Small Offset Printer – ANZSCO 392312

Small Offset Printer (ANZSCO 392312) is a skill level 3 occupation assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) for Australian skilled migration. It is on the ROL list and can be used for subclass 494.

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Quick facts

ANZSCO code: 392312
Skill level: 3 – Certificate IV, or Certificate III with at least 2 years of on-the-job training, or 3 years of relevant experience.
Assessing authority: TRA
Occupation lists: ROL
English test for skills assessment: Not required
ANZSCO unit group: 3923 Printers

Small Offset Printer job description and duties

Sets up and operates small offset printing presses used in instant print shops or for in-house printing.

Also known as: Instant Printer Operator

Specialisations: Digital Printer

Tasks include

Setting, adjusting and monitoring substrate-feed mechanisms, delivery mechanisms, inking systems and other printing machine functions
Mixing ink and solvents to standard, and regulating paper and ink supply during print runs
Monitoring, evaluating and determining press operations manually and by computer to check print quality standards against proofs and detect malfunctions
Producing a variety of printed products using relief, lithographic, flexographic and gravure printing presses, and in-line finishing systems
Preparing plates, blankets and impression cylinders on small offset lithographic printing presses
Loading paper into feeding mechanisms
Monitoring machine operations and quality of printing
Undertaking maintenance, adjustment, repair and cleaning of machines
Producing and managing digital print images, and transferring and outputting images
May set up and operate paper and bookbinding guillotines

Education and skill level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) In New Zealand: NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

What the assessing authority expects: Trade qualification or apprenticeship plus paid employment in the trade, assessed by TRA.

Visa options for Small Offset Printer

Eligible means the occupation is on a list the visa accepts. You still need to meet every other requirement.

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream: Not eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: Not eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 407 Training visa: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Small Offset Printer

This occupation is not on the federal lists for the 190 or 491 visas, so no state or territory can nominate it. Employer-sponsored visas may still apply.

Skills assessment for Small Offset Printer

TRA assesses trade occupations. Which program you use depends on your passport country and trade. Most applicants use the Migration Skills Assessment (a document-based check). If your passport country is listed against your trade, you must use the Offshore Skills Assessment Program, run by a TRA-approved training organisation, which adds a technical interview and, for licensed trades, a practical test.

The process

Check your program: Use TRA's Pathfinder: MSA, or OSAP if your passport country is listed for your trade.
Gather evidence: Qualification or apprenticeship papers, employer templates and pay evidence for every job.
Apply and pay: MSA through the TRA Online Portal; OSAP through an approved RTO.
Assessment: MSA: documents only (about 120 days). OSAP: documents, then technical interview, then practical if licensed.
Outcome: Outcome letter emailed to you.

What you need for this occupation

Migration Skills Assessment (most applicants): a qualification or apprenticeship directly relevant to the trade, plus paid employment in the trade shown by employer templates and pay evidence. Documents only, no interview.
Offshore Skills Assessment Program (listed passport countries): evidence checked by a TRA-approved training organisation, then a technical interview, plus a practical assessment for licensed trades.

Whether you must use OSAP depends on your passport country and trade. Check TRA's Pathfinder before applying.

Documents checklist

Passport ID page
Qualification certificates and transcripts or apprenticeship papers
TRA Employer Template for each period of employment
Pay evidence for each job (payslips, bank statements, tax records)
Self-employment evidence if applicable

Key facts

MSA fee: AUD 795 (review AUD 610)
MSA processing: About 120 days
Not available through MSA: Electricians, plumbers and air-conditioning mechanics (licensed trades)
Experience: Directly relevant paid employment in the trade is assessed; see TRA guidelines for your program
Validity for visas: Home Affairs generally accepts an assessment for 3 years unless the letter says otherwise

English language requirement

For the TRA skills assessment

No English test required. No English test score is required for the TRA skills assessment. Documents must be in English or translated, and OSAP applicants complete a technical interview. Your English is tested for the visa.

For the visa (189, 190 and 491)

Separately, the visa needs at least Competent English. Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

IELTS (Academic or General): Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330

Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points in the points test.

Related occupations in unit group 3923

Printing Machinist (392311)

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Small Offset Printer?

The ANZSCO code for Small Offset Printer is 392312. It is a skill level 3 occupation.

Who assesses Small Offset Printer for Australian migration?

Small Offset Printer is assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Small Offset Printer apply for?

Small Offset Printer is on the ROL list, so it can be used for: 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Do I need an English test for the Small Offset Printer skills assessment?

No. No English test score is required for the TRA skills assessment. Documents must be in English or translated, and OSAP applicants complete a technical interview. Your English is tested for the visa.

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0), Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists, TRA and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.