Most skilled migration visas to Australia need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority — and there are more than 30 of them. Home Affairs says it is mandatory for the points-tested 189, 190 and 491 and the 186 Direct Entry stream, and needed only for some occupations on the 482. Knowing which body assesses your occupation, what it costs, how long it takes, and what's involved is one of the first steps in any migration plan. This guide lists every assessing authority named on the Home Affairs skilled occupation list, with the practical details you need to get started.
| Detail |
Information |
| Total Assessing Authorities |
30+ bodies |
| Most Common |
VETASSESS (covers 350+ occupations) |
| Fastest Processing |
Some bodies process in 4–6 weeks |
| Slowest Processing |
Pathways with exams or supervised work take longest. TRA's Job Ready Program takes at least 12 months, because it needs 12 months of full-time (or equivalent) work with a TRA-approved employer, unless you have eligible prior employment |
| Cost |
Varies by authority and pathway. See each authority below |
| Validity |
Typically 3 years from date of assessment |
Your assessing authority is determined by your occupation's ANZSCO code. The Home Affairs occupation list names the body for each occupation, and for most occupations there is only one — you don't get to choose. If you're not sure which ANZSCO code applies to you, use our guide to finding your ANZSCO code first.
Every body below is named as an assessing authority on the Home Affairs list. Where we have checked an authority's own fee or time page, we give the figure. Otherwise, check the authority's website before you apply.
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
acs.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
ICT professionals — Software Engineer (261313), Developer Programmer (261312), ICT Business Analyst (261111), ICT Security Specialist (262112), Systems Analyst (261112), Database Administrator (262111), Network Engineer (263111), ICT Project Manager (135112), and 20+ other ICT roles |
| Processing Time |
4 to 6 weeks, according to the ACS (ACS) |
| Cost |
AUD $1,498 for a General Skills assessment (ACS fees). Check the ACS fee page for RPL and other pathways |
| Key Requirements |
ICT-related degree or equivalent, relevant work experience. Applicants without an ICT degree can qualify through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) pathway with 6+ years of ICT experience |
| Notes |
ACS may deduct years from your experience count if your qualification doesn't closely match your nominated occupation. This is the most common surprise for IT applicants |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
engineersaustralia.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Most engineering occupations — Civil Engineer (233211), Mechanical Engineer (233512), Electrical Engineer (233311), Mining Engineer (233611), Chemical Engineer (233111), Structural Engineer (233214), Environmental Engineer (233915), Electronics Engineer (233411), Industrial Engineer (233511), and others |
| Processing Time |
generally 15 weeks for a standard application to be assigned to an assessor (this is not the time to an outcome) (Engineers Australia). Fast track ($396 extra) aims to assign one within 20 business days |
| Cost |
For 2026-27, AUD1,034 for a standard Competency Demonstration Report (AUD555.50 for a Washington, Sydney or Dublin Accord qualification, AUD346.50 for an Australian engineering qualification), including GST. Adding employment and PhD assessments brings it up to $1,815 (EA fees) |
| Key Requirements |
Engineering degree (Australian accredited, or Washington, Sydney or Dublin Accord degrees may receive streamlined assessment). Non-accredited degrees require a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) — three career episodes demonstrating engineering competency |
| Notes |
The CDR is the centrepiece of non-accredited assessments. It must be original, detailed, and demonstrate your personal engineering contribution. Plagiarism detection software is used |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
vetassess.com.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
350+ occupations across professional, managerial, and general occupations — including Agricultural Scientist (234112), Internal Auditor (221214), Management Consultant (224711), Marketing Specialist (225113), Environmental Scientist (234313), Chemist (234211), Geologist (234411), Economist (224311), Urban Planner (232611), Cartographer (232213), and many more |
| Processing Time |
about 7 weeks for professional occupations, or 10 business days with priority processing once the application is confirmed eligible (VETASSESS) |
| Cost |
AUD1,260.60 if you apply from within Australia (includes GST) or AUD1,146.00 if you are not an Australian resident for tax purposes; priority processing costs AUD949.30 or AUD863.00 on top (VETASSESS fees) |
