Skills assessment · ANZSCO 272511
Social Worker Skills Assessment
How Social Worker (ANZSCO 272511) is assessed for skilled migration
By Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536) since 2015 · WIDEN, Sydney
Keshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536 · Registered since 2015 - ANZSCO code
- 272511
- Skill level
- Skill Level 1
- Assessing authority
- Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- RPL relevant
- Limited
MARN 1576536 · Verifiable at mara.gov.au
- Note: Social work is not a nationally AHPRA-registered profession, though many roles require AASW eligibility or accreditation.
- RPL relevant: Limited — see below (Social workers are assessed on their social work qualification by the AASW — not through VET Recognition of Prior Learning.)
Social Worker (ANZSCO 272511) is a Skill Level 1 profession supporting individuals, families and communities to address social and personal difficulties. For skilled migration the assessing authority is the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Widen Migration (MARN 1576536) helps social workers prepare their assessment.
The skills assessment & RPL pathway for Social Worker
For a Social Worker (ANZSCO 272511), the AASW conducts the migration skills assessment, comparing your social work qualification to the Australian standard and assessing English. Where your qualification is not directly comparable, the outcome and any further requirements depend on the specific gaps identified.
This is a professional assessment, not VET Recognition of Prior Learning. Social work is not nationally AHPRA-registered, though many employers require AASW eligibility. English requirements apply and are set by both the AASW and the Department of Home Affairs.
Evidence typically required
- Social work qualification with academic transcripts and course details
- Curriculum, field-education and placement details as requested by the AASW
- English language test results meeting the required standard
- Detailed CV and employment references
- Passport and identity documents
Is RPL part of your Social Worker pathway?
Book a consultation to confirm the right assessing authority and whether RPL fits your visa goal for this occupation.
Looking at the whole journey rather than just the assessment? See the full pathway guide: Migrate to Australia as a Social Worker →
Which skilled visa uses this occupation?
Once Social Worker is positively assessed, the assessment supports a points-tested or employer-sponsored skilled visa. The right one depends on your points, age, state nomination and whether an employer will sponsor you.
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent (points-tested, no sponsor)
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated (state nomination)
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (regional nomination)
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand (employer sponsorship)
- 482 → 186 permanent residency pathway
- Check your points for 189/190/491
Speak with WIDEN
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General information only, not migration advice. ANZSCO codes and assessing-authority arrangements change (ANZSCO is transitioning to OSCA) and skilled occupation lists are updated periodically — confirm the current code, authority and requirements for your situation. Skills assessments are conducted by the relevant assessing authority and RPL qualifications are issued by Registered Training Organisations, not by WIDEN. No qualification or assessment guarantees a visa. Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid consultation under a written service agreement.
Questions we get asked first
Who assesses Social Worker for migration?
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the assessing authority for Social Worker (ANZSCO 272511). It compares your social work qualification to the Australian standard and assesses your English.
Is social work a registered profession in Australia?
Social work is not currently registered nationally under AHPRA, though many roles require AASW eligibility or membership. The AASW skills assessment is what supports your skilled visa nomination.
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