How to Choose the Right ANZSCO Code for Your RPL Assessment

So you are considering getting your skills officially recognized in Australia? Good call! As an IT professional, engineer, or tradie, choosing the correct ANZSCO code is bloody crucial if you are to pass your RPL Skill Assessment.

We recall when we initially assisted a friend in composing their RRL application: the most challenging aspect wasn't explaining projects or composing the report—it was selecting the appropriate ANZSCO code. That decision determines how the assessor perceives your experience and what visa opportunities become available.

Sounds a bit techie? Do not worry. Let's demystify why it matters, what to check for and where genuine data and facts on engineer migration come into play.

Fact of get it Wrong ANZSCO code Selection

According to Engineers Australia’s annual report (2023–24):

• In 2024, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) had more than 12,000 RPL applications submitted, but close to 27% were rejected or delayed – primarily due to applicants incorrectly selecting the ANZSCO code or being unable to substantiate their selection effectively.
• Selecting the appropriate ANZSCO code can boost your approval rate by as much as 65% according to recent internal statistics revealed by top RPL consultancies such as WritingAhead.

What does this imply for applicants? And how do you ensure that you align your true skills and experience with the right occupation code?

Why Matching the Right RPL ANZSCO Codes Matter

ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) is the classification employed to categorize occupations by the Department of Home Affairs and ACS.

Your chosen occupation (e.g., Software Engineer, ICT Business Analyst) should:

• Resemble your true job responsibilities (not title)
• Coincide with the skills you demonstrate in your RPL report and work experience
• Be included in the up-to-date MLTSSL or STSOL list to qualify for migration

If your skills don't read positively against the tasks in your preferred code, your RPL Skill Assessment could be rejected.

• It determines what you write in your RPL report (or CDR for engineers).
• It determines which visas you can apply for (some codes are on the long-term list, others only on the short-term).
• Choosing a suitable code upfront saves time, money, and heartbreak down the line.

Actually, recent years' ACS and Engineers Australia data indicate that the most common cause of refusal is the selection of incorrect code or submission of incompatible evidence by the applicants.

How to choose the right ANZSCO code for RPL?

Step 1: Forget your job title—think about your daily tasks

Numerous individuals have job titles such as "Project Engineer" or "Technical Consultant," which are not ANZSCO codes.

Ask yourself:

• What do I spend most of my time doing?
• Do I mostly design, manage, program, test, or coordinate?

Your everyday tasks are more important than your title.

Step 2: Read the ANZSCO descriptions carefully

They are available on Australian Bureau of Statistics or Home Affairs websites. Each code includes:

• Example tasks
• Skill level
• Typical specialisations

Search for the code in which your actual work covers at least 70–80% of the description.

Step 3: Check the migration occupation lists

Ensure that the code you desire is on the MLTSSL (more suited for visas such as subclass 189 or 190).

• Civil Engineer (233211) is on MLTSSL
• Engineering Technologist (233914) is also on MLTSSL

Here are some of the most common ACS Skill Assessment-approved ANZSCO codes

Step 4: Compare your projects to the code

Consider your largest projects over the past 3–5 years:

• Do they reflect the tasks of the code?
• Were you building systems (Software Engineer) or primarily programming (Developer Programmer)?

This aids your RPL aligning with the code organically.

Recomendation - ANZSCO Code for CDR

Final thoughts

Selecting the optimal ANZSCO code for your RPL is not a tick-box exercise. It connects your actual experience to what Australia requires. Engineer migration statistics indicate the demand exists—but only if your RPL is tailored for the appropriate occupation.

Begin by observing what you actually do on a daily basis, reading code descriptions carefully, and ensuring the migration list is available, and you'll be set.

And don't forget: this decision can determine if your skills receive the recognition—and visa possibilities—you truly deserve.