| Key Requirements |
Relevant qualification (level depends on occupation), plus at least 1 year of relevant post-qualification employment in the last 5 years. Higher-skilled occupations require degree-level qualifications |
| Notes |
VETASSESS is the "catch-all" body for occupations not covered by specialist assessors. Their assessment is document-based and relatively straightforward if you meet the criteria. Strict about employment reference format |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Trade occupations — Motor Mechanic (321211), Electrician (341111), Plumber (334111), Carpenter (331212), Welder (First Class) (322313), Bricklayer (331111), Cabinet Maker (394111), Air Conditioning Technician (342111), Fitter (323211), Metal Machinist (323214), Baker (351111), Chef (351311), Cook (351411), Hairdresser (391111), and 50+ other trades |
| Processing Time |
Migration Skills Assessment: typically within 120 days of submission. Offshore Skills Assessment Program: approximately 15 weeks after you submit complete documentary evidence. Job Ready Program: at least 12 months, because it needs 12 months of full-time (or equivalent) work with a TRA-approved employer, unless you have eligible prior employment |
| Cost |
Migration Skills Assessment: AUD795 in total (TRA). Offshore Skills Assessment Program: up to AUD5,320 for Pathway 1 and AUD2,020 for Pathway 2 (OSAP). Job Ready Program: AUD3,410 in total (AUD490 for Job Ready Employment, AUD2,845 for the Job Ready Workplace Assessment and AUD75 for the Job Ready Final Assessment), and more if you need more than one Workplace Assessment (JRP) |
| Key Requirements |
Trade qualification equivalent to Australian Certificate III, plus 3+ years post-qualification experience. May require practical (hands-on) assessment |
| Notes |
TRA is one of the more demanding assessment bodies. Employment references must be extremely detailed, and practical assessments are common for applicants from countries where TRA has less familiarity with training standards. TRA says the Job Ready Program is "for international student graduates of an Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) course, who are working in Australia" |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
anmac.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Registered Nurse (254499 and the specialty codes 254412 to 254425), Midwife (254111), Nurse Practitioner (254411), Enrolled Nurse (411411) and other nursing roles |
| Processing Time |
ANMAC does not publish a set time |
| Cost |
AUD595 for a full skills assessment (AUD395 modified, AUD545 direct care) (ANMAC fees) |
| Key Requirements |
Nursing/midwifery degree equivalent to Australian Bachelor of Nursing, recency of practice, English proficiency (see ANMAC's English requirements) |
| Notes |
ANMAC assessment is separate from AHPRA registration. You need the ANMAC assessment for your visa, and AHPRA registration to work. Many applicants do both concurrently |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
aaca.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Architect (232111) |
| Fees and Times |
Check aaca.org.au |
| Key Requirements |
Architecture degree, professional portfolio review demonstrating design and technical competency, evidence of professional experience |
| Notes |
Unique among assessment bodies for its portfolio-based assessment. Qualifications from Canberra Accord-accredited programmes may receive streamlined recognition. The Architectural Practice Examination (APE) is an alternative pathway |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
avbc.asn.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Veterinarian (234711) |
| Fees and Times |
Check avbc.asn.au |
| Key Requirements |
Veterinary science degree from an AVBC-accredited institution, or successful completion of the National Veterinary Examination (NVE) |
| Notes |
If your degree is from an accredited school (UK, USA, Canada, and others), assessment is straightforward. Non-accredited graduates must pass the NVE — a two-part exam (preliminary written + clinical practical) that's conducted in Australia |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
aasw.asn.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Social Worker (272511) |
| Fees and Times |
Check aasw.asn.au |
| Key Requirements |
Social work degree equivalent to an Australian social work degree, supervised field education, English proficiency (check AASW for the required scores) |
| Notes |
Supervised field placement hours are a common stumbling block for overseas applicants. If your program didn't include enough supervised hours, AASW may recommend bridging study |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
psychology.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Psychologist (272399 and specialist codes including Clinical Psychologist 272311, Educational Psychologist 272312, Organisational Psychologist 272313) |
