessment fee
- SSSI reviews your documentation and verifies academic credentials and work experience with your employers and educational institutions
- If additional information is required, SSSI will contact you within the assessment period to request further evidence
- SSSI issues your skills assessment outcome letter confirming either a positive or negative assessment result
- You receive your formal outcome letter which can be attached to your skilled migration visa application
Assessment pathways
SSSI offers different assessment pathways depending on your qualifications and professional background. The pathway you follow depends on whether you completed a formal degree or are applying through work experience and professional recognition.
For applicants with a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in surveying, spatial science, or a closely related discipline from an Australian or recognised international institution. Assessment focuses on verifying your degree and confirming it meets Australian professional standards.
For surveying professionals with substantial work experience and professional qualifications that do not follow the standard degree pathway. Requires documented evidence of surveying practice, professional registration, and demonstrated competency in surveying work.
For experienced surveying professionals whose qualifications may not be formally recognised or formally equivalent to Australian standards but who can demonstrate competency through work history and practical evidence. Requires detailed employment documentation and references from senior practitioners.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Completed application form through the SSSI online portal
- Certified copy of your Bachelor's degree or higher qualification (or certified evidence of formal surveying training)
- Official academic transcripts from all tertiary institutions attended, with certified translations if originally in a language other than English
- Certified professional registration certificate or license (if applicable in your country of origin)
- Employment reference letters on company letterhead from supervisors confirming your surveying experience, roles, and responsibilities (minimum two references recommended)
- Detailed curriculum vitae with chronological work history in surveying or related roles
- Evidence of professional membership or association with surveying bodies (if applicable)
- Statutory declaration confirming the accuracy of information provided and describing your surveying experience
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL) if your degree was not completed in English
- Copy of your passport biographical page
- For RPL applicants: detailed work samples, project portfolios, or technical documentation demonstrating surveying competency
- Assessment fee payment confirmation
All documents must be certified as true copies of the original. If your qualifications or documents are in a language other than English, you must provide official English translations certified by a professional translator.
SSSI assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Skills Assessment | AUD 600 |
| Application Processing Fee | AUD 50 |
| Reassessment or Review Application | AUD 550 |
| Duplicate or Additional Outcome Letter | AUD 50 |
| Late Document Submission (after deadline) | Additional AUD 100 |
Assessment outcomes
SSSI issues one of three outcomes:
A positive assessment confirms that your surveying qualifications and experience are recognised as equivalent to Australian professional standards. This outcome is valid for skilled migration purposes and can be included with your visa application to demonstrate your surveying credentials meet Australian requirements.
A negative assessment means SSSI has determined your qualifications or experience do not meet Australian surveying standards for skilled migration. You may request a formal review of the decision or reapply once you have obtained additional qualifications or relevant surveying experience.
If you receive a negative assessment, you may request a formal review within 28 days of receiving the outcome. The review is conducted by an independent panel and incurs a separate fee. You may also reapply for assessment once you have obtained additional qualifications or experience.
Occupations assessed by SSSI
SSSI is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 211213 | Surveyor | MLTSSL / STSOL |
| 312211 | Surveying or Cartographic Technician | MLTSSL / STSOL |
| 312212 | Photogrammetrist or Photographic Surveyor | STSOL |
| 234914 | Spatial Scientist | STSOL |
| 211299 | Other Professional Engineers (Surveying-related) | STSOL |
| 312299 | Other Technicians and Technologists (Surveying/Mapping-related) | STSOL |