During VETASSESS’s recent webinar on DAMA Skills Assessment, many applicants were interested in topics such as work experience requirements, RPL qualifications, processing times, and documentation requirements for Australian work visas. Below is a summary of some of the questions answered by the VETASSESS expert team.
1. Is extra work experience required for the 482 (SID) visa?
No. For the Skills in Demand (SID/482) visa, the same period of employment can be used to satisfy both: the skills assessment requirement, and the visa work experience requirement.
For example, if your occupation requires one year of employment for the skills assessment, that same one year can also count toward the SID visa requirement.
However, this may differ for other visa pathways. For example, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa may require additional employment experience beyond the skills assessment requirement.
2. Does VETASSESS accept part-time or casual employment?
Yes. VETASSESS accepts both casual and part-time employment as long as the applicant works at least 20 hours per week.
If the work is less than full-time (38 hours per week), VETASSESS applies a pro-rata calculation. For example:
1 year full-time = 38 hours/week
Working 20 hours/week would require approximately 2 years to equal 1 year of full-time experience.
3. How does VETASSESS verify work experience?
VETASSESS assesses employment based on the documents provided by the applicant, including:
• Statements of service
• Employment contracts
• Supporting evidence
In some cases, VETASSESS may also:
• conduct a technical interview,
• contact the nominated referee, or
• request clarification regarding job duties.
Full-time employment is defined as 38 hours per week, while part-time employment must be at least 20 hours weekly to be considered.
4. Can multiple short employment periods be combined?
Yes. Applicants can combine multiple periods of employment if they:
• meet the total required duration, and
• satisfy the minimum working hours requirement.
For example, several different jobs may be combined to meet a one-year experience requirement.
However, very short employment periods, such as one month alone, are generally insufficient.
5. Are RPL qualifications accepted?
Yes. Qualifications obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are accepted if:
• the qualification has been fully completed,
• an official certificate and transcript have been issued.
VETASSESS may request additional evidence to verify the authenticity of the qualification and training provider.
Incomplete or in-progress RPL qualifications cannot be used for assessment.
6. Does work experience need to be gained after completing the qualification?
No. Under the DAMA assessment pathway, work experience can be obtained:
• before,
• during, or
• after completing a qualification.
This makes DAMA more flexible compared to some full skills assessment pathways that require post-qualification employment.
7. Can work experience used for RPL also count toward visa requirements?
Yes. If your qualification was obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), the same work experience may also be used to meet DAMA visa work experience requirements, provided it aligns with the nominated occupation and meets the required duration and working hours.
8. Is Year 12 equivalent to a Certificate II qualification?
No. Year 12 (secondary education) is not part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and cannot be used to meet a Certificate II requirement.
However, some DAMA occupations only require secondary education, so Year 12 may still be accepted depending on the occupation.
9. How long does a DAMA Skills Assessment take?
The standard processing time is typically 2–3 weeks. Applications may be processed faster if all required documents are submitted correctly and the application is decision-ready. DAMA assessments are generally completed more quickly than full skills assessments.
10. Are concessions or exemptions available under DAMA?
VETASSESS does not grant concessions or exemptions. Any concessions available under a DAMA agreement are determined by the Designated Area Representative (DAR) for the relevant region. VETASSESS is responsible only for assessing skills.
11. Is a skills assessment mandatory for DAMA employer sponsorship?
This depends on the requirements of the relevant DAMA region. While most occupations assessed by VETASSESS require a skills assessment, applicants should confirm the specific requirements directly with the relevant DAR.
12. Is self-employment accepted under DAMA?
Yes. Self-employed work experience can be considered under DAMA.
However, self-employment and employed work experience must be documented separately and supported by appropriate evidence for each period.
13. What if my previous overseas employer has closed down?
If your former employer is no longer operating, alternative evidence may be accepted, including:
• Employment contracts
• Promotion letters
• Bank statements
• Tax records
• Statutory declarations outlining your duties
All evidence should clearly demonstrate your position, duties, working hours, and period of employment.
Have questions about DAMA Skills Assessments, employer-sponsored visas or your eligibility?
Contact Skill Direct today for personalised guidance and an assessment of the pathway that best suits your circumstances!