| Processing Time |
approximately 12 weeks, though this can increase with demand (APS) |
| Cost |
Check psychology.org.au |
| Key Requirements |
Psychology qualification equivalent to the Australian sequence, supervised practice experience, English: the APS asks for "the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the three components (listening, reading, and speaking), and a minimum score of 6.5 in writing" |
| Notes |
AHPRA registration is mandatory for practising psychologists — separate from the APS skills assessment. APS assesses for visa purposes; AHPRA registration is for work purposes |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
aitsl.edu.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Secondary School Teacher (241411), Primary School Teacher (241213), Middle School Teacher (241311), Special Needs Teacher (241511), Teacher of the Hearing Impaired (241512), Teacher of the Sight Impaired (241513), Special Education Teachers nec (241599). Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (241111) is assessed by ACECQA, not AITSL |
| Processing Time |
Check aitsl.edu.au |
| Cost |
AUD1,198 (no GST is charged; fees effective 7 September 2026) (AITSL fees) |
| Key Requirements |
Teaching degree, supervised teaching practice, English proficiency at AITSL's required level (check AITSL) |
| Notes |
State teacher registration through a state authority is also required to teach |
| Detail |
Information |
| Websites |
cpaaustralia.com.au, charteredaccountantsanz.com, publicaccountants.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Accountant (General) (221111), Management Accountant (221112), Taxation Accountant (221113), External Auditor (221213), Finance Manager (132211), Corporate Treasurer (221212) |
| Processing Time |
Check each body's website |
| Cost |
CPA Australia: $565 onshore or $514 offshore for a qualification assessment (CPA Australia). Check CA ANZ and IPA for theirs |
| Key Requirements |
Accounting degree covering required core knowledge areas (accounting, auditing, finance, business law, economics, information systems, quantitative methods). Gaps can be addressed through bridging subjects |
| Notes |
Three different bodies can assess accountants — you only need one. All three assess against the same competency areas. If your degree is missing coverage in some areas, you can complete bridging subjects before or after assessment |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
aiqs.com.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Quantity Surveyor (233213) |
| Fees and Times |
Check aiqs.com.au |
| Key Requirements |
Quantity surveying degree, relevant work experience |
| Notes |
Degrees from AIQS-accredited programmes (some UK, Australian, and other institutions) receive faster recognition |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
pharmacycouncil.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Hospital Pharmacist (251511), Retail Pharmacist (251513) |
| Processing Time |
Check pharmacycouncil.org.au |
| Cost |
AUD810 for the eligibility check and AUD300 for the Skills Assessment Outcome you give Home Affairs; if you trained outside Australia or New Zealand you may also need to pass an exam (AUD2,100 per attempt for the CAOP exam or AUD2,245 per attempt for the OPRA exam) (APC fees) |
| Key Requirements |
Pharmacy degree, an exam if you trained outside Australia or New Zealand, English proficiency |
| Notes |
After the skills assessment, you also need AHPRA registration to practise |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
adc.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Dentist (252312), Dental Specialist (252311) |
| Processing Time |
approximately 8 weeks for the skills assessment (ADC) |
| Cost |
AUD647 for the skills assessment (not charged if you request it within 12 months of completing the ADC examination pathway) |
| Key Requirements |
The ADC says dentists with an eligible UK, Irish, New Zealand, Canadian or Australian dental qualification "only need to complete a skills assessment". Other overseas-qualified dentists "will need to complete the dental practitioner assessment process" first |
| Notes |
The exam pathway is one of the longest and most expensive routes. Check the ADC for current exam fees and dates |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
ahpra.gov.au (medicalboard.gov.au) |
| Occupations Assessed |
General Practitioner (253111), Resident Medical Officer (253112), Psychiatrist (253411), surgeons, specialist physicians and other medical practitioners (34 occupations on the Home Affairs list) |
| Cost |
Registration fees: AUD773 to apply for provisional registration as an international medical graduate, plus a AUD543 provisional registration fee (both are paid when you apply); applying for general or specialist registration costs AUD1,661 plus a AUD1,102 registration fee, under the Medical Board of Australia schedule effective 1 August 2026 (NSW amounts differ) (Medical Board fees) |
