Step-by-Step Guide to Passing a Skills Assessment as a Chef in Australia (2026)
Migration Skills Assessment with Trades Recognition Australia
Occupation: Chef
Qualifications and Experience
If you're planning to migrate to Australia as a chef, passing your skills assessment is one of the most important steps in the process. Without it, you won’t be able to move forward with most skilled visa applications.
In this 2026 guide, you’ll learn exactly how to pass your chef skills assessment, including requirements, documents, timelines, real tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is a Chef Skills Assessment in Australia?
A skills assessment is an official evaluation of your qualifications and work experience to ensure they meet Australian standards.
For chefs, this is usually conducted through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), which assesses whether your experience matches the occupation:
Chef (ANZSCO 351311)
Step 1: Confirm You Are Applying Under the Right Occupation
Many applicants get rejected simply because they apply under the wrong occupation.
To qualify as a Chef, your role must include:
Menu planning
Supervising kitchen staff
Food preparation at a professional level
If your duties are basic, you may be assessed as a cook instead.
Step 2: Check the Requirements (2026 Updated)
To pass your chef skills assessment, you generally need:
A relevant qualification (Certificate III, Diploma, or equivalent)
At least 3–5 years of work experience
Experience that reflects real chef responsibilities
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents (Most Important Step)
This is where most applicants fail, not because of skills, but because of poor documentation.
Required Documents:
CV/Resume
Passport (passport size)
Proof of Identity
Change of name (If you have changed your legal name)
Qualifications evidence
Employment reference letters
Statutory Declaration (If certain information cannot be provided in official documents, you may submit a Statutory Declaration instead)
Application fee
Your employment reference letters must clearly include:
Issue date for the Statement of Service
Company letterhead
Your full name
Hours worked per week
Your job title (Chef, not kitchen hand)
Exact employment dates (start and finish) of each position held
Exact duties
Salary earned
Company contact details, must include: referee’s full name, job title, official contact details, and signature. References from colleagues at the same level or below are not accepted, and referees may be contacted for verification.
For more detailed information about the documents needed for a Skills Assessment, please visit:
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once your documents are ready:
Complete your application online
Upload all documents
Pay the assessment fee
Step 5: Complete the Technical Interview or Practical Assessment
Depending on your pathway, you may need to complete:
A technical interview, or
A practical cooking assessment
This is where assessors evaluate your real skills.
What they look for:
Food preparation techniques
Kitchen hygiene and safety
Time management
Understanding of ingredients and cooking methods
Step 6: Processing Time (2026)
Typical timelines:
8–12 weeks (can vary)
Possible outcomes:
Successful
Unsuccessful
Request for more information
Step 7: Use Your Skills Assessment for Migration
Once successful, you can:
Apply for a skilled visa
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Increase your migration points
How Much Does a Chef Skills Assessment Cost?
Costs vary depending on the pathway, but generally range between:
AUD $1,000 – $3,000+
Additional costs may include:
Document translation
Practical assessments
Reassessments if required
Passing your chef skills assessment in Australia is not just about experience, it’s about how well you present your experience.
A strong application with clear documentation and proper preparation can make the difference between rejection and success.
Need Help With Your Skills Assessment?
Contact us if you want to increase your chances of success, getting professional guidance can save you time, money, and stress.