APS – Skills Assessment for Psychologists
Migration Skills Assessment for Overseas-Qualified Psychologists in Australia
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the authorised assessing body for psychologists applying for skilled migration to Australia. A positive APS skills assessment is required for skilled visas such as 189, 190, 491, and can also support employer-sponsored opportunities in mental health, clinical psychology, counselling and behavioural science.
APS evaluates whether your psychology qualification is comparable to an Australian psychology degree, and whether you meet the academic requirements needed to practice psychology or pursue further registration pathways in Australia.
ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides clear guidance to help applicants understand APS criteria and prepare a structured skills assessment application.
Who Needs an APS Skills Assessment?
A skills assessment through APS is required for applicants intending to migrate as:
Psychologist
General psychologists providing psychological services
Clinical Psychologist
Specialists in clinical psychology and mental health treatment
Educational & Developmental Psychologist
Psychologists specializing in learning and development
Counselling Psychologist
Specialists in counselling and therapeutic interventions
Organisational Psychologist
Psychologists working in workplace and organizational settings
Health Psychologist
Specialists in health behavior and wellness psychology
Sport & Exercise Psychologist
Psychologists specializing in sports performance and exercise
Community Psychologist
Psychologists working in community mental health settings
If your professional background is in psychology or a closely related field, APS is the designated body for migration skills assessment.
APS Assessment Criteria
APS assesses whether your overseas psychology qualifications are equivalent to at least a six-year sequence of education and training in psychology in Australia.
Australia’s psychology training framework typically includes:
- 3-year undergraduate degree in psychology
- 1-year accredited honours program
- 2 years of further accredited study (postgraduate coursework, supervised practice, or higher degree program)
To achieve a positive outcome, applicants must show that their qualifications meet equivalency in length, content, and psychological competencies.
Key Requirements for APS Skills Assessment
1. Psychology Qualification Equivalent to Australian Standards
Your qualification must contain:
- Scientific study of human behaviour
- Psychological assessment
- Research methods
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Learning, cognition, or biological bases of behaviour
- Developmental, social, and abnormal psychology
- Applied psychological practice
Qualifications must be from a recognised university and comparable in level to Australian programs.
2. Fourth Year or Postgraduate Requirement
APS requires evidence of advanced psychology training equivalent to:
- Honours year in psychology, or
- Accredited postgraduate psychology coursework
Applicants who hold only a three-year psychology degree generally do not meet the requirements unless they have completed additional recognised training.
3. Evidence of Practical Competencies (If Applicable)
Some psychology programs include practicum components. APS may require evidence of:
- Supervised practice
- Clinical hours
- Assessment & intervention experience
- Placement documentation
4. English Language Requirement
Applicants may need to meet English language requirements for visa purposes (e.g., IELTS/PTE/TOEFL), though APS itself may not require English test results for the skills assessment specifically.
Documents Required for APS Skills Assessment
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Photograph
- Name change documents (if applicable)
Qualification Documents
- Degree certificates (Bachelor, Honours, Masters, Doctoral)
- Academic transcripts
- Detailed course descriptions or syllabus
- Evidence of research thesis or major project
- Placement evidence (if applicable)
Professional Experience Documents (If Provided)
Although not mandatory, applicants may submit:
- Employer reference letters
- Job descriptions
- Payslips
- Supervision letters
APS Skills Assessment Process – Step by Step
Determine Qualification Equivalency
APS evaluates whether your qualifications meet Australian psychology training standards. We explain how to interpret APS equivalency criteria based on your academic background.
Prepare Academic Documents
Applicants gather transcripts, certificates, course outlines and thesis information. We explain how to structure and present these documents for clear comparison with APS criteria.
Prepare Placement or Supervision Evidence (If Required)
Applicants provide practicum documentation if their program included supervised practice. We explain how to prepare these documents to reflect psychological competencies.
Lodge the Application with APS
Applicants complete the APS online application and upload all required documentation.
APS Assessment & Verification
APS reviews:
- Level and length of study
- Psychology-specific content
- Research components
- Applied training and supervised practice
- Academic equivalency
Receive Outcome Letter
A positive APS outcome confirms:
- Your psychology qualifications meet Australian equivalence standards
- You are eligible to claim the occupation of Psychologist for skilled migration
Common Reasons APS Applications Are Refused
Qualification not equivalent to a 4th-year Australian psychology program
Your psychology qualification must be equivalent to at least a 4-year Australian psychology program, including an honours year or equivalent postgraduate study.
Three-year psychology degrees with no postgraduate study
A three-year undergraduate psychology degree alone does not meet APS requirements. You must have completed additional postgraduate training or an honours year.
Insufficient psychology-specific subjects
Your qualification must include comprehensive coverage of core psychology subjects including research methods, psychological assessment, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and applied practice.
Missing or incomplete academic documents
Complete academic transcripts, course descriptions, and evidence of all qualifications are essential for APS to evaluate equivalency.
Thesis or research component not meeting APS expectations
Honours or postgraduate programs must include a substantial research component or thesis that demonstrates research competency in psychology.
Practicum not supervised by a qualified psychologist
If your program included practicum or supervised practice, it must have been supervised by qualified psychologists and properly documented.
Curriculum lacking core psychological competencies
Your psychology program must cover all core competency areas required by Australian psychology training standards, including scientific foundations, assessment, ethics, and applied practice.
APS has very strict academic criteria, and most refusals relate to insufficient academic depth rather than employment history.
How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports APS Applicants
Guidance on Qualification Requirements
Explaining how your overseas psychology degree compares to Australian standards.
Document Preparation Guidance
Clarifying how to prepare transcripts, course outlines, research components, and practicum documents.
Support in Preparing Professional References
Explaining how to structure reference letters if submitting employment information.
Application Lodgement Guidance
Providing support for completing the APS online submission process.
RFI Guidance
Explaining how to respond if APS requests additional or clarifying documents.
Post-Assessment Visa Planning
Explaining skilled migration options for psychologists, including 189, 190, and 491.
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