Did you know that Primary/Middle School and Special Needs Teachers are not only rewarding careers but are also currently on the draft CSOL (Consolidated Skilled Occupation List)?
For educators looking to immigrate or secure employment in Australia, obtaining a positive skills assessment is crucial. This assessment validates your expertise, and also greatly enhances your chances of securing visas and desired teaching positions.
The AITSL skills assessment evaluates educators’ qualifications and capabilities against Australian standards, ensuring they possess the necessary skills to excel in classrooms across the country.
This blog is your one-stop guide to navigating the AITSL skills assessment. We’ll provide everything you need to know, from eligibility criteria to the specific documents required to apply for a skills assessment for your particular teaching area.
What is the AITSL Skills Assessment?
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is an organisation that provides national leadership for the Australian education system. One of its primary roles is to assess the skills and qualifications of overseas-trained teachers who wish to teach in Australia. The AITSL Skills Assessment is a crucial step in the process of obtaining a teaching visa for Australia.
Turn your passion for teaching into a reality in Australia. Take the first step with the AITSL assessment! Book a consultation.
Who Needs an AITSL Skills Assessment?
AISTL Skills Assessment is typically required for individuals seeking to migrate to Australia under certain visa subclasses that require a skills assessment for teaching. This includes:
- Skilled Migration Visas: Skilled migration visas, such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), require a positive skills assessment to demonstrate qualifications and suitability for nominated school teacher occupations.
- Temporary Skilled Shortage visa (subclass 482): This visa is for applicants nominated by an approved sponsor to work in Australia, particularly if their profession is in the teaching field.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186): If nominated by an Australian employer to work in a teaching profession that requires a skills assessment.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): For recent graduates who have studied teaching in Australia and wish to remain temporarily to gain work experience.
AITSL assesses skills for various nominated occupations related to teaching in Australia. These nominated occupations include:
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (ANZSCO 241111)
- Primary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241213)
- Middle School Teacher (ANZSCO 241311)
- Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411)
- Special Needs Teacher (ANZSCO 241511)
- Teacher of the Hearing Impaired (ANZSCO 241512)
- Teacher of the Sight Impaired (ANZSCO 241513)
- Special Education Teachers (nec) (ANZSCO 241599)
Also Read: Australian Skilled Assessment for skilled Visa & Their Assessing Authorities
How to Apply for the AITSL Skills Assessment?
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the AITSL Skills Assessment vary depending on the nominated occupation. Here are the two main criteria that all applications must meet:
A. Qualifications:
1. Completed at least four years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study, resulting in qualifications.
2. Must include an initial teacher education qualification comparable to an Australian Bachelor’s degree (Australian Qualification Framework Level 7) or higher, with at least one year of full-time study in Early Childhood Teacher education.
3. Completed at least 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students aged:
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Age Range | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | 241111 | Birth to 8 years | Education programs prior to and in the early years of primary school |
| Primary School Teacher | 241213 | 5 to 12 years | Primary school setting |
| Middle School Teacher | 241311 | 10 to 15 years | Middle school setting must include 10 days each teaching upper primary (10-12 years) and lower secondary (13-15 years) |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | 13 to 18 years | Secondary school setting |
| Special Needs Teacher | 241511 | All ages | School setting |
| Teacher of the Hearing Impaired | 241512 | All ages | School setting |
| Teacher of the Sight Impaired | 241513 | All ages | School setting |
| Special Education Teachers (nec) | 241599 | All ages | School setting |
4. Other qualifications contributing to the four years must be comparable to an Australian Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree (AQF Level 6) or higher.
Feeling overwhelmed by the AITSL process? Reach out to us and make the AITSL assessment process as straightforward and stress-free as possible with us.
B. English Language Proficiency
To meet AITSL’s English proficiency requirement, applicants must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following options:
- Option 1: Completion of at least four years of higher education (university) in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA, resulting in qualifications comparable to an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher, including a recognised initial teacher education qualification.
- Option 2: An Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test Report Form (TRF) with at least 7.0 in Reading and Writing and 8.0 in Speaking and Listening, taken within 24 months before the application.
