I am just starting to do some research on getting a work visa for Australia. I've noticed lots of websites offering free assessments, and have even taken a few, but am curious as to how accurate and legite they are?? From these sites, it looks as if I can get a skilled visa, but I have no idea where to start. Any thoughts???

A skilled visa as in immigration?

If so try the immigration website.

http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/ski...quirements.htm

If a working holiday visa follow links under "Visiting Australia"

bbano, as you don't give examples of these websites it's impossible to comment on them. My immediate reaction though is to wonder why they're operating and what use they are if, as seems to be the case, they've given you "no idea where to start". To me the obvious place is the one Tassietwister has referenced - the Australian Department of Immigration.

Best place to start would be your local Austrlian Embassy. Remember that there are a lot of scumbags on the internet pretending to be official, authorized websites. But in the end they only want your money. They will tell you that you qualify for entry to Australia, but you actually are not.
I can tell you that - from my own experience - it is very hard to get into Australia if you don't qualify as a skilled worker (for a list, check the official website of the Australian Immigration Department or contact the Embassy). You need a sponsor in Australia who is willing to go through all the paperwork to prove that there is no Australian who can do the job.
And most companies don't do this unless you work in top management.

Thanks for all your comments I decided that these websites are probably not very legite..I've checked out the Australian Department of Immigration website as well and that seems to be more helpful. As an American, I cannot get a working holiday visa and I understand how difficult it is to get into Australia. Right now, I'm checking into the defacto partner visas..just thinking if I could get a skilled visa, I might have better luck with the job search. Thanks for the info and any other comments or suggestions would be appreciated!