By Sukhjinder Singh December 6, 2025 0 Comments

Temporary Skills Shortage – TSS Skills Assessment Program — Complete Guide 2026

TSS Skills Assessment - SID skill assessment

The Temporary Skills Shortage TSS Skills Assessment Program is designed to confirm whether an applicant can perform their nominated occupation at the level expected in Australia. This ensures that workers entering Australia under the subclass 482 TSS visa have the technical capability to contribute immediately to the workforce.

This assessment applies to applicants from specified countries or Special Administrative Regions (SARs) who are required to complete a mandatory skills assessment before lodging their TSS visa.


What Is the Purpose of the TSS Skills Assessment Program?

The program assesses whether you have the skills, experience, and knowledge to work safely and competently in your nominated occupation in Australia. The assessment is carried out on behalf of Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) through approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

The process ensures that:
✔ Your training meets Australian standards
✔ Your employment experience is valid and verifiable
✔ You can perform the duties expected of your trade in Australia


How to Apply for the TSS Skills Assessment

1. Select a TRA-Approved RTO

Applicants must choose an RTO using the TRA RTO Finder. Your chosen RTO will assess your eligibility and explain the documentation required.

2. Register via the TRA Online Portal

You will create a username and password, pay the initial fee, and upload your documentation.

⚠ Important:

Do not apply if:

  • You don’t have the required documents, OR
  • You cannot travel to an approved assessment location (if required)

Failure to attend assessment within 9 weeks may result in your application being withdrawn without refund.


Document Requirements

You must upload full-colour scans (PDF) of:

  • Passport bio page
  • Qualification certificates
  • Evidence of work experience (employment statements, training documents, pay evidence)
  • English translation for any non-English documents
  • TRA payment receipt

RTOs may ask you to present original documents for verification.


Fees for TSS Skills Assessment

Assessment ServiceFee (AUD)
Documentary Evidence$1,120
Documentary Evidence – Review$700
Documentary Evidence – Reassessment$450
Technical Interview (Pathway 1)$2,000
Technical Interview – Review$700
Technical Interview – Reassessment$1,000
Technical Interview (Pathway 2)$900
Technical Interview – Review$700
Technical Interview – Reassessment$450
Practical Assessment$2,200
Practical Assessment – Review$700
Practical Assessment – Reassessment$1,100

Eligibility Requirements

You must complete a TSS skills assessment if:

  • Your occupation and passport country appear on the TRA TSS Program list, or
  • You are applying for a TSS visa in certain licensed trades.

Applicants must also ensure they can legally travel to assessment venues if required.


Pathway Options

Pathway 1 — No Australian VET Qualification

Work experience requirements:

  • Licensed trade, no formal training: 6 years
  • Licensed trade with formal training: 4 years
  • Non-licensed trade, no formal training: 5 years
  • Non-licensed trade with formal training: 3 years

Plus:
➡ 12 months full-time work in the nominated occupation within the last 3 years.


Pathway 2 — With Australian VET Qualification or Australian Occupational Licence

If applying with an Australian VET qualification:

  • Minimum 3 years’ full-time employment
  • 12 months full-time employment in the nominated occupation in the last 3 years
  • For licensed trades (Electrician General/Special Class), the 12 months must be in Australia

If applying with an Australian occupational licence:

  • Minimum 3 years’ full-time work in that licensed trade
  • Includes 12 months in Australia or New Zealand

Documentary Evidence Assessment Outcome

If the documents demonstrate the required skills and experience, the RTO will invite you to complete a technical skills assessment.


Technical Skills Assessment

A qualified assessor will evaluate your skills through:
✔ Technical interview
✔ Evidence from employers/referees
✔ Practical skills demonstration (mandatory for licensed trades)


Skills Assessment Outcome

Pathway 1 Outcome:

✔ Non-licensed occupations: awarded Australian VET qualification
✔ Licensed occupations: issued Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR)
➡ Used to apply for a provisional electrical licence in Australia

Pathway 2 Outcome:

✔ Successful applicants receive a skills assessment outcome letter for the TSS visa
✖ Unsuccessful applicants receive feedback and can reapply


FAQ — Temporary Skills Shortage TSS Skills Assessment

1. Do all TSS visa applicants need a TSS skills assessment?

No. Only applicants from specified countries and occupations listed by TRA must complete a skills assessment.

2. What is an OTSR?

An Offshore Technical Skills Record allows licensed trade workers (like electricians) to apply for a provisional licence in Australia.

3. How long does the TSS assessment take?

Timeframes vary depending on your RTO, documentation quality, and assessment scheduling.

4. Can my application be refused for poor documentation?

Yes. Decision-ready evidence is mandatory. Missing information leads to delays or refusal.

5. Can I get a review if I fail the skills assessment?

Yes. Review and reassessment options are available for both documentary and technical assessments.


Need Help with TSS Skills Assessment?

Migration Dreamz provides expert guidance through every step — documentation, RTO selection, assessment preparation, and visa application.

Contact Us for getting proper guidance for your TSS Skills Assessment.

📞 Call: 0433 662 117
📩 Email: admin@migrationdreamz.com.au
🌐 www.migrationdreamz.com.au

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