A. Understanding OSCA

OSCA (Occupation Standard Classification for Australia) is a classification system introduced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2024 to replace the ANZSCO framework. OSCA provides a detailed and localized approach to classifying occupations within Australia's labor market, ensuring relevance to current workforce trends and demands. For engineers, OSCA codes are critical for assessing eligibility for skilled migration, recognizing qualifications, and aligning professional experience with Australian standards.

B. Understanding OSCA Skill Levels

OSCA organizes occupations into five skill levels based on qualifications and experience:

• Skill Level 1: Commensurate with an AQF Bachelor Degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the qualification, and sometimes on-the-job training may be needed alongside formal qualifications. Example Occupations: Civil Engineer, Nurse Practitioner, Software Engineer.
• Skill Level 2: Commensurate with an AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Associate Degree. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the qualification, with additional training often required. Example Occupations: Executive Assistant, ICT Customer Support Officer, Plumbing Inspector.
• Skill Level 3: Commensurate with an AQF Certificate III (including at least two years of on-the-job training) or AQF Certificate IV. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the qualification, along with any required training. Example Occupations: Automotive Electrician, Bookkeeper, Firefighter.
• Skill Level 4: Commensurate with an AQF Certificate II or III. At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the qualification, with additional training often needed. Example Occupations: Bus Driver, Correctional Officer, Medical Receptionist.
• Skill Level 5: Commensurate with compulsory secondary education or an AQF Certificate I. A short period of on-the-job training may be required in some cases, or no formal qualifications/training may be necessary. Example Occupations: Commercial Cleaner, Freight Handler, Sales Assistant.

C. OSCA Code Structure

The OSCA structure has five levels – major group, sub-major group, minor group, unit group, and occupation. Each level provides a systematic classification based on skill level and skill specialization:

• Major Groups: The broadest groups of jobs, formed using a combination of skill level and broad skill specialization. Each major group is represented by a unique one-digit identifier. Major groups are designed for producing summary data.
• Sub-Major Groups: Subdivisions of each major group, formed using a combination of skill level and finer skill specialization. Each sub-major group is represented by a unique two-digit identifier. They are ordered by skill level and then alphabetically within each major group.
• Minor Groups: Subdivisions of each sub-major group, formed using a combination of skill level and finer skill specialization. Each minor group is represented by a unique three-digit identifier. Minor groups are ordered alphabetically within each sub-major group.
• Unit Groups: Subdivisions of each minor group, formed using finer applications of skill specialization. Each unit group is represented by a unique four-digit identifier. Unit groups are ordered alphabetically within each minor group.
• Occupations: Subdivisions of each unit group, representing the finest level of skill specialization. Each occupation is represented by a unique six-digit identifier. Occupations are ordered alphabetically within each unit group.

[source: Australian Bureau of Statistics ]