| Key Requirements |
Full, unconditional or general medical registration, or conditional specialist registration. Home Affairs says "For doctors, evidence of full registration is a suitable skills assessment" |
| Notes |
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) is not a listed assessing authority. Its exams (MCQ and clinical) and the competent authority pathway are routes to the registration that counts as the skills assessment. Check amc.org.au for exam fees and dates |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
dentalboard.gov.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Not a listed assessing authority. It registers dentists to practise; the ADC is the assessing authority for Dentist and Dental Specialist |
| Key Requirements |
ADC assessment, English, good standing |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
communitywork.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Welfare Worker (272613), Community Worker (411711), Disabilities Services Officer (411712), Family Support Worker (411713), Residential Care Officer (411715), Youth Worker (411716) and Welfare Centre Manager (134214). The Home Affairs list names Community Work Australia Limited as the assessing authority |
| Processing Time |
approximately 10 to 12 weeks from submission with payment (processing times) |
| Cost |
AUD965 including GST for a full skills assessment (fees) |
| Key Requirements |
Relevant diploma or degree, work experience |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
daa.asn.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Dietitian (251111) |
| Fees and Times |
Check daa.asn.au |
| Key Requirements |
Dietetics/nutrition degree with supervised practice component |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
surveyors.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Surveyor (232212). Cartographer (232213) is assessed by VETASSESS |
| Fees and Times |
Check surveyors.org.au |
| Key Requirements |
Surveying degree, relevant experience |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
managersandleaders.com.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Chief Executive or Managing Director (111111), Corporate General Manager (111211), Sales and Marketing Manager (131112), Advertising Manager (131113), Public Relations Manager (131114), Human Resource Manager (132311), Supply and Distribution Manager (133611), Procurement Manager (133612) and, with Engineers Australia, Engineering Manager (133211) |
| Processing Time |
a standard service time of 10 weeks (6 weeks with express processing) from receipt of a complete application (IML fees and timeframes) |
| Cost |
AUD902 including GST if you live in Australia, or AUD820 excluding GST if you live outside Australia (fees effective 21 September 2026); IML also lists an express fee of AUD240 or AUD218 |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
naati.com.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Translator (272413), Interpreter (272412) |
| Processing Time |
Check naati.com.au |
| Cost |
AUD500 per application for the migration assessment of educational qualifications and skilled employment (fees valid 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, GST included where it applies); NAATI certification tests are priced separately (NAATI fees) |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
podiatryboard.gov.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Podiatrist (252611) |
| Fees and Times |
Check podiatryboard.gov.au |
| Key Requirements |
Podiatry degree, English proficiency, may require competency exam |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
aopa.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Orthotist or Prosthetist (251912) |
| Fees and Times |
Check aopa.org.au |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
asmirt.org |
| Occupations Assessed |
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer (251211), Medical Radiation Therapist (251212), Sonographer (251214) |
| Fees and Times |
Check asmirt.org |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
aims.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Medical Laboratory Scientist (234611), Medical Laboratory Technician (311213), Pathology Collector (311216) |
| Processing Time |
up to 16 weeks (the AIMS target), though verifying documents can take up to 6 months (AIMS) |
| Cost |
AUD990 including GST if your address is in Australia, or AUD900 if it is outside Australia (AIMS fees) |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
otcouncil.com.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Occupational Therapist (252411) |
| Fees and Times |
Check otcouncil.com.au |
| Key Requirements |
OT degree with supervised practice, English proficiency |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
physiocouncil.com.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Physiotherapist (252511) |
| Fees and Times |
