ACWA – Skills Assessment for Community and Welfare Professionals
Migration Skills Assessment for Community Workers, Welfare Workers, Case Managers, Counsellors & More
The Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) is the official assessing authority for a number of community services, welfare, case management, counselling, and social support occupations under Australia’s Skilled Migration Program.
A positive ACWA skills assessment is required for those applying for skilled visas such as 189, 190, 491, and in some cases employer-sponsored visas.
ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides structured guidance to help community and welfare professionals understand ACWA requirements and prepare a compliant skills assessment submission.
Who Needs an ACWA Skills Assessment?
ACWA assesses a range of occupations in the community services and welfare sector, including:
Welfare Worker
Professionals providing welfare support and assistance services
Community Worker
Workers supporting community development and engagement
Case Manager
Professionals managing individual client cases and support plans
Case Worker
Workers providing direct case support and coordination
Youth Worker
Professionals working with young people and youth services
Family Support Worker
Workers providing support to families in need
Community Services Specialist
Specialists in community services program delivery
Disabilities Services Officer
Officers supporting people with disabilities
Housing Officer
Professionals managing housing and accommodation services
Counsellor (Specific Streams Assessed by ACWA)
Counsellors in specific community services streams
If your professional background is within community development, welfare support, counselling, youth services, or case management, ACWA is likely your assessing authority.
ACWA Assessment Requirements
ACWA focuses heavily on qualification relevance, field placement, and practical experience.
1. A Relevant Qualification
Your qualification must be:
- Equivalent to an Australian Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor or higher in Community Services, Welfare, Social Sciences, Youth Work, Counselling or related fields
- From a recognised institution
- Closely aligned with the nominated occupation
2. Field Education / Practical Placement
One of the most important ACWA requirements.
Applicants must show evidence of:
- At least 400 hours of supervised fieldwork placement
- Placement completed as part of the academic program
- Placement directly related to community or welfare practice
Documentation may include:
- Placement logbooks
- Supervisor reports
- Letters from the host organisation
- Course curriculum confirming placement requirement
3. Employment Evidence (If Using Experience)
For applicants relying partly on work experience, ACWA requires:
- Employment reference letters
- Detailed job descriptions
- Payslips
- Contracts
- Evidence of community services duties
Experience must be closely related to:
- Case management
- Client support
- Assessment & referral
- Community development
- Counselling
- Advocacy
- Welfare services
4. English Language Requirement (If Applicable)
Applicants from certain countries must submit English test results (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL).
Requirements vary depending on qualification and occupation.
Documents Required for ACWA Skills Assessment
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Photo
- Name change documents (if any)
Qualification Documents
- Degree or diploma certificate
- Academic transcript
- Course description / syllabus
- Field placement reports and logbooks
- Evidence of placement hours and supervision
Employment Documents (If Submitting Experience)
- Employer reference letters
- Payslips
- Position descriptions
- Bank statements (salary deposits)
- Work contracts
Other Supporting Documents
- CV/Resume
- Professional memberships (if any)
ACWA Skills Assessment Process – Step by Step
Determine Qualification Relevance
Applicants evaluate whether their qualification aligns with ACWA’s community services criteria. We provide guidance so applicants understand how their degree matches ACWA standards.
Prepare Placement Evidence
ACWA places strong emphasis on proof of field education. We explain how to compile:
- Placement supervisor reports
- Logbooks
- Host organisation letters
- Course documents confirming placement requirements
Prepare Employment Documents (If Applicable)
Applicants including professional experience must prepare clear evidence of welfare or community services work. We explain how to prepare reference letters with detailed role descriptions aligned to ACWA expectations.
Submit Online Application
Applicants complete the ACWA portal application and upload documents in line with ACWA assessment requirements.
Assessment & Verification
ACWA reviews:
- Qualification equivalency
- Placement evidence
- Employment experience
- English language ability (if required)
Outcome Issued
A positive ACWA outcome confirms:
- Your qualification meets academic and practical requirements
- Your experience aligns with Australian community services standards
- You are eligible to nominate a community/welfare occupation for skilled migration
Common Reasons ACWA Applications Are Refused
Insufficient field placement hours
ACWA requires a minimum of 400 hours of supervised fieldwork placement. Applications with fewer hours or inadequate documentation will be refused.
Placement not relevant to community or welfare practice
Field placements must be directly related to community services, welfare, or related practice areas. Placements in unrelated fields will not be accepted.
Qualification not comparable to Australian standards
Your qualification must be equivalent to an Australian Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor or higher in Community Services, Welfare, or related fields.
Employment duties not aligned with ACWA roles
If submitting employment evidence, your work duties must clearly demonstrate community services, welfare, case management, or related responsibilities.
Missing supervisor documentation
Field placements must include proper supervisor reports and documentation. Missing or incomplete supervisor evidence will result in refusal.
English requirement not met
If required, you must provide valid English language test results that meet ACWA’s specified standards.
Incomplete or inconsistent documents
All required documents must be complete, consistent, and properly certified. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation will delay or prevent assessment.
Because ACWA is strict about placement and course relevance, applicants benefit from understanding requirements clearly before lodging.
How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports ACWA Applicants
Clarifying Qualification & Placement Requirements
Explaining ACWA standards and how your qualification aligns with them.
Document Preparation Guidance
Explaining how to prepare transcripts, placement evidence, supervisor reports, and employment documentation.
Support in Preparing Reference Letters
Explaining how to structure community services reference letters that reflect accurate duties.
Application Lodgement Support
Guiding applicants through the ACWA portal and submission steps.
Guidance for Requests for Further Information (RFI)
Explaining how to respond if ACWA asks for additional documents.
Post-Assessment Skilled Visa Planning
Providing guidance on skilled visas, including 189, 190, 491, based on your outcome.
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