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Decode CDR Report ANZSCO Code Step by Step Guide

What Is ANZSCO Code for CDR

calendar 23 June 2025
Competency Demonstration Report
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You may have heard of two things when you are an engineer planning to migrate to Australia, namely CDR and ANZSCO Code; these two terms can actually be confusing at times.

Cool, you are not an only one boy. I will demystify everything in simple English so you can see what ANZSCO Code is all about, why it is essential to CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) and where it comes in the Australian migration puzzle.

What Is an ANZSCO Code?

ANZSCO is defined as the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. It is pretty much a system, which is applied by the Australian Government to classify jobs and skill levels in any sphere of industry, and engineering is not an exception.

Every engineering job in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) would have its own ANZSCO code and when you are applying via the Engineers Australia, you must choose the relevant ANZSCO code that corresponds with your area of engineering and experience level.

In case you pick the wrong ANZSCO code inappropriate in your CDR you may get rejected despite having a great CDR.

Why Is the ANZSCO Code Important for CDR?

Your CDR must be according to the description, responsibilities and qualifications given in the ANZSCO occupation code of your choice. Engineers Australia and the Department of Home Affairs evaluate this individually the following way:

  • You worked in the right profession
  • Your line of work is related to the stream of engineering which you applied to
  • You fulfil the skilled migration requirements in Australia

By the year 2024, Engineers Australia data indicate that close to one-quarter of all CDR rejections could be attributed to a fact that the applicant has chosen either a wrong or mismatched ANZSCO code.

This are some of the commonly used ANZSCO codes in relation to the number of engineering applicants who utilized the CDR pathway:

1. Civil Engineer – ANZSCO 233211

You will use this provided that you have worked in:

  • Structural engineering
  • Construction projects
  • Infrastructure of water or transport

2. Mechanical Engineer – ANZSCO 233512

Is applicable to engineers creating other machines, engines, HVACs, etc.

3. Electrical Engineer – ANZSCO 233311

Select this when you are working in electrical circuits, power generation and transmission.

4. Electronics Engineer – ANZSCO 233411

This is to the people working in such spheres as embedded systems, telecommunications or signal processing.

5. Software Engineer – ANZSCO 261313

Although it is assessed, by ACS (Australian computer society), some embedded systems engineers apply this in case they possess practical experiences in both components hardware and software.

6. Chemical Engineer – ANZSCO 233111

It is well suited to personnel in the fields of process design, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, etc.

7. Engineering Technologist – ANZSCO 233914

This is the one traditionally used in case your education or profession is a bit more practical or technology-oriented than theoretical.

Note: And variations of such codes as Petroleum Engineer (233612), Mining Engineer (233611) and even Engineering Manager (133211) exist, but these are niche and have extras.

How to Choose the Right ANZSCO Code for Your CDR

This is how you can ensure that you will not foul this up:

1. Match Your Work Experience

The job description in the ANZSCO job description has been read per the skills occupation list on the Australian Government. Does it coincide with your actual work responsibilities?

2. Align Your Career Episodes

Every one of your 3 Career Episodes in the CDR must contain the clearly stated responsibilities according to the ANZSCO code.

i.e.: If you are claiming ANZSCO 233211 (Civil Engineer) and every single one of your episodes is of electrical work, your application can be rejected.

3. Check the Qualification Level

Others use only a Bachelor degree (Level 1) whilst others may include diplomas or tech qualification (Level 2 or 3). Be sure that you have an education that is adequate.

4. Talk to a Professional CDR Writer (Optional)

When you feel confused, do not hesitate to get advice. Throughout Australia (and abroad) there are numerous visa applicants who have sought advice through the services of the professionals to prevent the expensive errors in the application as well as visa refusals that can cost an applicant 6-12 months.

How the ANZSCO Code Impacts Your Visa

Your ANZSCO code of choice is also determined by:

  • What list of skilled occupations do you belong to (MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL)
  • The result of your points test
  • What state/territory can nominate you (in the case that you are seeking PR )

Selecting the wrong code may kill your chances of being nominated or receiving an invitation. And that is why it is not arbitrarily chosen number, it is the core element of your whole migration game strategy.

Final Thoughts – Don’t Underestimate the ANZSCO Code

Choosing the right ANZSCO Code is one of the most critical parts of your CDR and migration application. It affects your EA assessment, your visa eligibility, and your long-term career path in Australia.

If you’re still unsure about your code, qualifications, or how to align your experience, it’s smart to get some guidance from a migration expert or experienced CDR reviewer.

Remember, your skills are valuable. With the right approach, the right documents, and the correct code, your Aussie dream is just a few steps away.


Recomendation - Documents Requirement for CDR


CDR without the Correct ANZSCO Code = Risk of Rejection

Do you apply the appropriate ANZSCO code when filling your CDR application? These are thousands of engineers who get stuck on this stage and it is among the leading factors of rejection. Don't be worried Writing Ahead will assist you to select an appropriate ANZSCO code and fine tune your CDR to perfection.

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