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INTERPRETING ANZSCO OCCUPATION DEFINITIONS

ANZSCO is primarily a statistical classification designed to aggregate and organise data collected about jobs or individuals. The classification definitions are based on the skill level and specialisation usually necessary to perform the tasks of the specific occupation, or of most occupations in the group. The definitions and skill level statements apply to the occupation and not persons working in the occupation. The allocation of a particular occupation to a particular skill level should be seen as indicative only and should not be used prescriptively.

The definitional material describing each occupation is intended primarily as an aid to interpreting occupation statistics classified to ANZSCO. The descriptions are, therefore, only a guide to the tasks undertaken and skills involved in various occupations and are not a definitive statement of what is required.

FORMAT OF THE DEFINITIONS

This classification contains definitions for all major, sub-major, minor and unit groups, and occupations. The format of the definitions may vary slightly between the hierarchical levels, but all contain similar elements.

Major, sub-major, minor and unit group definitions

The elements of major, sub-major, minor and unit group definitions are as follows:

• Main heading - consists of the level in the ANZSCO hierarchy (e.g. minor group), the code, and the title of the group in that order.
• Lead statement - describes the main activities undertaken in the group and, indirectly, the group's boundaries.
• Inclusion and exclusion statements - are included only where necessary to avoid potential for confusion and to clarify the scope of the group.
• Task list - a representative list of the principal or indicative tasks undertaken in the group. Because of the disparate nature of the occupations contained in 'miscellaneous' and 'other' groups, no task lists are provided for these groups.
• Skill level statement - specifies the requirements for competent performance of occupations in the group, expressed in terms of the amount of formal education and training, previous experience and on-the-job training. Any special requirements, such as registration or licensing, are indicated in this statement.
• List of lower categories - lists the categories (code and title) in the hierarchical level immediately below the group being defined.

Occupation definitions

The elements of occupation definitions are as follows:

• Code - the numerical representation of the occupation.
• Principal title - the title which best describes the particular occupation. It is generally the most commonly used title, although there are exceptions in cases where the most commonly used title is too broad or too narrow in meaning for the purposes of the ANZSCO occupation, or where occupations of different content are usually known by the same title.
  A small number of occupations are known by different titles in Australia and New Zealand. In these cases, a dual title, which notes the country-specific titles, has been used to describe the occupation, e.g. 'Migration Agent (Aus) / Immigration Consultant (NZ)'.
• Alternative title - any commonly used alternative title (or titles) for the occupation. These alternative titles have the same meaning as the principal title but may be less commonly used.
• Lead statement - describes the nature of the occupation, summarising the main activities undertaken and, indirectly, the occupation's boundaries. Any special requirements, such as registration or licensing, are indicated in this statement.
• Skill level - the number equating to the ANZSCO skill level of the occupation.
• Specialisation titles - any commonly used titles which refer to a subset of jobs belonging to the occupation designated in the principal title. These jobs involve the performance of specialised tasks rather than the broader range of tasks usually performed in the occupation.