The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) has announced changes to its competence assessment process, which will include revised syllabuses and an enhanced assessment covering the Code of Standards, ethics, and professional behaviours.
The online competence assessment has been temporarily paused while the new arrangements are being implemented. Assessments are anticipated to resume from November 2026, subject to the completion of necessary arrangements and external dependencies.
Under the new system, candidates wishing to join an IAA-regulated organisation or establish their own will need to pass the competence assessment before proceeding with their application. This change aims to create a clearer and more efficient application journey.
The IAA states that the new arrangements are designed to better support advisers and candidates, strengthen assurance of competence, and improve the overall assessment experience. Details of upcoming assessment dates and timings for changes to the application journey will be published on the IAA website once confirmed.
Candidates planning to take Level 1, Level 2, and/or Level 3 assessments should review the new syllabuses and familiarise themselves with the revised arrangements, as all assessments will be delivered under the new system when they resume. Those who have already submitted an application will be contacted directly regarding their options.