AASW – Skills Assessment for Social Workers
Migration Skills Assessment for Qualified Social Workers in Australia
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the official assessing authority for social workers applying for skilled migration to Australia. A positive AASW skills assessment is required for visas such as 189, 190, 491, and can also support employer-sponsored opportunities.
AASW evaluates whether your qualification, field education (placement), and English proficiency meet Australian professional social work standards.
ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides guidance to help applicants understand AASW requirements and prepare a clear, well-structured application.
Who Needs an AASW Skills Assessment?
AASW assesses applicants intending to work in roles such as:
Social Worker
Professional social workers providing support and advocacy services
Child Protection Worker
Social workers specializing in child welfare and protection
Family Support Worker
Professionals supporting families in need of social services
Case Worker / Case Manager
Social workers managing individual client cases and support plans
Community Social Worker
Social workers serving community organizations and programs
Mental Health Social Worker
Specialists in mental health support and counselling
Youth Social Worker
Social workers focusing on youth services and development
School Social Worker
Social workers providing support in educational settings
Refugee & Settlement Support Worker
Social workers assisting refugees and new settlers
If your occupation is within the field of social work, AASW is your required assessing authority for skilled migration.
AASW Assessment Categories
AASW provides two main types of migration assessments:
1. Australian-Qualified Social Workers
For applicants who completed:
- An AASW-accredited Bachelor of Social Work, or
- A Master of Social Work (Qualifying) in Australia
This pathway focuses on verifying qualification and English proficiency.
2. Overseas-Qualified Social Workers
For applicants who completed social work qualifications outside Australia.
AASW evaluates:
- Qualification comparability to Australian social work degrees
- Field education requirements
- Course content relevance
- English language proficiency
AASW Requirements for Social Work Migration Assessment
1. Qualification Requirements
An approved social work qualification must include:
- Human behaviour & society
- Social work theories and frameworks
- Social policy
- Community development
- Research methods
- Practicum/field education
Overseas degrees must be equivalent to an Australian Bachelor or Master of Social Work.
2. Field Education / Practicum Requirement
This is one of the most critical AASW criteria.
Applicants must show:
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised social work field education
- Placement completed as part of the qualification
- Direct social work practice experience
- Supervision by a qualified social worker (or accepted equivalent)
Evidence may include:
- Placement logbooks
- Supervisor reports
- Placement completion certificates
- Host organisation letters
- Course outline confirming placement hours
3. English Language Proficiency
AASW requires English evidence unless the applicant meets exemption criteria.
Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET.
4. Professional Experience (If Submitted)
Employment is not mandatory but can support applications.
Relevant work includes:
- Case management
- Counselling
- Client assessment
- Advocacy
- Child protection
- Community support
Evidence must clearly show professional social work responsibilities.
Documents Required for an AASW Skills Assessment
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Photograph
- Name change documents (if applicable)
Qualification Documents
- Degree certificate (Bachelor/Master of Social Work)
- Academic transcripts
- Course description / syllabus
- Confirmation of field education hours
- Field placement evidence (supervisor reports, logbooks, certificates)
Employment Documents (If Applicable)
- Reference letters
- Job descriptions
- Payslips
- Contracts
- Letters verifying social work responsibilities
English Evidence
- Valid test results (unless exempt)
AASW Skills Assessment Process – Step by Step
Determine Qualification Comparability
AASW examines whether your social work qualification meets Australian standards. We explain how to interpret AASW criteria and how your qualification aligns with them.
Prepare Field Education Evidence
Field placement documentation must clearly show:
- Hours completed
- Type of placement
- Direct practice roles
- Supervisor details
- Assessment and reflection
Prepare Academic and Course Documents
Applicants provide transcripts and course descriptions. We clarify how to organise these documents to demonstrate learning outcomes.
Prepare Employment Evidence (If Used)
For applicants submitting employment evidence, we explain how to prepare reference letters that reflect genuine social work duties.
Submit Application to AASW
Applicants complete the migration assessment via the online AASW portal with all required uploads.
AASW Assessment & Verification
AASW reviews:
- Academic equivalency
- Field education compliance
- Professional experience (if provided)
- English proficiency
Receive Outcome Letter
A positive AASW outcome confirms that:
- Your qualification is comparable
- Your field education meets AASW standards
- You are eligible to be assessed as a social worker for skilled migration
Common Reasons AASW Applications Are Refused
Insufficient or missing placement hours
AASW requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised field education. Applications with fewer hours or inadequate documentation of placement hours will be refused.
Qualifications not equivalent to Australian social work degrees
Your qualification must be comparable to an Australian Bachelor or Master of Social Work in terms of curriculum, duration, and content.
Placement supervision not meeting AASW standards
Field placements must be supervised by qualified social workers or accepted equivalents. Inadequate supervision documentation will result in refusal.
English results not meeting criteria
Unless exempt, you must provide valid English language test results that meet AASW’s specified standards.
Unsupported employment claims
If submitting employment evidence, it must be properly documented with reference letters, job descriptions, and evidence of social work responsibilities.
Incomplete academic documentation
Complete academic transcripts, course descriptions, and evidence of all qualifications are essential for AASW to evaluate your application.
Degree too general (e.g., sociology/psychology without clear social work components)
Degrees in related fields like sociology or psychology without specific social work training and field education do not meet AASW requirements.
AASW is one of the strictest assessing bodies, particularly regarding field placements.
How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports AASW Applicants
Guidance on Qualification & Placement Criteria
Explaining how your qualification aligns with AASW requirements.
Document Preparation Guidance
Clarifying how to prepare transcripts, course outlines, placement reports, and supervisor letters.
Support in Preparing Employment References
Explaining how to structure references that reflect genuine social work practice.
Application Lodgement Guidance
Providing support for completing the AASW online assessment.
RFI Guidance
Explaining how to respond if AASW requests additional documents.
Post-Assessment Visa Strategy
Explaining skilled visa options such as 189, 190, and 491 for social workers.
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