Difference Between Skills Assessment and Competency Assessment

In professional and immigration contexts, Skills Assessment and Competency Assessment are two distinct evaluation processes used to measure qualifications, experience, and expertise. While both assessments are used in industries such as engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades, they serve different purposes and have different evaluation criteria.

Understanding the difference between Skills Assessment and Competency Assessment is crucial, especially for skilled migrants, professional engineers, and individuals applying for regulatory certifications.

This guide will explain:

1. The definition and purpose of both assessments. ?
2. Key differences in assessment methods, requirements, and outcomes. ?
3. When to use Skills Assessment vs. Competency Assessment. ?
4. How each applies to migration, professional licensing, and career development. ?

What is Skills Assessment?

1. Definition of Skills Assessment

A Skills Assessment is a formal evaluation of an individual’s qualifications, education, and work experience to determine if they meet the required standards for a particular job, profession, or immigration pathway.

Skills Assessments are commonly used by immigration authorities, professional licensing bodies, and employers to verify whether a candidate:

• Has the necessary educational background for their profession. ??
• Possesses relevant work experience in their field. ??
• Meets industry or national occupational standards for employment or migration. ??

2. Who Needs a Skills Assessment?

A Skills Assessment is typically required for:

?? Skilled Migrants Applying for a Work Visa

• Many countries, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, require a Skills Assessment for migration under Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL).
• Example: Engineers, IT professionals, nurses, teachers, and tradespeople applying for a work visa must pass a Skills Assessment conducted by a recognized authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS).

?? Individuals Seeking Professional Registration

• Some professions (e.g., nursing, accounting, engineering) require Skills Assessment for professional licensing.
• Example: An accountant migrating to Australia needs a Skills Assessment from CPA Australia before practicing in the country.

?? Employers Hiring Skilled Professionals

• Employers use Skills Assessments to verify a candidate’s education, qualifications, and experience before hiring.
• Example: A construction company hiring an overseas engineer may request a Skills Assessment report to confirm eligibility.

3. How is a Skills Assessment Conducted?

A Skills Assessment typically involves:

• Document Verification – Checking academic degrees, transcripts, professional certifications, and work experience records. ??
• Work Experience Validation – Confirming that an applicant has performed duties relevant to their nominated occupation. ??
• Industry Standard Alignment – Ensuring the qualifications meet the national or international occupational standards. ??

Example: A civil engineer from India migrating to Australia must get their degree and work experience assessed by Engineers Australia to ensure they meet Australian engineering standards.

4. Key Organizations Conducting Skills Assessments

Different countries have designated organizations responsible for Skills Assessments in various professions:

?? Australia:

• Engineers Australia (For engineers)
• VETASSESS (For general skilled occupations)
• ACS (Australian Computer Society) (For IT professionals)

?? Canada:

• WES (World Education Services) (For academic qualification evaluation)
• Provincial Engineering Associations (e.g., APEGA, PEO) (For engineers)

?? New Zealand:

• NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) (For general skills recognition)
• Engineering New Zealand (For engineers through KA02 Assessment)

What is Competency Assessment?

1. Definition of Competency Assessment

A Competency Assessment is an evaluation of a person’s actual skills, abilities, and professional knowledge based on real-world work performance rather than just education and experience.

Unlike a Skills Assessment, which focuses on qualifications and work history, a Competency Assessment measures an individual’s:

• Technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. ??
• Hands-on experience in real-world projects. ?? Ability to apply professional skills in different work scenarios. ??
• Leadership, decision-making, and workplace competency. ??

2. Who Needs a Competency Assessment?

A Competency Assessment is typically required for:

?? Engineers and Skilled Professionals Seeking Professional Registration

• Many professional bodies require Competency Assessments to issue Chartered Engineer (CEng, CPEng, P.Eng.) certification.
• Example: Engineers applying for CPEng in Australia or P.Eng. in Canada must submit a Competency-Based Report.

?? Internationally Trained Engineers Without Washington Accord Accreditation

• Engineers whose degrees are not Washington Accord-accredited must pass a Competency-Based Assessment to prove their engineering knowledge.
• Example: An electrical engineer from Pakistan must submit a KA02 Competency Report for Engineering New Zealand.

?? Professionals in Regulated Fields (Healthcare, Construction, Aviation, etc.)

• Industries where safety and technical accuracy are critical require professionals to demonstrate competency in real-world scenarios.
• Example: A pilot or surgeon must pass a Competency-Based Assessment before being licensed.

3. How is a Competency Assessment Conducted?

A Competency Assessment involves:

• Technical Report Submission – Candidates must submit a detailed Competency-Based Report (CBR) outlining their work experience, skills, and project involvement. ??
• Case Studies & Work-Based Evidence – Providing examples of past projects, problem-solving skills, and leadership in professional practice. ??
• Professional Interviews & Assessments – Some organizations require a technical interview to assess a candidate’s real-world knowledge. ??

Example: An engineer applying for Chartered status in New Zealand must submit a KA02 Report, detailing real-life projects that demonstrate competency.

4. Key Organizations Conducting Competency Assessments

Different organizations conduct Competency Assessments for professional certification and licensing:

?? Engineering and Technical Fields

• Engineers Australia (CPEng Competency Report)
• Engineering New Zealand (KA02 Assessment for non-Washington Accord degrees)
• Canadian Engineering Regulators (Competency-Based P.Eng. Report)

?? Healthcare & Medical Fields

• Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMAC Competency Assessment)
• Medical Council of Canada (MCC Competency-Based Assessment)

?? Construction & Project Management

• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB Competency Review for MCIOB Status)

Key Differences Between Skills Assessment and Competency Assessment

Conclusion: Which One Do You Need?

?? Choose Skills Assessment if:

• You need qualification recognition for migration or work visas. ??
• You are applying for skilled jobs that require academic validation. ??

?? Choose Competency Assessment if:

• You are applying for Chartered Engineer (CPEng, P.Eng., CEng) or professional certification. ??
• You need to prove your hands-on expertise and technical knowledge.??

Both assessments play a crucial role in career advancement, migration, and professional licensing, but the right choice depends on your career path and goals.