Frequently Asked Questions about the CDR process

Want to migrate to Australia but have a lot of questions in mind about the process? Here is a list of common questions about the CDR process.

1. What is a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR)?

A Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is a document that an engineer needs to prepare and submit to Engineers Australia (EA). It helps demonstrate that an engineer has the essential skills and knowledge to be registered as a professional engineer in Australia. 

The CDR includes information about the engineer’s education, work experience, and professional development, as well as three career episodes that describe specific engineering projects or tasks the engineer has worked on.

2. How do I get started with preparing my CDR?

To get started with preparing your CDR, you should first read and familiarize yourself with the CDR guidelines provided by EA. These guidelines outline the information that needs to be included in the CDR and the format in which it should be presented. 

You should then gather all the relevant information about your education, work experience, and professional development, and begin writing the career episodes that describe specific engineering projects or tasks that you have worked on.

3. What information should I include in my CDR?

The CDR should include information about your education, work experience, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD), as well as three distinct career episodes that describe specific engineering projects or tasks you have worked on. 

The CDR should also include a summary statement that outlines your engineering skills and knowledge and explains how you meet the competency standards for registration as a professional engineer in Australia.

4. What is a summary statement in a CDR?

A summary statement in a CDR is a short paragraph that outlines an engineer’s engineering skills and knowledge and explains how they meet the competency standards for registration as a professional engineer in Australia. 

The summary statement should highlight the engineer’s key skills and accomplishments and provide examples of how they have applied their engineering knowledge in practice.

5. What are career episodes in a CDR?

Career episodes in a CDR are detailed descriptions of specific engineering projects or tasks that an engineer has worked on. Each career episode should describe the context, the engineer’s role, and the results or achievements of the project or task. 

Career episodes should be written clearly and concisely, and should use appropriate engineering terminology and language. 

6. What is an ANZSCO code in a CDR?

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is a system used to classify and describe occupations in Australia and New Zealand. 

ANZSCO codes are important for Competency Demonstration Reports (CDRs) because they are used to determine the relevant occupation for the CDR assessment. Engineers Australia uses ANZSCO codes to evaluate engineering professionals seeking immigration to Australia. 

7. What is a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record in a CDR?

A Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record in a CDR is a record of the professional development activities that an engineer has undertaken to maintain and enhance their engineering skills and knowledge. 

The CPD record should include a list of the activities that the engineer has participated in, as well as a description of how each activity has contributed to the engineer’s professional development. 

Here is a guide on how to write a perfect CPD  report.

8. What is a stage 1 competency assessment in the CDR process? 

Stage 1 Competency Assessment is the first step in the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) process for engineering professionals seeking to migrate to Australia. 

It is a preliminary assessment of an applicant’s engineering education, training, and work experience, including their thorough understanding of the body of engineering knowledge. Engineers seeking to migrate to Australia must take this assessment to determine their eligibility for a CDR assessment.

9. What is a stage 2 competency assessment in the CDR process?

The Stage 2 Competency Assessment in the CDR evaluates the comprehensive knowledge, skills, and abilities of engineers seeking to migrate to Australia. It tests broader abilities and qualities needed to practice engineering independently and ethically.

The assessment covers four main areas: 

• Personal commitment to the profession 
• Responsibility to the community, 
• Value in the workplace, and 
• Technical proficiency in the relevant engineering discipline.

10. What is the purpose of the CDR review process? 

The purpose of the CDR review process is to assess whether an engineer has the necessary skills and knowledge to be registered as a professional engineer in Australia. 

The CDR review process is conducted by EA, which is the national body responsible for regulating the engineering profession in Australia.

11. What to expect during the CDR review process?

During the CDR review process, EA will review the engineer’s CDR and assess whether the engineer has demonstrated the required competencies for registration as a professional engineer in Australia.

If the CDR is found to be inadequate, EA may request additional information or ask the engineer to resubmit the CDR for further review.

12. What are some tips for success in the CDR review process?

Some tips for success in the CDR review process include:

• Carefully read and follow the CDR guidelines provided by EA.
• Make sure to include all required information in the CDR.
• Ensure that the career episodes are well-written and clearly describe the engineer’s role and responsibilities on specific projects or tasks.
• Use appropriate engineering terminology and language in the CDR.
• Have the CDR proofread and edited by a professional to ensure it is error-free and easy to read.

13. How long does the CDR review process take?

The CDR review process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the engineer’s CDR and the workload of EA. It is important for engineers to allow sufficient time for the CDR review process and to plan accordingly.

14. What documents are needed by Engineer Australia for cdr assessment?

To apply for a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) assessment with Engineers Australia, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A completed CDR application form.
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV).
• Copies of all relevant engineering qualification documents, including transcripts and certificates.
• Evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable.
• A list of engineering work experience.
• Three Career Episodes, which are written accounts of specific engineering tasks or projects that you have completed.
• A Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Record.
• A Summary Statement which is a written statement outlining your engineering skills and knowledge.

15. Can I use my CDR for immigration purposes?

Yes, the CDR can be used for immigration purposes as part of the process of applying for a Skilled Migration visa to work as an engineer in Australia. 

The CDR demonstrates that an engineer has the necessary skills and knowledge to be registered as a professional engineer in Australia, which is a requirement for obtaining a Skilled Migration visa.

16. Which English Language Tests are acceptable by Engineers Australia?

Engineers Australia accepts several English language tests to demonstrate English language proficiency. These tests include: 

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Occupational English Test (OET).
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic.