The ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) is structured in five hierarchical levels i.e. major group, sub-major group, minor group, unit group and occupation. The most detailed level of the classification is called occupation which is denoted by 6 digits, e.g. 142111 Retail Manager. A set of occupations are aggregated together to form a unit group, e.g. 1421 Retail Managers.
Each unit group has a description of the nature of the occupations, a summary of the main activities of occupations that form part of that unit group and a detailed list of duties that would generally apply to all or most of the occupations in that unit group.
For each skill level, ANZSCO outlines the level of relevant formal qualification, the amount of relevant work experience and/or on-the-job training that may be required for an individual to competently carry out the tasks and duties of an occupation. For most occupations, work experience may substitute the qualification listed. However, in some instances, work experience and/or on-the job training may be required in addition to the required qualification. Registration or licensing may also be required for certain occupations.
The concept of skill level
In ANZSCO, skill level is defined as the range and complexity of the set of tasks performed in a particular occupation. The greater the range and complexity of the set of tasks, the greater the skill level of an occupation.
Skill level is measured by:
- the level or amount of formal education and training
- the amount of previous experience in a related occupation, and
- the amount of on-the-job training
In general, the greater the range and complexity of the tasks, the greater the amount of formal education and training, previous experience and on-the-job training required.
Formal education and training refers to the level and amount of education and training required for competent performance of the tasks required in an occupation. It is measured in terms of educational qualifications as set out in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications (NZ Register).
Previous experience refers to the time spent gaining work experience in related occupations.
On-the-job training refers to the amount of training required after commencing work in an occupation for competent performance of the tasks in that occupation. It is measured in months or years, and may be undertaken at the same time as formal training.
ANZSCO does not measure the skill level of an individual, rather it refers to the level of skill that is typically required to competently perform the tasks of a particular occupation. Skill level is an attribute of occupations, and it is irrelevant whether a particular individual working in a job in a particular occupation has a certain amount of training or a particular level of competence or not.
The determination of boundaries between skill levels is based on the following definitions.
SKILL LEVEL 1
Occupations at Skill Level 1 have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job-training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
SKILL LEVEL 2
Occupations at Skill Level 2 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:
- NZ Register Diploma or
- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma.
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job-training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
SKILL LEVEL 3
Occupations at Skill Level 3 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:
- NZ Register Level 4 qualification
- AQF Certificate IV or
- AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the job training.
At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job-training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
SKILL LEVEL 4
Occupations at Skill Level 4 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:
- NZ Register Level 2 or 3 qualification or
- AQF Certificate II or III.
At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
SKILL LEVEL 5
Occupations at Skill Level 5 have a level of skill commensurate with one of the following:
- NZ Register Level 1 qualification
- AQF Certificate I or
- compulsory secondary education.
For some occupations a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification.
In some instances, no formal qualification or on-the-job training may be required. At Migration Centre of Australia, we are well-trained to handle highly complex matters. Book one of our agents for professional advice by calling 02 4626 1002 or email us to book in a time at admin@mckkrs.com.au. We also speak fluent Hindi, Nepalese, Punjabi, Turkish, Tamil, Portuguese and Marathi. If one of these isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
