What is the format of CDR Australia?

kelly040690

If you’re an engineer seeking Australian skilled migration, understanding the format of CDR Australia is critical. A Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is required by Engineers Australia (EA) to assess whether your engineering qualifications and experience align with Australian standards.

This report showcases your knowledge, skills, and practical experience, especially if your degree is not accredited under the Washington Accord.

Overview of the CDR Report Format

The CDR report consists of three core parts, each serving a specific purpose in proving your engineering competencies:

1. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

2. Three Career Episodes

3. Summary Statement

Each section must be original, well-written, and formatted according to Engineers Australia’s latest Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) booklet.

Part 1 – Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The CPD section lists your efforts to stay up-to-date in your engineering field after graduation.

✅ Purpose of CPD:

To demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and skill enhancement.

📝 Format:

Use a tabular format with the following columns:

• Keep it brief and factual

• Do not exceed one A4 page

Part 2 – Three Career Episodes

Each Career Episode (CE) is a narrative report of your personal engineering experience from real-life projects.

📚 Writing Style:

• Use first-person active voice (“I designed…”, “I calculated…”)

• Focus on your personal role, not your team’s work

✍️ Word Count:

Each CE should be between 1,000–2,500 words

🎯 Use the STAR Method:

• Situation: What was the context?

• Task: What were you assigned?

• Action: What did you do?

• Result: What was the outcome?

Structure of Each Career Episode

1. Introduction (approx. 100 words)

• Dates and duration

• Name of the organization

• Your job title

2. Background (200–500 words)

• Project context and objectives

• Organizational structure

• Your specific responsibilities

3. Personal Engineering Activity (700–1,500 words)

• How you applied engineering knowledge

• Problem-solving and technical decisions

• Use of tools, software, and standards

• Collaboration and leadership (if applicable)

4. Summary (50–150 words)

• Your overall contribution

• Project outcome and lessons learned

Part 3 – Summary Statement

The Summary Statement (SS) is a cross-reference table that links your Career Episodes to EA’s competency elements.

🔗 You must:

• Download EA’s Summary Statement Template

• Use codes like PE1.1, PE2.2, etc.

• Reference exact paragraph numbers in your Career Episodes

Example:

Formatting Guidelines for the Entire CDR

• Language: Must be written in English

• File Type: Use MS Word or PDF

• Font: Clear fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, size 11–12

• Line Spacing: 1.15 or 1.5

• Margins: Standard (1 inch or 2.54 cm)

📌 Important: Each document (CPD, Career Episodes, Summary Statement) should be saved separately.

CDR Submission Guidelines and File Types

When submitting via EA’s online portal, ensure:

• File names are clear (e.g., CPD_John_Doe, CE1_ProjectName)

• Documents are non-scanned text-based PDFs

• Attach academic transcripts, ID, resume, and reference letters

Tips for Writing a Successful CDR

✅ Do:

• Use clear and technical language

• Focus on your individual contribution

• Include project outcomes, metrics, and results

❌ Don’t:

• Copy from sample reports (EA uses plagiarism software)

• Exceed word limits unnecessarily

• Use vague or team-oriented language

📌 Use plagiarism check tools like Turnitin or Grammarly before submission.

FAQs About the Format of CDR Australia

1. How many pages should a complete CDR report be?

Typically 25–35 pages including all sections and attachments.

2. Can I write all Career Episodes about one project?

No, use three distinct projects to showcase varied competencies.

3. Is there a template for Summary Statement?

Yes, Engineers Australia provides downloadable templates for each occupational category.

4. Can I submit my CDR in scanned format?

No. EA requires editable PDFs or Word documents.

5. Do I include technical drawings or charts?

Optional. If included, they should enhance your personal technical contribution.

6. Should I mention software/tools used?

Yes! It adds technical depth and shows hands-on expertise.

Conclusion: Master the Format for a Successful CDR

Understanding the correct CDR Australia format is the first step toward a successful skills assessment and PR application. Follow EA’s guidelines, structure your report professionally, and always focus on originality and clarity.

Need help preparing your CDR the right way?