Light Technician – ANZSCO 399513

Light Technician (ANZSCO 399513) is a skill level 3 occupation assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) for Australian skilled migration. It is on the ROL, CSOL lists and can be used for subclass 482, subclass 186, subclass 494.

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Quick facts

ANZSCO code: 399513
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, CSOL
English test for skills assessment: Not required
ANZSCO unit group: 3995 Performing Arts Technicians

Light Technician job description and duties

Positions and controls lighting equipment for film, television or video productions or stage performances.

Tasks include

Operating microwave equipment to transmit video information to transmitter sites and receiving video signals from remote locations
Maintaining and repairing radio and television transmitters and associated equipment
Selecting and attaching equipment to cameras, positioning cameras, and following the action of scenes being photographed while adjusting controls
Positioning equipment, such as spotlights, floodlights and cables, and operating lights during filming, broadcasting and stage performances
Applying and retouching make up during shooting and performance, including special effects make up such as scars and wounds
Designing and making musical instruments and instrument parts using specially selected materials and techniques similar to those used in cabinetmaking, metal pipe making, silversmithing and wood carving, and tuning and repairing musical instruments
Setting up and adjusting equipment such as microphones, and operating sound mixing consoles and associated equipment to regulate volume and sound quality
Selecting and setting up television recording, editing and mixing equipment, and adjusting and monitoring their operation

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 Light Technician

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: Eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: 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 Light Technician

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 Light Technician

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 3995

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Light Technician?

The ANZSCO code for Light Technician is 399513. It is a skill level 3 occupation.

Who assesses Light Technician for Australian migration?

Light Technician 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 Light Technician apply for?

Light Technician is on the ROL, CSOL lists, so it can be used for: 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream; 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Do I need an English test for the Light Technician 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.