Speech Pathology Association of Australia (SPA)
SPA was first established and recognised in 1949 before it grew to be a well-known association. It was settled as the Australian College of Speech Therapist to regulate and standardise the skills and qualifications of the profession. For individuals who wish to become a member of this Association are required to have acquired their qualification from an accredited Australian University and enrolled in a course recommended by the Association. Becoming a part of this Association may be beneficial to members who wish to develop a better public relation besides having access to latest information and practice services in their field of interest. In addition, the Association is recognised by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relation as an authorising authority. It has the discretion of assessing and evaluating the skills and qualifications of applicants who wish to apply for skilled migration to Australia.
SPA roles and responsibilities:
· Regulating and controlling the clinical and ethical standards of its members;
· Providing the best opportunities for members who wish to have access to the latest information and knowledge in their field of profession;
· Assessing and evaluating the qualifications of overseas applicants;
· Distributing the key professional positions among its members;
· Providing lobby and advocacy activities to represent the patients with difficulties; and
· Delivering relevant services.
The list of occupations assessed by SSSI can be found below:
| Number | Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Assessing Authority |
| 1 | Speech Pathologist | 252712 | SPA |
Skill Assessment Procedure for migration:
Overseas professionals that choose to pursue their career in Australia and migrate are needed to have their qualification and skills assessed with Australian standards. Applicants must meet the requirements and provide the required documents.
|
| YES | NO |
| Are you a registered professional in Australia? | You are qualified to practice in Australia. | You are not qualified to practice in Australia. |
| Have you received your qualification from an accredited University/College in Australia or New Zealand? | You are not required to be assessed. | You are required to have your qualification and skills assessed by the relevant authority. |
| Are you required to be submitted for assessment? | Documents required:
· Certificate or a degree, in original language and a certified copy of an official English translation, if applicable. · Certified copy of your identification. · Official transcript, in original language and a certified copy of an official English translation, if applicable. · Evidence of supervised teaching practice. · Evidence of membership, in the relevant association, if applicable. · Evidence of employment, from graduation to presernt. · Evidence of registration/ license, if applicable. · Assessment form, and · Evidence of English proficiency**. |
|
** English proficiency, applicant who has acquired his/her qualification from a non-English speaking country, is required to sit for IELTS examination. It is essential to achieve a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening).
The English proficiency test required for assessment is IELTs, however, other English examinations like TOFEL iBT may also be accepted by the relevant authoritiy.
Below is the table of score comparison between English Proficiency examinations:
| Listening | Speaking | Reading | Writing | Total Score | |||||
| IELTS | TOFEL iBT | IELTS | TOFEL iBT | IELTS | TOFEL iBT | IELTS | TOFEL iBT | IELTS | TOFEL iBT |
| 9.0 | 30 | 9.0 | 30 | 9.0 | 30 | 9.0 | 30 | 9.0 | 118-120 |
| 8.5 | 29 | 8.5 | 28-29 | 8.5 | 29 | 8.5 | 30 | 8.5 | 115-117 |
| 8.0 | 28 | 8.0 | 26-27 | 8.0 | 29 | 8.0 | 30 | 8.0 | 110-114 |
| 7.5 | 27 | 7.5 | 24-25 | 7.5 | 27-28 | 7.5 | 29 | 7.5 | 102-109 |
| 7.0 | 24-26 | 7.0 | 23 | 7.0 | 24-26 | 7.0 | 27-28 | 7.0 | 94-101 |
| 6.5 | 20-23 | 6.5 | 20-22 | 6.5 | 19-23 | 6.5 | 24-26 | 6.5 | 79-93 |
| 6.0 | 12-19 | 6.0 | 18-19 | 6.0 | 13-18 | 6.0 | 21-23 | 6.0 | 60-78 |
| 5.5 | 7-11 | 5.5 | 16-17 | 5.5 | 8-12 | 5.5 | 18-20 | 5.5 | 46-59 |
| 5.0 | 4-6 | 5.0 | 14-15 | 5.0 | 4-7 | 5.0 | 14-17 | 5.0 | 35-45 |
| 4.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 12-13 | 4.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 12-13 | 4.5 | 32-34 |
| <=4 | 0-2 | <=4 | 0-11 | <=4 | 0-2 | <=4 | 0-11 | <=4 | 0-31 |
Assessment of overseas qualification is a complex and time consuming procedure. It may take up to 8 weeks for the process to take place. After completion of the assessment a Letter of Assessment is received by the applicant. The received qualification is useful to assist:
· Migration officers to determine the suitability of the applicant for migration under the General Skilled Migration Categories;
· Registration as a Speech Pathologist with SPA; and
· Eligibility for relevant jobs.
For further information as to fees and assessments please contact us.
Here is the list of links that may be useful:
Immigration