Last Updated on December 23, 2024 by Ozlinks Education
The scope of classification
In Australia, the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) is a skills-based classification system for jobs and occupations. OSCA is based on the concepts of ‘job‘ and ‘occupation’. ‘Occupation’ is based on the concepts of ‘skill level’ and ‘skill specialization’.
Job classifications help employers and employees understand the required qualifications and competencies associated with various roles. By establishing clear standards, OSCA aims to enhance workforce development and ensure that individuals possess the necessary skills to meet industry demands.
The unit of classification in OSCA is ‘job‘.
Learn more about “Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA)”
About Skill Levels
The scope and complexity of the tasks completed determine an occupation’s skill level. The occupation’s skill level increases as the set of duties grows in scope and complexity. As a result, individuals in these roles often require extensive training and experience to effectively manage their responsibilities. This progression not only enhances their expertise but also contributes to career advancement opportunities within their field.
Skill level refers to the requirements for competent performance on a set of tasks. The measures of skill level take into consideration the following dimensions:
- the level or amount of formal education and training
- the amount of previous experience in a related occupation
- the amount of on-the-job training, and
- personal attributes.
About OSCA’s Five Skill Levels
The Occupational Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) is a system of classifying occupations according to one of five skill levels. Each skill level describes the general requirements, they do not specify particular qualifications or entry pathways. Some occupations require a specific level of formal education, and for these occupations, years of experience cannot replace this requirement.
The five skill levels in OSCA are determined by the Australian Qualifications Framework, formal training, and work experience. The following definitions determine the boundaries between skill levels.
OSCA Skill Level 1
In OSCA, an occupation requiring skill level 1 corresponds to one of the following qualifications, which must be comparable to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- AQF bachelor’s degree
- AQF master’s degree
- AQF PhD’s degree
In OSCA list, occupations at skill level 1 include: Civil Engineer, Composer, Cotton Grower, Mathematician, Nurse, Practitioner, Paediatrician, Sales and Marketing Manager, Secondary School Teacher, and Software Engineer.
OSCA Skill Level 2
In OSCA, an occupation requiring skill level 2 corresponds to one of the following qualifications, which must be comparable to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- AQF Diploma
- AQF Advanced Diploma, or
- AQF Associate Degree.
A minimum of three years of relevant experience may be substituted for the formal qualifications. In some circumstances, appropriate experience and/or on-the-job training may be necessary in addition to formal qualifications.
In the OSCA list, occupations at skill level 2 include: Executive Assistant, General Duties Police Officer, Hotel or Motel Manager, ICT Customer Support Officer, Medical Laboratory Technician, Office Manager, Plumbing Inspector, Post Office Manager, and Ship’s Officer.
OSCA Skill Level 3
In OSCA , an occupation requiring skill level 3 corresponds to one of the following qualifications, which must be comparable to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- AQF Certificate III which includes at least two years of on-the-job training, or
- AQF Certificate IV.
A minimum of three years of relevant experience may be substituted for the formal qualifications. In some circumstances, appropriate experience and/or on-the-job training may be necessary in addition to formal qualifications.
In the OSCA list, occupations at skill level 3 include: Automotive Electrician, Bookkeeper, Butcher, Dressmaker or Tailor, Early Childhood Educator, Electrical Fitter, Firefighter, Hairdresser, Real Estate Agent, and Senior Beef Cattle Station Worker.
OSCA Skill Level 4
In OSCA, an occupation requiring skill level 4 corresponds to one of the following qualifications, which must be comparable to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- AQF Certificate II, or
- AQF Certificate III.
A minimum of one year of relevant experience may be substituted for the formal qualifications. In some circumstances, relevant experience may be necessary in addition to formal qualifications.
In the OSCA list, occupations at skill level 4 include: Accounts Clerk, Assistant in Nursing, Bus Driver, Correctional Officer, Medical Receptionist, Miner, Security Officer, Sewing Machinist, Storeperson, and Waiter.
OSCA Skill Level 5
In OSCA, an occupation requiring skill level 5 corresponds to one of the following qualifications, which must be comparable to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- compulsory secondary education, or
- AQF Certificate I.
For some occupations, a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification. In some occupations, no formal education or on-the-job training may be necessary.
In the OSCA list, occupations at skill level 5 include: Commercial Cleaner, Factory Worker, Freight Handler, Fruit and Vegetable Packer, Kitchenhand, and Sales Assistant.
