Yes, a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is mandatory for certain engineers who wish to migrate to Australia and do not have their qualifications accredited by a body recognized under agreements such as the Washington Accord. Here’s when and why a CDR is necessary for engineers:
1. Engineers with Non-Accredited Qualifications
- Non-Washington Accord Degrees : Engineers whose degrees are from countries or institutions not recognized by the Washington Accord or similar international accreditation agreements need to submit to a CDR writer . This report provides Engineers Australia with the necessary information to assess whether their skills and knowledge meet Australian engineering standards.
2. Engineers Seeking Skilled Migration Visas
- Visa Requirements : For engineers looking to migrate under general skilled migration visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), or Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), a CDR is often required if they don’t possess a recognized qualification.
3. Purpose of the CDR
- Skill Assessment : The CDR is used to demonstrate the applicant’s engineering knowledge and competencies through detailed reports on their education, projects, and roles. It’s a way to ensure that engineers who want to work in Australia can apply their skills effectively in the Australian context.
4. Content of the CDR
- Three Career Episodes : These are detailed accounts of key projects or work experiences that illustrate the applicant’s engineering skills.
- Summary Statement : This document maps out how the projects described in the Career Episodes fulfill the competency standards required by Engineers Australia.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) : This lists all relevant activities undertaken by the applicant to keep up-to-date with advancements in their field.
Conclusion
A CDR report is indeed mandatory for engineers whose qualifications are not recognized by Australian standards or those covered by international agreements like the Washington Accord. It serves as a detailed showcase of their competence and is essential for their skill assessment for migration purposes. The CDR helps Engineers Australia ensure that all practicing engineers in Australia maintain a high standard of professionalism and are well-equipped to contribute to the engineering sector effectively.
