ANZSCO Skill Levels & Find Your ANZSCO Code

Introduction

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) framework systematically organizes and assigns codes to every occupation within the workforces of Australia and New Zealand. This structure, a collaborative creation by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Statistics New Zealand, and the Australian Department of Education and Training, offers a consistent foundation for the collection, analysis, and distribution of data related to occupations.ANZSCO Skill Levels concept:

In ANZSCO, evaluators determine an occupation’s skill level by assessing the required tasks’ diversity and intricacy. They classify occupations with broader and more complex functions at a higher skill level.

The assessment of skill level takes into account:

• The extent and type of formal education and training,
• The level of prior experience in a related field and
• A degree of on-the-job training is needed to execute the occupation’s specific tasks adeptly.

Occupations that demand a broader and more complex array of tasks require higher levels of formal education, relevant prior experience, and comprehensive on-the-job training for proficient performance.

ANZSCO categorises jobs into five distinct skill levels, drawing on extensive consultations with employers, professional organizations, and industry training entities to ensure the classifications accurately reflect the demands of each occupation. The criteria used to differentiate these skill levels include:

• Skill Level 1: This category is for jobs that typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Alternatively, five years of relevant experience can compensate for the lack of formal education. Specific roles also need relevant experience, on-the-job training, and academic qualifications.
• Skill Level 2: Jobs in this skill level generally align with qualifications such as an NZ Register Diploma or an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma. While three years of relevant experience can replace formal qualifications, additional practical experience and training may also be necessary.
• Skill Level 3: Occupations under this level match with an NZ Register Level 4 qualification, AQF Certificate IV, or AQF Certificate III, which includes at least two years of practical training. Here, three years of experience in the field can serve as an alternative to academic credentials. However, some positions may require both knowledge and formal training.
• Skill Level 4: These occupations correspond with NZ Register Level 2 or 3 qualifications or an AQF Certificate II or III. Relevant work experience of at least one year can be used instead of educational qualifications, and specific jobs also demand additional practical experience.
• Skill Level 5: For roles at this level, required qualifications include an NZ Register Level 1 qualification, AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education. Some jobs may also call for a brief period of on-the-job training, either as a complement to or a substitute for formal education.

These delineations structure the classification of occupations by the level of expertise and qualifications required, ensuring a comprehensive and realistic representation of job roles in the labour market.

What are ANZSCO Codes

Each occupation listed in ANZSCO is assigned a unique code called the ANZSCO Code. This code is a hierarchical five-digit system that represents the occupation’s classification:

• The first digit denotes the primary group (e.g., Managers, Professionals, Technicians and Trades Workers).
• The second digit indicates the sub-major group.
• The third digit reflects the minor group.
• The fourth digit shows the unit group.
• The fifth digit provides the specific occupation within the unit group.

Purpose and Usage of ANZSCO Codes

The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) skill levels and codes play a crucial role in New Zealand’s visa application process, particularly for those seeking to migrate under skilled visa categories.

Determining Visa Eligibility

• Skilled Migrant Category: ANZSCO codes are used to ascertain whether an occupation is considered competent and if the applicant’s work experience and qualifications match the requirements for that occupation.
• Essential Skills Work Visas: According to ANZSCO, the skill level of an occupation determines the duration of the visa and the entitlements regarding family visas.(This Visa is closed on  4 July 2022).

Matching Job Offers with Skills

To be eligible for residency under the Green List, applicants must work in an occupation listed on the Green List and meet specific qualifications, registration, and experience requirements.

ANZSCO provides a standardized description of the roles, responsibilities, and skills required for various occupations. When an employer offers a job to a potential migrant, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) uses ANZSCO to ensure the job offer matches the applicant’s skills and experience and meets the visa requirements.

Salary Threshold Compliance

The ANZSCO skill level of an occupation can influence the salary threshold required for a visa application. For instance, jobs classified at higher ANZSCO skill levels typically command higher minimum salary thresholds, aligning with the expectation that more skilled or specialized roles should offer higher wages.

Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL)

The LTSSL identifies occupations with a sustained and ongoing shortage of highly skilled workers globally and within New Zealand. ANZSCO codes precisely define these occupations, helping applicants in this category clearly identify and align their skills and experiences with the needs of the New Zealand labour market.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Under the AEWV scheme, employers must demonstrate that the roles they wish to fill with migrant workers align with the ANZSCO definitions for skill levels and codes. This ensures that migrant workers are hired for genuine skill shortages and are paid appropriately for their skill level.

Pathway to Residency

Certain visas that lead to residency require applicants to be employed in occupations classified under ANZSCO. By fulfilling the role and skill level requirements as per ANZSCO, applicants can qualify for residency under various schemes.

Updating ANZSCO

The classification system is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the labour market, including the emergence of new occupations, changes in job duties, and the phasing out of obsolete roles. These updates ensure that ANZSCO remains a relevant and accurate tool for describing and analyzing the workforce.

ANZSCO’s skill levels and codes are pivotal in various domains, including immigration, employment, education, and labour market analysis. They offer a comprehensive framework for understanding occupation requirements and workforce dynamics in Australia and New Zealand.

List of ANZSCO code

Source: http://stats.govt.nz/cms/ClassificationVersion/hgbQw1g89dLcxOHS

Reference – https://www.immigration.govt.nz/