If you're thinking about migrating to Australia as a skilled worker but dont have formal qualifications in your field, dont worryyou might still be eligible through a process called RPL , or Recognition of Prior Learning .
Many people like you have built their careers through on-the-job experience, training programs, and self-study. RPL gives you a chance to prove that your skills are just as valuable as someone with a formal degree.
But heres the tricky part: you need to pick the right ANZSCO code for your RPL application. Thats what this article is all about.
Ill walk you through everything you need to knowwhat RPL is, why choosing the correct ANZSCO code matters, and how to make sure your RPL skill assessment goes smoothly.
What Is RPL in Australia?
RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning . It's a process used by Australian immigration authorities and assessing bodies to evaluate whether your work experience, informal training, and other non-academic learning match the requirements of a particular occupation listed under the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) .
In simpler terms, if youve been working in a job that matches one of the occupations on the skilled migration list, but you dont have a degree or diploma in that area, RPL lets you show that youre still qualified based on your experience .
This is especially useful for people in fields like:
- IT
- Engineering
- Management
- Business
- Health
- Construction
Why Choosing the Right ANZSCO Code Matters
The ANZSCO code is basically the official name and number given to each job in Australia. For example:
- 233914 Mechanical Engineer
- 261312 Software Engineer
- 133211 ICT Project Manager
When you apply for a visa like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) , you must nominate an occupation from the official Skilled Occupation List (SOL) . And that means selecting the correct ANZSCO code .
Choosing the wrong code can lead to:
- Rejection of your RPL skill assessment
- Delays in your visa process
- Wasted time and money
So its important to get this step right.
How to Choose the Right ANZSCO Code for RPL
Heres a step-by-step method Ive seen many people use successfully:
Step 1: Know Your Job Duties
Start by writing down exactly what you do at work . Think about:
- Daily tasks
- Projects youve led
- Tools/software you use
- Supervisory responsibilities
- Industry standards you follow
This will help you find the closest matching ANZSCO code.
Step 2: Use the Official ANZSCO Search Tool
Visit the [Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO search page](https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs @.nsf/mf/1220.0) and start typing keywords related to your job. Youll see a list of possible codes and their descriptions.
For example, if youre an office manager who handles HR, payroll, and admin, you might look up "office manager" and find 131111 Office Manager .
Step 3: Compare Your Work with the ANZSCO Description
Each ANZSCO code has a detailed description of the job duties, required qualifications, and typical industries where the role is found.
Compare those points with your own experience. Ask yourself:
- Do I perform most of the duties listed?
- Am I working in the same industry?
- Do I meet the skill level (usually AQF Level 7 or above)?
If the answer is yes, youre on the right track.
Step 4: Check the Skilled Occupation List
Once youve shortlisted a few ANZSCO codes, check if theyre included in the current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) published by the Department of Home Affairs.
You can view the latest SOL here: Home Affairs Skilled Occupations List
Only occupations on this list are eligible for skilled migration visas like 189, 190, and 491.
Step 5: Confirm with an Assessing Body
Before applying for RPL, contact the official assessing body for your chosen ANZSCO code. They will tell you if your background qualifies for RPL and what documents youll need.
Some common assessing bodies include:
- ACS (Australian Computer Society) for IT roles
- Engineers Australia for engineering roles
- VETASSESS for trades and general occupations
- TRA (Trade Recognition Australia) for trade-related roles
They may also suggest alternative ANZSCO codes if your experience better fits another category.
Real-Life Example: Finding the Right ANZSCO Code
Let me share a quick story to help you understand how this works.
My friend Maria worked as a digital marketing specialist in Brazil. She didnt have a university degree in marketing but had over five years of experience managing social media campaigns, SEO, and Google Ads.
She wanted to apply for a skilled visa but wasnt sure which ANZSCO code to use.
First, she listed her duties:
- Running paid ads
- Managing content calendars
- Analysing website traffic
- Creating email campaigns
Then she searched ANZSCO and found 233913 Marketing Specialist .
She checked the description and matched almost all the duties. Then she looked up the SOL and saw that 233913 was listed. Finally, she contacted VETASSESS , the assessing body for that code, and applied for RPL.
Her application was accepted because she clearly showed how her experience met the job requirementseven without a formal degree.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Picking an ANZSCO Code
Let me save you some headaches by sharing the most common mistakes people make when choosing an ANZSCO code for RPL:
? Trying to Fit into a Popular Code
Just because a code is popular doesnt mean its right for you. If your experience doesnt match the job duties, your RPL assessment will likely fail.
? Ignoring the Skill Level
Most RPL-eligible codes require a skill level of 1 , meaning you need at least an Australian bachelors degree or equivalent experience. Make sure you meet this requirement.
? Skipping the Assessing Body Check
Dont assume your code is acceptable. Always confirm with the assessing body before submitting your RPL application.
? Using Outdated Lists
The Skilled Occupation List changes regularly. Always refer to the latest version published by the government.
News Update: Changes to RPL and Skills Assessment in 2024
In early 2024, the Australian government announced stricter rules for RPL applications across several sectors, especially in IT and management roles.
They introduced more detailed documentation requirements and increased scrutiny of employment references to prevent fraud and ensure only genuine candidates are approved.
So now more than ever, its essential to provide accurate and thorough evidence when applying for RPL.
Also, some previously RPL-friendly codes were removed from the SOL, while new ones were addedespecially in renewable energy, healthcare, and cyber security.
Always stay updated with the latest news and announcements from the Department of Home Affairs and your assessing body.
Tips for a Successful RPL Skill Assessment
Based on conversations with others who've gone through the process, here are a few tips that helped them succeed:
? Be specific : Dont just say worked in marketing. Describe your exact role, tools used, and outcomes achieved.
? Use job titles carefully : If your title doesnt exactly match the ANZSCO code, explain how your duties align with the role.
? Get strong reference letters : Letters from employers should detail your responsibilities, duration of employment, and skills used.
? Keep copies of everything : Emails, payslips, project reports, certificatesthese can all support your claim.
? Ask for feedback : If your first attempt gets rejected, ask the assessing body why so you can improve and reapply.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right ANZSCO code for your RPL in Australia isnt easy, but its totally doable if you take the time to research and prepare properly.
Remember, RPL is your chance to prove that your hands-on experience countsand that you deserve to be recognized as a skilled professional in Australia.
Take it step by step, double-check everything, and dont hesitate to reach out to your assessing body for guidance.
Youve got this!
Author Bio:
This article was written by a career advisor with a focus on international education and migration pathways. Our goal is to help aspiring migrants understand complex topics like RPL skill assessment and ANZSCO code selection in clear, simple language. No jargon, no confusionjust real advice from someone whos helped hundreds navigate the RPL process.
