How to create an impactful summary statement for your skills assessment: Example and key tips

Imagine writing your three Career Episodes with dedication… only to have all that effort overlooked because the assessor couldn’t identify where you demonstrated each competency. Yes, your Summary Statement is that crucial—it's the roadmap that guides the assessor to the evidence that proves you’re ready to work as an engineer in Australia.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to build a powerful, clear, and fully aligned Summary Statement that meets Engineers Australia’s standards. And yes, we’ll also share a real-life example to inspire you.

What is the Summary Statement and why is it so important?

The Summary Statement is a mandatory document for those applying for a Skills Assessment through the Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) pathway. Its purpose is simple: to prove that you meet the 16 competencies required by Engineers Australia, organised into three key areas:

• PE1: Technical and theoretical knowledge

• PE2: Practical application of engineering

• PE3: Personal and professional skills

  
  

And it's not enough to simply mention them. You must clearly indicate in which paragraphs of your Career Episodes (e.g., 2.4 or 3.7) you demonstrated each competency. This document translates your professional experience into the language of Australian assessment. Without it, your application is incomplete.

🛠️ Step-by-step: How to build your Summary Statement without mistakes

1. 📄 Download the correct template:

You must use the official Engineers Australia format according to your occupational category:

• Professional Engineer

• Engineering Technologist

• Engineering Associate

2. 🔢 Number the paragraphs in your Career Episodes:

Before filling in your Summary Statement, make sure every paragraph in your episodes is numbered using the proper format: (1.1), (2.3), (3.7), etc. This allows you to reference them precisely in your document.

3. 🎯 Link each competency to specific examples:

Each competency should include:

✅ A short sentence summarising how you demonstrated it✅ The paragraph numbers where the skill is evident

Real example:PE1.3 — I applied my in-depth knowledge of thermodynamics during the design of the cooling system for the fermentation plant (1.4), (1.7), (2.6).

⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid falling into these traps:

🚫 Repeating the same paragraphs for multiple competencies

🚫 Using vague phrases like “I used engineering skills” without context

🚫 Leaving any competency blank (you must cover ALL of them)

🚫 Poor translation or non-technical English

🚫 Referencing paragraphs that don’t exist in your Career Episodes

Each mistake can cost you time, money, or even your assessment result. That’s why at SkillsPRO and Entrelingo, we carefully review every Summary Statement before submission.

💡 Key tips for a successful Summary Statement

✔ Be clear and concise. It’s not about writing more—it’s about writing what matters.

✔ Use technical language, but make it understandable. You’re showing your capabilities as an engineer, not as a student or assistant.

✔ Align your writing with the ANZSCO code of your occupation. Show you understand what’s expected.

✔ If in doubt, ask for help. Even a small error can delay the entire process.

🧭 How do you know if you're on the right track?

Ask yourself:

• Am I referencing the correct paragraphs?

• Does each competency have a specific and distinct example?

• Am I using the right technical English?

• Could the assessor understand my role without reading the full Career Episode?

  
  

If you're unsure about any answer, it's best to revise. And if you want extra confidence, we can help at SkillsPRO.

Our services include:

✔️ Review and preparation of all required documents.

✔️ NAATI-certified translations of your academic and relevant documents.

✔️ Comprehensive guidance on what documents are essential for your specific occupation.

✔️ Review of employment reference letters to ensure they meet VETASSESS requirements.

✔️ Free consultation to help you understand your case and provide the best options – Book your free consultation here

Your Summary Statement is more than just a requirement—it’s the piece that transforms your experience into solid proof that you're ready to practise engineering in Australia. Taking the time to write it clearly, strategically, and with technical accuracy is a powerful step toward your professional future. If you need support to ensure your document meets Engineers Australia’s standards, remember that at SkillsPRO and Entrelingo, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

If you want more information about the Skills Assessment process, migration, or simply want to connect with other professionals, we invite you to join our WhatsApp group "Latinos Profesionales en Australia" 🇦🇺. Share experiences, ask questions, and find support on your path to residency in Australia. You can also join our Facebook group here.