Check physiocouncil.com.au |
| Key Requirements |
Physiotherapy degree, written and clinical examinations (if not from a recognised programme), English proficiency |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
ccea.com.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Chiropractor (252111) |
| Fees and Times |
Check ccea.com.au |
| Key Requirements |
Chiropractic degree, may require examinations, English proficiency |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
ocanz.org |
| Occupations Assessed |
Optometrist (251411) |
| Fees and Times |
Check ocanz.org |
| Key Requirements |
Optometry degree, competence in clinical optometry exam |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
anzsnm.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Nuclear Medicine Technologist (251213) |
| Fees and Times |
Check anzsnm.org.au |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
acecqa.gov.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (241111), Child Care Centre Manager (134111), Child Care Worker (421111) and Out of School Hours Care Worker (421114) |
| Fees and Times |
Check acecqa.gov.au |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
amsa.gov.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Ship's Engineer (231212), Ship's Master (231213), Ship's Officer (231214), Marine Surveyor (231215) |
| Processing Time |
up to 3 months from when AMSA confirms it has your complete application and payment (AMSA) |
| Cost |
AUD472 (GST exempt), plus AUD544 for the oral examination that engineers, masters and ship's officers must pass (marine surveyors do not sit it) (AMSA fees) |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
casa.gov.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Aeroplane Pilot (231111), Helicopter Pilot (231114) |
| Fees and Times |
Check casa.gov.au |
| Detail |
Information |
| Website |
acpsem.org.au |
| Occupations Assessed |
Physicist (234914), together with VETASSESS |
| Fees and Times |
Check acpsem.org.au |
| Detail |
Information |
| Occupations Assessed |
Barrister (271111), Solicitor (271311) |
| Key Requirements |
Home Affairs says "For solicitors, evidence of admission to practice as a lawyer in the relevant State/Territory is a suitable skills assessment" |
Only authorities whose fee or time we have checked on their own pages are shown here. For the others, see each section above.
| Authority |
Occupations |
Cost |
Time |
| ACS |
IT professionals |
AUD $1,498 (General Skills) |
4 to 6 weeks, according to the ACS |
| Engineers Australia |
Engineers |
AUD1,034 for a standard Competency Demonstration Report (AUD555.50 for a Washington, Sydney or Dublin Accord qualification, AUD346.50 for an Australian engineering qualification), including GST |
generally 15 weeks for a standard application to be assigned to an assessor (this is not the time to an outcome) |
| VETASSESS |
350+ occupations |
AUD1,260.60 if you apply from within Australia (includes GST) or AUD1,146.00 if you are not an Australian resident for tax purposes; priority processing costs AUD949.30 or AUD863.00 on top |
about 7 weeks for professional occupations, or 10 business days with priority processing once the application is confirmed eligible |
| TRA (Migration Skills Assessment) |
Trades |
AUD795 in total |
typically within 120 days of submission |
| TRA (Offshore Skills Assessment Program) |
Trades |
up to AUD5,320 for Pathway 1 and AUD2,020 for Pathway 2 |
approximately 15 weeks after you submit complete documentary evidence |
| ANMAC |
Nurses, midwives |
AUD595 for a full skills assessment (AUD395 modified, AUD545 direct care) |
Not published |
| AITSL |
School teachers |
AUD1,198 (no GST is charged; fees effective 7 September 2026) |
Check AITSL |
| CPA Australia |
Accountants |
$565 onshore or $514 offshore |
Check CPA Australia |
| IML |
Managers |
AUD902 including GST if you live in Australia, or AUD820 excluding GST if you live outside Australia (fees effective 21 September 2026); IML also lists an express fee of AUD240 or AUD218 |
a standard service time of 10 weeks (6 weeks with express processing) from receipt of a complete application |
| Community Work Australia |
Community and welfare workers |
AUD965 including GST |
approximately 10 to 12 weeks from submission with payment |
| APS |
Psychologists |
Check APS |
approximately 12 weeks, though this can increase with demand |
| ADC |
Dentists |
AUD647 for the skills assessment (not charged if you request it within 12 months of completing the ADC examination pathway) |
approximately 8 weeks |
| AIMS |
Medical laboratory roles |
AUD990 including GST if your address is in Australia, or AUD900 if it is outside Australia |
up to 16 weeks (the AIMS target), though verifying documents can take up to 6 months |
| AMSA |
Mariners |
AUD472 (GST exempt), plus AUD544 for the oral examination that engineers, masters and ship's officers must pass (marine surveyors do not sit it) |
