Update (October 2026)
This is a 2017 news item. Engineers Australia still accepts PTE Academic, IELTS and TOEFL iBT results for its migration skills assessment, but its English rules, minimum scores and fees have changed since 2017. Check the current Engineers Australia Migration Skills Assessment booklet before you book a test, and see our Engineers Australia skills assessment guide (updated with 2026 to 2027 fees).
From 1st of November 2017:
From the 1st of November 2017, Engineers Australia will accept the Pearson’s Test of English Academic (PTE Academic).
The minimum acceptable score is 50 in each of the 4 modules of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
The test result form must be less than 2 years old at the time of lodgement of the assessment application.
For now:
All applicants applying to have their skills assessed by Engineers Australia are required to provide an evidence of their English language competency in their application unless they are eligible for an exemption.
From 1 October 2017, if a suitable English Test result is not provided in the application at the time of lodgement, it will be requested by the assessor.
Failure to provide a suitable English Test Result within the imparted timeframe (usually 1 month) will result in the application being closed as unsuccessful.
Please include your English language test result in your application.
Please keep in mind the following:
- Suitable English Language Tests are TOEFL iBT, IELTS General, IELTS Academic
- Minimum scores in each modules are:
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | |
| Listening | 6.0 | 12 |
| Reading | 6.0 | 13 |
| Writing | 6.0 | 21 |
| Speaking | 6.0 | 18 |
- The test result must be less than 2 years old at the time of applications
Source: Engineers Australia
What this means in 2026
If you are an engineer planning to migrate, you may need English test results twice: once for your Engineers Australia skills assessment, and again for your visa application. The two requirements are separate, and the visa requirement is often higher if you want to claim points for English.
| Engineers Australia skills assessment | Skilled visa (189, 190, 491, 482, 186) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who sets the rules | Engineers Australia | Department of Home Affairs |
| Purpose | Shows you can work as an engineer in Australia | Meets the visa English requirement and can earn points |
| Accepted tests | PTE Academic, IELTS and TOEFL iBT (check the current booklet) | Tests accepted by Home Affairs, with updated test options and score equivalences since 7 August 2025 |
| Exemptions | Limited exemptions may apply (check the current booklet) | Passport holders of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland meet Competent English |
Next steps for engineers
- Choose your assessment pathway (Washington Accord, Sydney Accord, Dublin Accord or Competency Demonstration Report).
- Check the minimum English scores and test validity in the current Engineers Australia booklet before booking.
- Aim for the score you need for your visa as well, so you can use one test for both if it is still valid.
- Use our points test table to see how much a higher English score adds to your points.
Frequently asked questions
Does Engineers Australia accept PTE Academic?
Yes. Engineers Australia has accepted PTE Academic since 1 November 2017, along with IELTS and TOEFL iBT. Minimum scores and the maximum age of your result are set in the current Migration Skills Assessment booklet.
Is the English score for Engineers Australia the same as for my visa?
Not always. The skills assessment and the visa have separate English requirements. Many skilled visas need at least Competent English, and you can claim extra points for Proficient (10 points) or Superior (20 points) English.
Can I use the same English test for my skills assessment and my visa?
Often, yes, if the test is accepted by both Engineers Australia and Home Affairs, meets both score requirements and is still within its validity period when you lodge. Check the dates carefully, because a test that was valid for your assessment may have expired by the time you are invited to apply for a visa.
Where can I check the current Engineers Australia requirements?
Engineers Australia publishes its requirements in the Migration Skills Assessment booklet on its website. Our Engineers Australia skills assessment guide summarises the pathways and the 2026 to 2027 fees.
