Engineers Australia (CDR)
Master the Competency Demonstration Report and secure your Migration Skills Assessment
Australia (CDR)
What is Engineers Australia Skills Assessment?
The Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) is for engineers who wish to migrate to Australia. The Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is the primary pathway for applicants whose qualifications are not accredited under the Washington Accord. It allows you to prove your engineering knowledge and skills are equivalent to Australian standards.
Skills Recognition
Formal recognition of your engineering degree.
Migration Pathway
Essential for Skilled Migration visas (189, 190, 491).
Professional Credibility
First step towards Chartered Status (CPEng).
Career Opportunities
Access to the thriving Australian engineering job market.
Main Components of CDR
Career Episodes
Three narratives (1,500-2,500 words each) describing specific engineering projects where you applied your skills.
Summary Statement
A complex matrix mapping your episode paragraphs to the 16 competence elements.
CPD Record
A list of Continuing Professional Development activities showing you stay current.
CDR Journey
Step by Step
Understand Requirements
Read the MSA Booklet thoroughly.
Gather Evidence
Collect drawings, calculations, and photos from past projects.
Write Career Episodes
Draft 3 episodes in first person ('I designed').
Create Summary Statement
Map your evidence to the competency standards.
Compile CPD Log
List your training and learning activities.
Review and Refine
Check for plagiarism and English errors.
Submit CDR
Apply via the Engineers Australia portal.
Await Assessment
Respond to any requests for more info.
CDR Checklist & Writing Tips
Document Checklist
3 x Career Episodes
Summary Statement
CPD Log
CV / Resume
Academic Transcripts
IELTS/PTE Results
Writing Tips
Use 'I' not 'We'
Focus on your personal contribution.
Be Specific
Include calculations, software names, and standards.
Avoid Plagiarism
Never copy samples. It leads to a 12-month ban.
Proofread
Ensure professional English grammar and spelling.
Recommended Australia Courses
FAQ
Find answers to common questions about the process, requirements, and our support.
What is a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR)?
A CDR is a document used by Engineers Australia to assess your engineering qualifications and competencies if your degree is not accredited under the Washington Accord. It is the main pathway for migration skills assessment.
Who needs to submit a CDR?
Engineers from countries not signatory to the Washington, Sydney, or Dublin Accords typically need a CDR. Even if you have a degree from a signatory country, you might need a CDR if you want to be assessed as a different occupational category.
What are the main components of a CDR?
A CDR consists of: 1) Three Career Episodes (1,500-2,500 words each), 2) A Summary Statement (mapping episodes to competencies), and 3) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) list.
How should I write my Career Episodes?
Career Episodes must be written in the first person (‘I designed…’, ‘I calculated…’). They should focus on your specific actions and contributions, not general team activities. Focus on complex engineering problems you solved.
What are the most common reasons for rejection?
Plagiarism is the #1 reason for rejection. Never copy from samples or online sources. Other reasons include lack of technical detail, focusing too much on the team (‘We’) instead of yourself (‘I’), or a poorly mapped Summary Statement.
Does Engineers Australia verify my work experience?
Yes, for the Migration Skills Assessment, you can opt for Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment. You must provide reference letters with specific details (duties, salary, duration) for verification.
How long does the assessment take?
Standard processing can take 3-4 months. However, you can purchase ‘Fast Track’ processing (additional fee) to get an outcome within ~20 working days.
Is my English test mandatory?
Yes, you generally need IELTS (min 6.0 in each band) or PTE Academic (min 50 in each band) unless you hold a passport from or completed a degree in specific English-speaking countries.
