Find your ANZSCO skill level

Check your occupation code and skill level on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

What is ANZSCO

ANZSCO is the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

It groups jobs together into 'occupations' that have similar tasks and responsibilities.

We use ANZSCO to determine the occupation that is the closest match to a job.

A job must be matched to a single ANZSCO occupation. Each occupation will have a description of the job. It may also list tasks, level of responsibility and the focus of the job. Use the occupation that is the closest match to your role. It does not need to be exactly the same.

Each occupation also has an ANZSCO code. This code is 6 digits long, and is listed before an occupation's title in ANZSCO.

Note

ANZSCO will be replaced by the National Occupation List (NOL) in late 2025. The skill level of some occupations will change under the NOL.

ANZSCO to be replaced

ANZSCO skill levels

ANZSCO grades occupations according to skill level. ANZSCO skill levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the most skilled and 5 being less skilled.

ANZSCO skill levels are based on the range and complexity of the tasks required for each occupation. In general, the bigger the range and complexity of tasks required, the more education, work experience or training a worker will need to do them.

ANZSCO does not measure the skill level of an individual. It shows the level of skill that is typically required to competently perform the tasks of an occupation.

Example

A Bricklayer will be assessed as ANZSCO skill level 3 if they have at least 3 years' work experience. This is because the occupation requires at least 3 years of relevant work experience or a NZQF level 4 qualification. Even if the worker has more than 3 years' work experience, the occupation can only be assessed as skill level 3. It cannot be assessed as skill level 1 or 2.

Skill level — Statistics New Zealand

AEWV, SMC and all temporary visas

ANZSCO skill levels are used for these visas:

  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and job check applications
  • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa applications
  • all other temporary visa applications.

ANZSCO version 1.3 — Statistics New Zealand

Applying for a job check

If you are applying for a job check, make sure the ANZSCO code you use is accurate by checking the:

  • tasks involved
  • responsibilities of the occupation, and
  • qualifications or work experience required.

We will not give you more time to advertise a role or engage with Work and Income if you apply for a job check for an ANZSCO level 1, 2 or 3 role, but we assess it as being ANZSCO level 4 or 5.

ANZSCO occupations recognised at a higher skill level

Some ANZSCO occupations can be recognised at a higher skill level. Our 'ANZSCO occupations recognised at a higher skill level' page has more information about this, and which visas this applies to.

ANZSCO occupations recognised at a higher skill level