What is Trades Recognition Australia?
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is a government body established under the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to assess the skills and qualifications of overseas-trained tradespeople seeking to work in Australia. TRA plays a critical role in the skilled migration system by verifying that trade qualifications obtained overseas meet the standards required in Australia.
TRA conducts Trade Recognition Assessments that evaluate your formal trade qualifications, practical experience, and technical knowledge against Australian competency standards. The assessment ensures that tradespeople have the necessary skills and knowledge to work safely and effectively in their trade in Australia, protecting both workers and the public.
TRA assesses a wide range of trades including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, motor mechanics, welders, and many other skilled trades. For some occupations, TRA works jointly with VETASSESS to provide assessments, so you should verify the specific assessment pathway for your occupation on the DHA's skilled occupation list.
Which visas require a TRA skills assessment?
A TRA skills assessment is required for most skilled visa subclasses if your occupation is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list and is designated for TRA assessment.
A positive TRA assessment confirms that your trade qualifications and skills meet Australian standards, which is a prerequisite for eligibility in skilled visa subclasses. Without a positive skills assessment from TRA (or your designated assessing authority), you cannot lodge an application for these visa subclasses.
How TRA assessment works
The TRA assessment process typically takes 12 weeks and involves multiple stages, from lodgement of documents through to assessment and outcome notification.
- Complete the TRA online application form and provide your personal and occupational details
- Lodge certified copies of your trade qualifications, training certificates, and relevant transcripts
- Provide evidence of work experience in your trade, typically 3-5 years documented with reference letters
- TRA reviews all documents against Australian competency standards for your occupation
- TRA may request additional information or evidence if your qualifications are unclear
- TRA conducts technical assessment of your knowledge and skills in the relevant trade
- You receive a formal assessment outcome letter detailing whether your qualification is recognised, partially recognised, or not recognised
Assessment pathways
TRA offers different assessment pathways depending on your qualification type and work experience. The pathway you follow depends on whether you hold formal trade qualifications or are applying based primarily on work experience.
For applicants who hold formal overseas trade qualifications (apprenticeship completion certificates, trade diplomas, or equivalent). TRA assesses whether your qualification is substantially equivalent to the Australian trade qualification standard for your occupation.
For applicants with extensive practical trade experience but no formal trade qualification, or where formal qualifications are unclear or incomplete. TRA evaluates your demonstrated skills and knowledge through work experience evidence, references, and practical assessment.
Some occupations are assessed through a joint pathway with VETASSESS. Check the DHA skilled occupation list to confirm whether your occupation requires a TRA-only assessment or a joint VETASSESS/TRA assessment.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Certified copy of your overseas trade qualification certificate or apprenticeship completion certificate
- Official transcript or certified documents from your trade training institution showing subjects, grades, and competencies achieved
- Employment reference letters on company letterhead confirming your work experience in the trade, roles, dates, and key competencies
- Statutory declaration describing your work history and practical skills if official documents are unavailable
- Proof of English proficiency if your training was not conducted in English
- Police clearance certificate (if requested by TRA during assessment)
- Health declaration confirming fitness to work in the relevant trade
- Copies of any additional trade certificates, qualifications, or professional development records related to your occupation
- Resume or curriculum vitae detailing your employment history in the trade
- Identification document (passport biographical page) certified by a relevant authority
All documents must be certified as true copies of the originals by a notary public, justice of the peace, or other authorised certifying authority in the country where they were issued. If documents are not in English, you must provide certified English translations prepared by an AUSIT-accredited translator.
TRA assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Trade Recognition Assessment | AUD 395 |
| Additional Occupational Qualification Assessment | AUD 150 (per additional occupation) |
| Express Processing (if available) | AUD 595 |
| Assessment Review Request | AUD 200 |
| Duplicate Certificate of Assessment | AUD 50 |
Assessment outcomes
TRA issues one of three outcomes:
A positive assessment confirms that your trade qualification and skills meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. The assessment is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be used to support skilled visa applications, employment with licensed contractors, or professional registration with industry bodies during this validity period.
If your assessment is not positive, you may be eligible to request a review of the decision within specified timeframes. A review is conducted by a different TRA assessor who examines the same evidence and may request additional documentation. You can also reapply after gaining additional qualifications or work experience if the initial outcome indicated what was lacking.
You have the right to request a formal review of a negative or partially positive assessment within 12 months. The review process involves a reassessment of your credentials by a different TRA assessor and typically takes 8-10 weeks. Review outcomes are final and binding.
Occupations assessed by TRA
TRA is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 331111 | Electrician (General) | MLTSSL |
| 341111 | Carpenter and Joiner | MLTSSL |
| 342211 | Plumber (General) | MLTSSL |
| 333111 | Bricklayer | MLTSSL |
| 322311 | Motor Mechanic | MLTSSL |
| 323213 | Diesel Motor Mechanic | STSOL |
| 392111 | Welder (First Class) | MLTSSL |
| 392112 | Welder (General) | MLTSSL |
| 391411 | Metal Fabricator | STSOL |
| 324111 | Panel Beater | STSOL |
| 341411 | Glazier | STSOL |
| 342111 | Wall and Floor Tiler | STSOL |
| 342112 | Plasterer | STSOL |
| 341211 | Roofer | MLTSSL |
| 342212 | Roof Plumber | STSOL |
| 333211 | Stonemason | STSOL |
| 333312 | Fibrous Plasterer | STSOL |
| 331213 | Telecommunications Cable Jointer | STSOL |
| 324211 | Motor Trimmer | STSOL |
| 333313 | Plasterer (Solid) | STSOL |