TRA Skills Assessment for Trades: MTS, ATS and Offshore
What is the TRA?
TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) is an agency within the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, appointed by the Department of Home Affairs to assess skills for trade occupations within the migration system. TRA assesses electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, motor mechanics, and many other trade occupations.
Unlike ACS or EA, TRA assesses practical skills — your ability to do the actual work on site, in a workshop, or in the field — rather than academic or design capability.
The two main assessment pathways
MTS — Migration Skills Assessment
MTS is the most common pathway for tradespeople living outside Australia who want to migrate. TRA conducts an assessment in two parts:
- Part 1 — Theory test: A test of trade knowledge in English, usually around 100–150 multiple-choice questions. The content covers Australian standards, safety regulations, and trade-specific engineering procedures.
- Part 2 — Practical assessment: The applicant completes practical exercises at a TRA-appointed assessment centre (centres currently exist in a number of countries, including the Philippines — there is currently none in Vietnam, so applicants from Vietnam often have to travel to the nearest location or make arrangements within Australia).
The MTS concludes with a result of “Comparable to Australian Trade Certificate” if successful, which serves as a basis for a visa application.
ATS — Australian Technical Skills Assessment
ATS is for tradespeople already working in Australia on a temporary visa. The assessment takes place at the actual workplace — TRA sends an assessor to observe and interview the applicant directly.
The advantage of ATS: there is no separate theory test under exam conditions; your competency is assessed in a real working environment. The condition: you must be working in the occupation in Australia and have an employer who cooperates during the assessment.
Offshore Assessment
TRA can also conduct an assessment outside Australia under an “offshore” arrangement in certain special cases. This is currently carried out mainly in the Philippines through TRA-recognised partners. Applicants from Vietnam who wish to take this pathway usually have to travel to Manila.
Which occupations does TRA assess?
TRA assesses most Certificate III–IV level trade occupations within the AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework). Occupations that are common among applicants from Vietnam include:
- Electrician (341111): Installation and maintenance of domestic and industrial electrical systems
- Plumber (334111): Water supply and drainage, gas, fire protection
- Welder (322313): MIG/TIG/stick welding and other welding processes
- Carpenter (331212): House framing and interior finishing
- Motor Mechanic (321211): Servicing and repair of motor vehicles
- Refrigeration Mechanic (342111): Installation and maintenance of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems
- Plumber, industrial pipework (334113/334116): Several classification codes by field
ANZSCO version: the plumber code
334116is the ANZSCO 2022 version (used by the CSOL → visas 482/186); under ANZSCO 2013 (MLTSSL/STSOL → visas 189/190/491) the code is334111. An ANZSCO code is a classification, not by itself visa eligibility — see Plumber migration to Australia.
Check the TRA website and the CSOL to confirm whether your specific occupation is eligible.
Cost and timeframe
TRA fees vary by occupation and assessment pathway — check the TRA website for the current fees. Fees typically include a registration fee, a theory assessment fee, and a separate practical assessment fee.
Processing time: from lodging your registration to completing the assessment and receiving the result usually takes 3–6 months. Part of the timeframe depends on the assessment schedule of the centre and the region.
A positive result is valid for 3 years.
What to prepare before registering with TRA
English ability: The MTS theory test is in English. TRA does not prescribe a minimum IELTS/PTE score to take the assessment, but you need enough ability to read and understand technical questions in English (with many trade terms). Achieving at least IELTS 4.5–5.0 before registering is advisable.
Work experience: TRA requires at least 3 years of experience in the occupation after completing formal training (an apprenticeship or equivalent). Documentation proving your experience is needed for the registration.
Qualification documents: Trade qualifications, trade certificates, or evidence of completing an apprenticeship — all need certified English translations.
For detailed guidance on the TRA documents, see the guide on what to prepare for a TRA application.