The SkillSelect program was devised to assess applicants with skills under a point-based system so that migrants with the right skills can be selected. The applicants are given points under the following criteria:
Age– Scores are given based on the age group the applicant belongs to.  Those between the ages of 25 and 32 score the most points while those above 45 do not gain any points.
English language proficiency- Applicants are required to take the IELTS test.  If you score 8 bands or more, you get 20 points.
Skilled employment-If you have experience in a skilled occupation that is listed in the Skilled Occupations List you will get points based on the years of experience.
Educational qualification-Points are given based on your highest educational qualification. To get points, your qualification must be related to your nominated occupation.
Australian qualifications– You can get five points if you have an Australian qualification from an Australian educational institute.  You should have done the course from an Australian institute while you were in Australia. And you should have studied for at least two years.
Regional study- You can gain an additional 5 points if you have lived and studied in regional Australia in a place with a low population.
Community language skills– You will gain another 5 points if you have translator/ interpreter level skills in one of the country’s community languages.
Spouse/partner skills and qualifications- If you have included your spouse/partner in the application and he/she is not an Australian resident/citizen, then their skills are eligible to be counted towards your total points
Professional year- You will stand to gain another 5 points if you have completed a Professional Year in Australia in the last five years.