Find your job's skill level
Check the occupation code and skill level for your job on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) or National Occupation List (NOL).
What are occupation skill levels
Jobs with similar tasks and responsibilities are grouped into 'occupations'. Each occupation has a description of the job. It may also list specific tasks, level of responsibility and the focus of the job. The occupations are graded according to skill level.
We use 2 lists to determine which occupation is the closest match to a job.
- We use the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) for most Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications and all Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC) and temporary visa applications. ANZSCO is being replaced by the National Occupation List (NOL).
- We use the NOL for some Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) applications submitted before 2 November 2025. From 3 November, we will use the NOL for some occupations for AEWV and job check applications.
Skill levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the most skilled and 5 being less skilled.
Skill levels are based on the range and complexity of the tasks required for each occupation. In general, a worker will need more education, work experience or training to do a larger range of tasks or more complex tasks.
Occupation skill levels do not measure an individual's skill level. They show the level of skill that is usually needed to competently perform the tasks of the occupation.
ANZSCO skill levels
Each occupation has an ANZSCO code. This code is 6 digits long, and is listed before an occupation's title in ANZSCO.
A job must be matched to a single ANZSCO occupation. Use the occupation that is the closest match to your role. It does not need to be exactly the same.
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
ANZSCO for AEWV, SMC and all temporary visas
ANZSCO skill levels are used for these visas:
- most AEWV and job check applications
- all SMC applications
- all other temporary visa applications.
ANZSCO version 1.3 — Statistics New Zealand
Note
Some NOL occupations are recognised for an AEWV. Go to the section 'NOL skill levels' on this page for more information.
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.
- Go to the Aria tool.
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- checks the definition to make sure it is similar to his job.
- opens the occupation group 'Animal Attendants and Trainers' and checks that he meets the minimum requirements.
- compares the tasks listed under 'Tasks include' to his job description.
- ignores tasks for other jobs in the occupation group, as he knows not all of these relate to his occupation.
Use the Aria tool on the Statistics New Zealand website to find the ANZSCO level for a job.
Follow these steps to find the ANZSCO code for your job and check the occupation definition and tasks.
ANZSCO version 1.3 — Statistics New Zealand
2. Select the search icon (the magnifying glass icon on the right hand side of the page).
The search function of the Statistics New Zealand ANZSCO tool. The search function is a magnifying glass on the right hand side of the page, that is highlighted in this image with a red square.
3. Search based on the job title of your role. It will display a list of occupations that correspond to an actual job. Your job title does not have to match or be the same as the occupation. The level that displays next to the job title is not the ANZSCO occupation level. Go to step 4 to find the occupation to find the ANZSCO level.
The code search box used on the Statistics New Zealand ANZSCO tool.
4. From the list, select the occupation title using the small magnifying glass next to the job that seems to be the best match. A pop-up box will open.
The search results of the code search tool on the Statistics New Zealand ANZSCO tool. Search results can be opened by selecting the magnifying glass button, which is highlighted in this image with a red square.
5. Check the occupation definition and confirm if it is similar to your job. If it matches, the ANZSCO level is below the definition. If it is not clear from the definition, continue to step 6 to find the occupation tasks.
You can also find the ANZSCO code for the occupation here. The ANSCO code is the 6-digit number before the occupation title at the top of the pop-up box. For example, 361311 is the Veterinary Nurse ANZSCO code.
The definition tab of an occupation within the Statistics New Zealand ANZSCO tool. The definition tab is highlighted here with a red rectangle.
6. Close the pop up window. Reopen the search results by hovering over the magnifying glass icon if on a PC, or selecting it if on a mobile device.
The search function of the Statistics New Zealand ANZSCO tool. The search function is a magnifying glass on the right hand side of the page. Users can hover over this button if on a PC, or select it if on a mobile device to bring up their previous search query.
7. Select the small eye icon next to your occupation title.
The search results of the code search tool on the Statistics New Zealand ANZSCO tool. Occupation groups can be opened by selecting the 'eye' button, which is highlighted in this image with a red square.
This will show the occupation within its broader occupation group.
The search results for an occupation group, for the Veterinary Nurse (ANZSCO 361311) occupation code.
8. Select the broader occupation listed one level up from your job. The group will have a code with 4 numbers next to the title.
The search results for an occupation group. The broader occupation group for a Veterinary Nurse is highlighted here with a red rectangle, which is "3613 Veterinary Nurses".
9. A pop-up box will display with the definition of the occupation group.
The definition tab for the Veterinary Nurses occupation group. The definition tab is highlighted with a red rectangle.
10. Scroll down in the box to find the group definition, indicative skill level (the minimum requirements), tasks included, and any exceptions (if applicable).
The definition tab for the Veterinary Nurses occupation group. The tasks included in the occupation group are shown in this image.
11. Check the tasks for the occupation group. If the tasks include or are similar to your job, use the ANZSCO occupation and code of the occupation you found in step 5. The tasks listed in the occupation group are tasks for all the occupations in that group. Not all tasks will be relevant to your occupation.
If the tasks are not similar, search for another job title and complete the steps 4 through 11 again.
Example
Callum is a dog trainer. He searches in the Aria tool and finds the ANZSCO occupation 'Dog Handler and Trainer'.
To confirm it is the best match for his job, Callum:
Because his job is similar to the definition and tasks, he uses the ANZSCO occupation 'Dog Handler and Trainer'.
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.
NOL skill levels
NOL is the National Occupation List (NOL). It is replacing ANZSCO, some NOL occupations can be used for:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa applications from 3 November 2025
- some Specific Purpose Work Visa applications submitted before 2 November 2025.
These are new occupations and are not recognised on the ANZSCO list.
For the list of occupations and how to check the NOL list:
National Occupation List occupations used for an AEWV or SPWV
For more information about the change to NOL:
ANZSCO to be replaced