AITSL may request an IELTS test if there are doubts about the applicant’s English proficiency.
| Warning
Ensure your application is accurate, whether completed by you or an agent. Submitting false or misleading information will result in your application being declined, a 3-year ban on future applications, and notification to the Department of Home Affairs. It is your obligation to comply with the guide’s requirements. Insufficient paperwork may result in an unsuitable application due to erroneous information, with no reimbursement granted. |
Checklist: Documents Required for AITSL Assessment, 2024
A. Evidence requirements
1. Passport: Current and valid passport at the time of application.
2. Identity documents: Two additional identity documents are required. Choose any two from the following options:
- Birth certificate
- National identity card
- Official photo-bearing documents (e.g., driver’s license, student ID, proof of age card, working with children card)
3. Australian Teacher Registration: If you have full or provisional Australian teacher registration, include the registration number in your application. Upload official documentation indicating the registration status and any conditions.
4. Award Certificate (Testamur) for Recent Graduates: If you completed qualifications at an Australian university within the last 6 months, you don’t need to provide a final award certificate (testamur). Instead, submit:
- Official statement confirming completion of study by the University Registrar
- Final academic transcript showing all years of study
5. Academic Transcript: Submit the final academic transcript or official transcript that shows each year of study. Unofficial transcripts, academic history without marks or official stamp/signatory, Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS), and transcripts issued before the completion of any qualification are not accepted.
6. Supervised Teaching Practice Statement: Provide an official statement from the university:
- On university letterhead
- Signed and dated by a university representative
- States duration of supervised teaching practice, age range of students taught, and school setting.
| Not accepted: statements from affiliated colleges, placement reports, certificates, or work experience statements. |
7. Translation of Documents: Non-English documents must be:
- Translated into English by an accredited translator
- Include the translator’s name, authority, and contact details on both original and translated copies.
8. Advanced Standing or Credits: If applicable, provide:
- Academic award and transcript from previous study
- Official statement from the awarding institution explaining credits or advanced standing.
9. PhD Completion: A doctoral degree completed in one of the six listed English-speaking countries may be considered as a maximum of 2 years of full-time study towards meeting the English language criterion.
B. Skills assessment fees
You must pay the skills assessment fee before you submit your application online.
Effective September 1, 2021, AITSL costs are as follows:
| Skills assessment | AUD 1,050 |
| Skilled Employment Statement (SES) | AUD 234 |
| Appeal for evaluation outcome | AUD 868 |
Once the assessment money is received, your application will be sent for review, and no more changes will be permitted.
- Payment Method: Once your application is completed, you can make a payment via the applicant portal. AITSL accepts payments exclusively via Visa and MasterCard.
- Refund Policy: AITSL can issue a partial refund of AUD 861 only if the assessment of your application has not yet commenced. If you need to withdraw your application, please contact us through the Applicant portal.
Confused about the AITSL assessment? Get clear answers from our migration experts. Contact us today.
How long does an AITSL assessment take?
How long is the AITSL skills assessment valid for EOI?
An AITSL skills assessment is typically valid for two years from the date it is issued. After the two-year period, the evaluation may expire, and you may need to undergo a new assessment if required by immigration or employment regulations at that time. It’s important to keep track of the validity period stated in your assessment letter to ensure timely use.
Also Read: What is the Australian SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) System?
Why is Teacher Skills Assessment Important?
Obtaining a positive AITSL or teacher skills assessment is essential for several reasons:
1. Professional Recognition:
AITSL assessment provides international educators with professional recognition in Australia. It validates your qualifications and expertise, demonstrating to employers that you meet the standards required to work as a teacher or education professional in the country.
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2. Employment Opportunities:
Many Australian states and territories require a positive AITSL assessment as part of the visa application process for skilled migration. Without a positive assessment, it can be challenging to secure employment opportunities in the education sector.
3. Teacher Registration:
To work as a teacher in Australia, you typically need to be registered with the relevant state or territory regulatory authority. A positive AITSL assessment is often a prerequisite for teacher registration, enabling you to teach in Australian classrooms legally.
4. Career Progression:
A positive teacher skills assessment opens doors to various career opportunities within the Australian education system. It provides a foundation for further professional development and advancement in your chosen field.
Conclusion
The AITSL assessment stands as a crucial step for validating your qualifications and English language proficiency. Conquering the skills assessment can feel like scaling the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but with the right preparation, you’ll be teaching in vibrant Australian classrooms in no time.
At 4Nations, we understand the intricacies of the AITSL assessment process and the skilled migration journey. Our experienced team is here to provide the support and expertise you need to navigate the assessment successfully and commence your teaching adventure in Australia. Schedule a consultation, and let us be your bridge to a fulfilling teaching career.
