Qualification Level |
AQF level |
Jobs and outcomes at this level might include …… |
Certificate I |
1 |
Entry to employment, community involvement and further learning. |
Certificate II |
2 |
“Operator” level employment involving practical skills and knowledge within a defined context |
Certificate III |
3 |
“Trade” level employment involving theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for independent work. |
Certificate IV |
4 |
“Technician” level employment involving specialised, skilled work and/or supervision of other workers. |
Diploma |
5 |
“Paraprofessional” level employment involving specialised knowledge and skills and/or management of other workers |
Advanced Diploma |
6 |
“Paraprofessional” level employment involving broad, high level skills and knowledge and/or management of other workers. |
It's important that you assess a unit of competency at the correct AQF level – even if, for example, a Certificate III unit is part of a Certificate IV course. Assessors must be careful not to inflate the level expected of students beyond the AQF level of the unit. For example, a common trap for assessors is to require higher reading and writing skills in the assessment than are required in the unit.
This table has been adapted from information from the AQF website.
For full criteria and descriptors of the different AQF levels, see AQF policies, objectives and information. You might find Interpreting AQF levels helpful, too.