up to 3 months from when AMSA confirms it has your complete application and payment |
| NAATI |
Translators, interpreters |
AUD500 per application for the migration assessment of educational qualifications and skilled employment (fees valid 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, GST included where it applies); NAATI certification tests are priced separately |
Check NAATI |
| APC (Pharmacy) |
Pharmacists |
AUD810 for the eligibility check and AUD300 for the Skills Assessment Outcome you give Home Affairs; if you trained outside Australia or New Zealand you may also need to pass an exam (AUD2,100 per attempt for the CAOP exam or AUD2,245 per attempt for the OPRA exam) |
Check APC |
| MedBA |
Doctors |
AUD773 to apply for provisional registration as an international medical graduate, plus a AUD543 provisional registration fee (both are paid when you apply); applying for general or specialist registration costs AUD1,661 plus a AUD1,102 registration fee, under the Medical Board of Australia schedule effective 1 August 2026 (NSW amounts differ) |
Check AHPRA |
-
Identify your assessing authority before anything else. Your entire migration timeline hinges on understanding which body assesses your occupation and what they require. Use our ANZSCO code finder to confirm.
-
Read the authority's official guidelines thoroughly. Every body has its own requirements, documentation format, and quirks. Don't rely on forum posts or outdated advice — go directly to the source.
-
Get employment references right the first time. This is the number one reason for delays and rejections across almost all assessment bodies. Follow the specific format your authority requires — don't use generic references.
-
Start English preparation early. Several bodies set their own English requirement, which can be higher than the visa's. For example, the APS asks for IELTS Academic overall 7, with 7 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing. Budget adequate preparation time.
-
Consider priority processing if available. VETASSESS and some other bodies offer priority processing for an additional fee. If your timeline is tight, it's often worth the extra cost.
-
Factor assessment costs into your budget. English tests, the skills assessment, the visa application charge (for example AUD6,135 for the main applicant on the subclass 189) and health and police checks all add up.
-
Check if your skills assessment is expiring. Most assessments are valid for 3 years. If you're in a long EOI queue, make sure your assessment won't expire before you receive an invitation.
For a complete step-by-step walkthrough of the skills assessment process, see our skills assessment complete guide.
In most cases, no. Each ANZSCO code is assigned to a specific body, and you must use that body. The main exception is accounting — where CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ, or IPA can all assess accountants, and you choose one. A few other occupations also list two bodies, such as Engineering Manager (Engineers Australia or IML), Civil Engineering Draftsperson (Engineers Australia or VETASSESS) and Physicist (VETASSESS or ACPSEM). For all other occupations, the authority is predetermined. Check the skilled occupation list to confirm which body applies to your code.
A negative outcome isn't necessarily the end. Most bodies provide feedback explaining why you didn't meet the criteria. Common options include: reapplying with additional documentation, completing bridging courses to fill qualification gaps, gaining more work experience and reapplying later, or appealing the decision through the body's review process. Each authority has its own appeal/review pathway.
Typically 3 years from the date of the assessment letter, though some bodies issue assessments with shorter or longer validity. Home Affairs says your assessment "must also be valid at the time you are invited to apply for a points tested visa", and it accepts one obtained within the 60-day invitation period. If it's close to expiring, you may need to reassess.
For most bodies, no — you can apply from anywhere in the world. The exceptions are assessments that require practical/clinical examinations conducted in Australia, such as the NVE for vets, the ADC clinical exam for dentists, the AMC clinical exam for doctors, and some TRA practical assessments. Document-based assessments (VETASSESS, ACS, Engineers Australia, ANMAC, etc.) can all be completed from overseas.
No — these are two different things. A skills assessment is for migration purposes (proving your qualification and experience meet Australian standards). Professional registration (via AHPRA for health professions, state boards for architects, vets, etc.) is for working purposes. You typically need the skills assessment first (for your visa), then registration (to practise your profession after arriving). Some occupations don't require registration at all — check the requirements for your specific profession.
