DAA-FAQ

Updated on 18 Mar 2025

Can an assessment/examination result be appealed?
A formal appeal process has been established. Please go to Appeals Process page for further information. 

Can a migration agent certify documents?
No, to find out who is authorised see the list of Authorised Witnesses

Who can deal with DAA on my behalf?
DAA can discuss applications with other people (ie: a family member or other agent) if the applicant authorises DAA to do so. Attach a signed letter authorising the person (by name) to act as your agent.

Is there any funding assistance with the cost of either the assessment or examination fees?
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) seeks to help financially disadvantaged overseas trained professionals who are Australian citizens or permanent residents living in Australia to obtain recognition of their qualifications in Australia. For further information go to Australian Education International (AEI).

How long does an assessment of eligibility take?
An assessment can take up to six weeks from the receipt of your application and required documentation.

Is there a refund if an application for an assessment of eligibility is unsuccessful?
No, there is no refund if you fail the assessment process. 

Can DAA assist with applications for migration?
No, DAA staff do not give advice about migration issues. Contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. 

What can I do if it’s been greater than 3 years since I last practiced as a dietitian?
Candidates whose recency of practice is greater than 3 years are required to return to the country where they held a dietetic credential, re-claim that credential and undertake the minimum number of hours in a dietetic role. The role undertaken must meet the definition of dietetic practice as set out in DAA’s Dietitian Scope of Practice Framework.

Recency of practice break Minimum number of hours in a dietetic role to be undertaken in the country where a dietetic credential is held
3 years 600 hours
4 years 800 hours
5 years 1,000 hours
6 years 1,200 hours
7 years 1,400 hours
An additional 200 hours will be added for every additional years break from practice.

Demonstrated compliance with the required number of hours will result in a 12 months extension of eligibility to complete all 3 stages of the DSR pathway. For example, Jane qualified as a Dietitian in USA, but has not practiced in the US for 5 years. Jane must return to the USA, register as an RD and demonstrate a minimum of 1,000 hours in dietetic practice that meet the DAA Scope of Practice Framework. On completion of these hours, Jane has 12 months from her last day of practice in the US, to apply and pass both Stage 2 and 3 of the DSR pathway.

Can I work as a dietitian in the USA?
The recognised credential for dietitians in the US is ‘Registered Dietitian’ or ‘RD’. If you’re an APD hoping to work as a dietitian in the US, information about the process towards gaining RD status can be found on the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics website.

Licensing and registration requirements can differ between US States, the nutritionED.org website has some helpful information regarding registration/licensing requirements in each state, as well as job prospects for dietitians and nutritionists

When will DAA issue the Assessment of Dietetics Qualifications and Skills for Migration Purposes document?
When DAA has processed your application and verified that you have graduated from an accredited dietetics program. 

Do graduates of Australian accredited dietetic courses need to sit the Professional Exams in Dietetics?
No, DAA assesses your skills and qualifications for the purpose of migration on the basis of evidence submitted with your application. 

Do graduates of Australian accredited courses need to sit an English Language Test?
No, as long as you apply for skills assessment within two years of graduation. 

Can DAA conduct skills assessments for graduates of Australian degree courses not accredited by DAA?
No, DAA is an Assessing Authority for the assessment and recognition of dietetic qualifications only. 

When will DAA issue the Assessment of Dietetics Qualifications and Skills for Migration Purposes document?
Only after you have passed the written multiple choice question exam.

Which language tests does DAA accept?
Either the Academic Module of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET) in Dietetics. 

Does paid or voluntary dietetic experience count towards the practical placement requirement?
No, this requirement can only be met by completing a practical course/placement under supervision within your degree. 

Will DAA accept a 3 year sandwich course as the equivalent of a 4 year program?
If you can demonstrate that the academic content of your 3 year sandwich course matches the Australian guidelines in relation to science and nutrition content (as per the sample Australian dietetic program outline) the program may be assessed as meeting DAA’s eligibility criteria. All applications are considered individually. It is your responsibility to review the requirements of this criterion before lodging an application. 

Do you have to meet all the assessment criteria to be eligible to sit the exam?
Yes, candidates fail the assessment stage unless they meet all of the four criteria.

Can I work in Australia once I have been assessed as eligible to sit the exam?
Until you have passed both the oral and written exams you are not eligible for full membership of DAA or the Accredited Practising Dietitian Program. Eligibility for APD status is a prerequisite of many dietetic positions in Australia and APD status is required for a Medicare provider number and for provider status with many private health insurers. 

Is there an alternative to sitting the Professional Examinations in Dietetics?
Yes, graduate from an accredited dietetics course in Australia. 

Can an overseas educated dietitian apply to do an internship in Australia?
No, Australia does not have a dietetic internship system as some other countries do.

Does DAA conduct skills assessments for nutritionists who are not dietitians?
No, DAA only conducts skills assessments for either overseas trained dietitians or overseas residents who have graduated from an accredited dietetics course in Australia. We do not conduct skills assessments for nutritionists for the purpose of migration 

What is the difference between a ‘dietitian’ and a ‘nutritionist’?
In Australia, all dietitians are considered to be nutritionists however, nutritionists without a dietetics qualification cannot take on the specialised role of a dietitian. Please see ‘Dietitians in Australia’ for further information. 

Does DAA recognise dietetic qualifications gained in other countries?
Please refer to section on Mutual recognition. 

Where can I find out information regarding Migration programs?
DAA is unable to provide information on Migration programs. Your questions are best raised directly with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) who oversee these programs. 

Why is the occupation ‘Dietitian’ not on the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL)?
The SOL is targeting professions where there is an identified current or future shortage. Skills Australia, on behalf of the Government, has determined that there is no anticipated current or future shortage of dietetic graduates. With approximately 500 graduates per year in Australia this is likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future. If you are a current international student studying an accredited dietetics course please refer to Changes to general skilled migration program that may affect international students and contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) if you have any questions regarding migration