Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)
Your first step in the Job Ready Program. The PSA verifies your Australian trade qualification and grants you provisional recognition from TRA.
What is the Provisional Skills Assessment?
The Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA) is the entry point into the Job Ready Program. It is an evaluation conducted by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) that reviews your Australian trade qualification and work experience evidence to determine if you are ready to enter the workplace monitoring phase (JRE).
A positive PSA outcome means TRA has provisionally recognised your qualification and believes you have the foundational knowledge to work in your nominated trade in Australia. It does not mean you have a full skills assessment — that comes later through the JRWA and JRFA stages.
The PSA currently costs $130 in TRA application fees. This is the most affordable stage of the program, and most well-prepared applications succeed on their first attempt.
Documents Required for PSA
- Certified copies of your Australian trade qualification (AQF Certificate III or above)
- Academic transcripts from your RTO showing all units of competency completed
- Proof of enrolment and completion — letters from RTO
- Certified copies of your passport (photo page and visa page)
- Recent passport-sized photos
- English proficiency evidence (if required for your trade)
- Any overseas qualifications and work experience evidence (if applicable)
- Statutory declaration explaining your trade background
Important: All documents must be certified true copies. Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified NAATI translation. Failure to provide complete, correctly certified documents is the most common reason for PSA delays.
Common PSA Application Mistakes to Avoid
What Happens After Your PSA is Approved?
Once TRA issues your positive PSA outcome, you're ready to move to Stage 2. Here's what comes next:
Find a TRA-approved employer
Search the TRA employer register for businesses approved to employ JRP participants in your trade.
Register your employer with TRA
Both you and your employer need to complete TRA registration paperwork before employment hours can start counting.
Begin your JRE employment period
Start your minimum 12 months / 1,575 hours of supervised trade work. Your employer will submit progress reports to TRA.
PSA Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help with Your PSA Application?
Our MARA-registered agents prepare and review PSA applications every day. Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on your trade.