AU Skills Assessment Australia – Cook
Step-by-Step Process Guide
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying for a skills assessment, ensure that you:
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Have at least 3 years of full-time relevant work experience as a cook (including 1 year in the last 3 years).
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Have formal qualifications (e.g. Certificate III in Commercial Cookery) OR can provide proof of skills via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
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Meet English language requirements (if applying for migration).
Step 2: Choose the Assessing Body
For most migration purposes, the assessing authority is:
TRA – Trades Recognition Australia
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Under their program: OSAP (Offshore Skills Assessment Program) or JRP (Job Ready Program – for onshore international graduates).
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Prepare and scan the following documents:
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Passport bio page (valid).
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ID-sized photo (passport-style).
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Academic qualifications (if applicable).
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Detailed CV with dates, roles, duties.
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Employment evidence:
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Payslips (at least 3 per year).
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Bank statements showing salary deposits.
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Tax documents.
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Employer reference letters (with duties, hours, start/end date).
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Work samples (photos/videos of cooking, kitchen duties).
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Optional: RPL qualification issued by a recognized RTO (if applying through RPL route).
Step 4: Submit Application to TRA Partner (for OSAP)
TRA uses approved RTOs as their assessment partners. Some of the main partners include:
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VETASSESS
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Future Skills International
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Australian Trade Training College (ATTC)
You must:
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Register on the RTO portal.
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Pay the assessment fee (usually AUD $2,000 – $2,500).
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Upload documents as required.
Step 5: Documentary Assessment
The assessor will review:
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Your evidence of work experience and qualifications.
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Whether you meet the standards of an Australian Cook qualification.
If successful, you will move to the next stage.
Step 6: Technical Interview / Practical Assessment
Depending on your country, you may be asked to:
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Attend a technical interview via video (for offshore applicants).
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Undergo a practical cooking assessment (for some countries).
They may ask you to:
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Prepare specific dishes.
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Explain hygiene, safety, and kitchen operations.
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Show knife skills, plating, and understanding of kitchen workflow.
Step 7: Receive Outcome Letter
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If successful: You will receive a Skills Assessment Outcome Letter, which can be used for migration, work, or visa applications.
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If unsuccessful: You may be given feedback or the option to submit more evidence.
Processing Time
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Usually 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the RTO and completeness of your documents.
Costs
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Document assessment: Approx. AUD $1,280
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Practical/Technical assessment: Approx. AUD $2,000
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Additional costs may apply for resits or re-submissions.
Pro Tip (RPL Alternative)
If you lack formal qualifications:
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You can apply through an RPL provider like Skill Certify.
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They assess your prior work experience and issue an RPL qualification that can be used in your TRA skills assessment.
Disclaimer:
Skill Certify does not offer training or issue qualifications. We assist in gathering and organizing your documents to support your RPL application. Final assessment and qualification are completed by an independent RTO, selected at the student’s discretion. We do not have any affiliation with any RTO and migration agent
