Complete AASW guide for Australian social worker skills assessment

A social worker skill assessment is a formal evaluation of education, qualifications, practical training, and English language requirements. All must meet the criteria set by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Educational requirements:

• A relevant bachelor’s or master's degree in social work  
• The degree must be officially recognized as a professional qualification in social work in the country where you completed your studies.
• The curriculum and learning outcomes must meet core learning outcomes outlined in the ASWEAS.

Practical experience:

• At least 1000 hours of supervised training, divided into 2 separate placements.
• You cannot get a positive assessment if your fieldwork is less than 500 hours.

If between 500 and 999 hours (across 2+ placements). You can make up the shortfall via one of these:

• Work experience: Submit a statement (max 4,800 words) with a case example, supervision evidence, and referee verification.
• Post-qualification experience: Provide proof of supervised social work employment with case evidence and referee verification
• Other qualifications: Submit evidence of fieldwork from a related course (social work methods must be relevant)

English language requirement:

AASW only accepts the IELTS as an English test.

Score of 7.0 in all components in a single sitting or an average of 7 in two sittings, with no component less than 7, and an overall band of 7, with both tests taken within 180 days of each other.

Exemption criteria:  

You can qualify for an exemption from the IELTS Academic test if you satisfy both of the following criteria:

• You have completed your entire secondary education in English, in an approved country: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, the UK, or the USA.
• You have also completed at least three years of full-time tertiary study (at Bachelor level or higher), taught and assessed in English, in one of those same countries. 

• Certified copies of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your passport
• Licensing or registration evidence
• CV/ resume
• Course outlines/ syllabus
• Evidence of fieldwork placement
• English test result 

 Step 1: Prepare your documents

Collect all required documents for social worker skill assessment: copies of your identification documents (passport), qualifications (character certificate), detailed course syllabus and outlines, and evidence of your fieldwork placement. All documents must be translated into English.

Step 2: Create a MyAASW account and apply online

Create an account on AASW’s website, then complete the online application form for an international qualification assessment for Social Worker skill assessment.

Step 3: Pay the assessment fee

Pay the assessment fee according to the applicant's permanent address for the skill assessment.

Step 4: Verification and assessment

4.1 Identity verification: You will need to verify your identity to proceed with the skill assessment process.

4.2 Application review: The AASW will first review your application to ensure it is complete. This is known as the "pending assessment" stage. To avoid delays and extra fees, double-check that you have included all necessary information from the checklist at this stage.

4.3 Formal assessment: An AASW assessor will then evaluate your qualifications against the five core criteria: your social work qualification, its professional recognition, comparable learning outcomes, fieldwork hours, and English language proficiency.

Step 5: Receive your outcome

Processing time for a social worker skill assessment is about 16 to 20 weeks from the date the applicant lodged the application

After completing the steps above, the applicant will receive an email containing the assessment.

If successful, the applicant will receive a Migration Skills Assessment Outcome Letter, valid for 3 years.

If unsuccessful, the AASW will send feedback and recommendations for improvement. 

Note: These are costs for a basic qualification check/main assessment; additional costs will be added for checking extra assessments and work experience.

• 12 to 16 weeks after lodging your application.

(Source: https://www.aasw.asn.au/education-employment/renewal-and-reissue-of-skills-assessment/)

• The degree doesn’t specify social work
• Not sufficient fieldwork time (at least 1000 hours)
• Incomplete or unauthorized documents.
• Course content doesn't meet Australian standards.
• IELTS scores below 7.0 overall, and each component must not be below 7.0.

IF you received a positive assessment:

Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, which indicates the visa you can qualify for.

Primary visa options:

• Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)

IF your assessment was negative

• Request a reassessment:  

To address the gaps in your outcome letter, you can submit new evidence for skill assessment. This must be done within 12 months of receiving the outcome letter.

• Request an internal review:

If you think the assessing officer for skill assessment made a mistake, you can request an internal review, which will be conducted by a senior member of AASW. It must be requested within 30 days.

• Plan further study/ fieldwork:

If your requirements lack fieldwork hours or qualifications for social worker skill assessment, you could always work on them and apply again after completing the qualifications and fieldwork. 

We are a well-reputed and registered consultancy with over 10 years of experience in Australia. We have helped many applicants navigate the AASW skills assessment process and understand what it takes to get a positive outcome. Our team of qualified counsellors and migration agents offers honest, practical advice. We do not make big promises, but we will always be upfront about your situation and help you find the best way forward.

We also assist with your documents, transcripts, course outlines, placement evidence, and IELTS results to make sure everything is complete and correct. This can help you avoid delays and unnecessary stress. Ultimately, we are here to support you and give you a better chance of achieving your goal of working as a social worker in Australia.