Choose your qualification
Some people know exactly what kind of qualification they want. For others however, things are not so simple.
Self evaluation tool
You can use the self evaluation tool to list the skills you think you have and can provide evidence for. It will then suggest possible qualifications those skills match.
Career change
- Browse through the occupations section of the self evaluation tool to help identify a potential career change
- My Future can help you work out your next career step.
- Find a career counsellor through the Australian Association of Career Counsellors Inc. site using the 'Find a career practitioner' function.
Some large Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) also have very comprehensive websites which tell you about the qualifications they offer as well as their skills recognition services.
What qualification level should you aim for?
Vocational qualifications have different levels. Your previous experience may qualify you for skills recognition at one level of the course you choose but not at another.
Don't worry if you're not sure what qualification level you should apply for. The assessor at the RTO you choose to do your assessment can help you work out which level is most relevant to your existing skills.
Here is an explanation of some of the qualification levels you may see. The more advanced levels are at the top of the list:
| Qualification level | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Diploma | People working at this level are likely to be senior managers or technical managers. They apply fundamental principles and techniques and significant judgement in planning, design and leadership. |
| Diploma | At this level, people are likely to be managers who plan, initiate new approaches and apply judgement in managing themselves and others. They apply their knowledge and skills with substantial depth in some areas. |
| Certificate IV | Certificate IV level may apply to people who are supervisors or have advanced trade skills. They have a broad range of skills, can evaluate and plan, and can provide some management and guidance to others. |
| Certificate III | People working at this level perform a defined range of skilled operations, using discretion and judgement. They can select, adapt and transfer their skills to different situations. Certificate III is the minimum level trade qualification. |
| Certificate II | At this level people perform a range of functions, involving known routines and procedures with some complex or non-routine activities. This is typically an entry level qualification for people entering an industry or returning to study. |
| Certificate I | People working at Certificate I level perform a defined range of mainly routine and predictable activities. This is typically an entry level qualification for people entering an industry or returning to study. |
For more information about qualifications go to the Australian Qualifications Framework website.
- Consider your competencies
- See qualifications that match
- Find an RTO to assess you
It's new and improved!
Almost 200 students and employees across New South Wales have helped design the latest version of skillsrecognition.nsw.gov.au.
Part of a study set up in 11 locations, their feedback has simplified and improved how the site works. So it's now even easier for anyone to see how valuable their existing skills are.
Skills Recognition Conference May 2009
View the project resources and video of speakers from the Skills Recognition Conference May 2009.
