Occupation Standard Classification for Australia

Last Updated on July 7, 2025 by Ozlinks Education

About Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA)

Reference Period: 2024, Version 1.0 Released 06/12/2024

The Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) is a systematic framework for organising, storing, and presenting occupational data. From July 2022 to December 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducted a detailed study of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). On December 6, 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) published OSCA Version 1, which replaced the ANZSCO Version 2022 occupation list for usage in Australia.

The role of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is to develop and maintain the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) list. The ABS uses OSCA to describe work in its statistical output, which comes from studies like the Labour Force Survey and the Census of Population and Housing. It also uses administrative data from sources like the Linked Employer-Employee Dataset. OSCA can also be used to study and figure out how the job market works. For instance, creating workforce strategies to help businesses and setting up ways to make sure there are enough skilled workers by allowing skilled migration and educational paths are two examples. These efforts are crucial for addressing skill gaps and making sure that the skills of the workforce match the needs of the business. Using what they’ve learned from OSCA, policymakers can make focused changes that help the economy grow and create more jobs for everyone in Australia.

The Occupation Standard Classification for Australia Structure

The Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) is a list of occupations, each with a unique 6-digit code.

The OSCA hierarchy has five levels: major group, sub-major group, minor group, unit group, and occupation. ‘Occupations’ refers to the classification’s most specific categories. The information below summarizes each of OSCA‘s five levels.

  • major group: are denoted by one-digit identifiers.
  • sub-major group: are denoted by two-digit identifiers.
  • minor group: are denoted by three-digit identifiers.
  • unit group: are denoted by four-digit identifiers.
  • occupation: are denoted by six-digit identifiers.

The Occupation Standard Classification for Australia List

The table below comprises 1,156 occupations from the OSCA list, each of which is associated with an OSCA skill level. This link highlights the qualifications and levels of expertise required for it is occupation, helping individuals to have a better knowledge of the qualifications and skill levels required for each.

OSCA Skill Level Definitions

The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) defines OSCA Skill Levels based on educational degrees, formal training, and relevant work experience. The following definitions set the boundaries between OSCA skill levels.

Level 1: Bachelor/Master/PhD
Level 2: Diploma/Advance Diploma/Associate Degree
Level 3: Certificate III/IV
Level 4: Certificate II/III 
Level 5: Certificate I 
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia?

The Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) is a systematic framework for arranging, storing, and presenting occupational information. The system assigns a unique 6-digit code to each occupation. 

The OSCA hierarchy has five levels: major group, sub-major group, minor group, unit group, and occupation. ‘Occupations’ refers to the classification’s most specific categories.

There are 1,156 occupations on the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) list.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released version 1.0 of the Occupation Standard Classification list on 6 December 2024

In Australia, the term “skill level” refers to an individual’s level of proficiency or expertise in a specific task or activity. It can range from novice to expert and is frequently evaluated using performance metrics, experience, and expertise in the relevant field. It is measured operationally by considering 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.

The OSCA system contains five (5) skill levels. Each skill level defines the general criteria. They do not specify particular qualifications or entry pathways. Some occupations require a specific level of formal education. For these occupations, years of experience cannot replace this requirement.

For more detail, visit OSCA Skill Levels

OSCA is the abbreviation of Occupation Standard Classification for Australia.

Disclaimer: 

Information under ANZSCO Occupations (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) section is published in accordance with a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Australia licence guideline. ANZSCO Version 1.3 updated on 25 March 2021 and original source can be accessed on Australian Bureau of Statistics website.

This section does not intend to provide immigration assistance pursuant to section 276 of Migration Act (Cth) 1994 as described in the Migration laws. It is based on public guidelines available at Department of Home Affairs’ Website. It is your responsibility to verify accuracy and status of provided information with your Registered Migration Agent (RMA) who is bound by the MARA code of conduct before submitting any visa applications.