Let’s be honest.

When I first heard I needed a VETASSESS skills assessment for my Australian visa, I had no idea where to start.

I Googled it. Read the website. Got overwhelmed.

Was I supposed to write essays? Take an exam? Prove I’d been working for 10 years?

I was lost.

But after months of research, document gathering, and one rejected application (yes, really), I finally passed.

Now, I want to save you the stress.

This is my step-by-step guide—from confusion to clarity—on how to pass your VETASSESS skills assessment, written like a friend explaining it over coffee.

What Is VETASSESS?

VETASSESS is one of Australia’s official skills assessing bodies.

They check if your education and work experience match Australian standards for your job.

If you're applying for skilled migration visas like Subclass 189, 190, or 491, and your job is in a vocational or technical field, VETASSESS is likely the body that will assess you.

Some common jobs include:

• Chef (351211)
• Office Manager (131111)
• IT Support Technician (313111)
• Childcare Worker (421511)
• Cook (351111)

But here’s the thing: This has nothing to do with RPEQ.

I know you saw those keywords—RPEQ Register, RPEQ engineer—but that’s a Queensland engineering license.

VETASSESS is for trades, admin, IT, and service roles—not professional engineering.

So if you’re not an engineer, you’re in the right place.

Let’s keep going.

Step 1: Check If Your Job Is Eligible

First, go to the Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List (SOL) .

Search for your job title.

If it’s listed and says VETASSESS under “Assessing Authority,” you’re in luck.

If not, you might be assessed by TRA, ACS, or Engineers Australia.

Double-check. Picking the wong assessor = automatic rejection.

Step 2: Choose the Right ANZSCO Code

Don’t just pick the closest job title.

Read the ANZSCO description (you can find it on the ABS website).

Ask yourself:

“Do I do at least 80% of the tasks listed?”

For example:

• If you managed a small office but didn’t supervise staff, Office Manager (131111) might not be right.
• You might fit better under Administration Officer (541211).

Choose wisely. This is the most important step.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Here’s what you’ll need:

📌 Tip: Each reference letter should clearly state:

• Your full name
• Job title
• Start and end dates
• Full-time or part-time
• Detailed list of duties (use bullet points)

No “he was a good worker” lines. Be specific.

Step 4: Write a Clear Cover Letter

Even if optional, a short cover letter helps.

Keep it to one page. Include:

• Your nominated occupation
• Summary of qualifications and work experience
• Any relevant training or certifications

It’s your chance to say:

“This is who I am, and here’s why I qualify.”

Step 5: Submit Online and Pay the Fee

Go to the VETASSESS website and create an account.

Fill out the form carefully.

Upload all documents as clear PDFs.

Pay the fee (as of 2025, around AUD $1,250)—non-refundable, so make sure everything is correct.

Once submitted, you can’t edit it.

Step 6: Wait and Respond to Requests

Processing takes 6–10 weeks if your application is complete.

But if they need more info, they’ll email you.

I got a request for payslips from one job because the reference letter didn’t have enough detail.

I sent them within 48 hours—no drama.

But if you ignore it, your application gets rejected.

So check your email daily.

Step 7: Get Your Outcome

If approved, you’ll get a Skills Assessment Outcome Letter.

This means you can now apply for your visa.

If rejected, you’ll get feedback.

Read it carefully. Fix the issues. Reapply.

Many people pass on the second try.

Real-Life Example: How I Failed (and Then Passed)

I applied as an IT Support Technician (313111).

I had 5 years of experience, a diploma, and good reference letters.

But my first application was rejected.

Why?

• One reference letter was too vague
• I used the wrong ANZSCO code (picked 263112 instead of 313111)
• My CV didn’t match the job description

I fixed it all, resubmitted, and passed on the second try.

Lesson learned: Details matter.

Recent News: VETASSESS in 2025

In 2025, VETASSESS has made big changes:

• Stricter employment checks – They now contact employers directly.
• No AI or copied content – Plagiarism checks are stronger.
• More focus on recent experience – Work in the last 3–5 years counts more.
• Faster processing for complete apps – 6–8 weeks if everything is in order.

So be honest. Be specific. And don’t cut corners.

Final Thoughts

The VETASSESS skills assessment might feel confusing at first.

But once you break it down into steps, it’s totally doable.

You don’t need to be perfect.

You just need to be clear, honest, and thorough.

So take a deep breath.

Start with the ANZSCO code.

Gather your documents.

And submit with confidence.

Because once you pass, your Australian dream is one big step closer.

Good luck!

Author Bio:
This article was written by someone who went from total confusion to a successful VETASSESS outcome. Our goal is to give you simple, honest advice—no jargon, no fluff. Just real tips from someone who’s been in your shoes.