Occupational Recognition Service

The application process generally follows these steps:

1. Submit your application and fee for assessment.
2. Initial industry interview.
3. Skills demonstration.
4. Gap training review, if needed.
5. Occupational Recognition determination.

For details on each step and the flow of the process, refer to the ORS Application flowchart

Applications for occupational recognition must be made directly to the South Australian Skills Commission.

To be eligible for occupational recognition an applicant must:

• at the time of application: live in South Australia, or be relocating to South Australia, or be contracted to work in South Australia
• select an occupational title listed on the current TAP Schedule
• have the minimum years of work experience equal to the full-time equivalent of the nominal term of the training contract for the occupational title, as indicated on the TAP Schedule. For example, an application for
  • civil construction and maintenance worker, the nominal term of the training contract is 18 months, so the minimum years of work experience required would be 18 months or 1.5 years
    
  • cook, the nominal term of the training contract is 48 months, so the minimum years of work experience required would be 48 months or 4 years
  • heavy commercial vehicle technician, the nominal term of the training contract is 48 months so the minimum years of work experience required would be 48 months or 4 years.
    

Applicants can only apply for an occupational title listed on the TAP Schedule.

View the TAP Schedule

The fees for ORS were set in the South Australian Skills (Fees) Notice 2021.

The prescribed fees payable are:

• First or initial assessment fee: $550
  This fee is paid when submitting your application and covers the administration of the application and initial industry interview.
• Competency assessment or examination or test fee: $1,101
  This covers the practical skills assessment.
• Second or subsequent assessment fee: $220
  This will be incurred if you are required to undertake gap training and is paid on completion of the gap training.

All fees are reviewed annually in July by the South Australian Skills Commission and are subject to standard indexation.

A fee may be waived at the discretion of the South Australian Skills Commission. A waiver can only be requested prior to payment of the first fee and submission of an application.

On request of a fee waiver, your application will be held until the fee waiver assessment has taken place. A determination on a request for a fee waiver will be made within 7 calendar days. Once the determination has been completed, you will be advised of the outcome and you may proceed with the application.

If you are applying for occupational recognition in more than one occupation, you must submit a separate fee waiver request for each application.

For further information and eligibility criteria for a fee waiver, refer to the Occupational Recognition Service Fee Waiver Policy.

Certain trade areas have licensing requirements which individuals are required to meet to work in certain occupations in South Australia. These Licensing requirements are in addition to any trade certificate, occupational certificate, or qualification. You should seek information from Consumer and Business Services on the requirements you need to meet for those occupations before applying.

Visit Consumer and Business Services