What are Skill Levels 1, 2 and 3?

Skill level is defined as a function of 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 operationally in ANZSCO 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

required to competently perform the set of tasks required for that occupation.

In general, the greater the range and complexity of the set of tasks involved, the greater the amount of formal education and training, previous experience and on-the-job training required to competently perform the set of tasks for that occupation.

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 Qualifications Framework (NZQF). 

Previous experience refers to the time spent gaining work experience in related occupations or activities required for the competent performance of the tasks in an occupation. It is measured in months or years. 

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, not of individuals in the labour force or of particular jobs. 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. 

For example, a person who spreads mortar and lays bricks for a living has the occupation Bricklayer, regardless of whether they are an exceptionally competent bricklayer with many years of experience and post-trade qualifications, or an inexperienced bricklayer with no formal qualifications and a low level of competence. The skill level of the occupation Bricklayer is determined on the basis of that typically required for competent performance. 

ANZSCO assigns occupations to one of five skill levels. In determining the skill level of each occupation, advice was sought from employers, industry training bodies, professional organisations and others to ensure that the information is as accurate and meaningful as possible.

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:

• NZQF 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: 

• NZQF 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:

• NZQF 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:

• NZQF 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.