Sound Technician – ANZSCO 399516

Sound Technician (ANZSCO 399516) is a skill level 3 occupation assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) for Australian skilled migration. It is on the STSOL, CSOL lists and can be used for subclass 190, subclass 491, subclass 482, subclass 186, subclass 494, subclass 407. 2 of 8 states and territories currently nominate it.

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Quick facts

• ANZSCO code: 399516
• 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: STSOL, CSOL
• English test for skills assessment: Not required
• ANZSCO unit group: 3995 Performing Arts Technicians

Sound Technician job description and duties

Operates audio equipment to record, enhance, mix and amplify sound in support of television, radio, film or video productions, or stage performances.

Specialisations: Audio Operator, Dubbing Machine Operator, Foley Artist, Re-recording Mixer, Sound Editor, Sound Effects Person, Sound Mixer, Sound Recordist, Video and Sound Recorder

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 Sound 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: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
• Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: 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: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Sound Technician

2 of 8 states and territories currently list this occupation: Victoria, Tasmania. Onshore means already living in that state; offshore means living outside Australia.

• New South Wales: 190 No, 491 Closed 26–27, onshore No, offshore No. Unit group 3995 is not on the NSW Skills List.
• Victoria: 190 Yes, 491 Not yet open, onshore VIC residents, offshore Yes. All 190-eligible occupations (no state list).
• Queensland: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the Queensland onshore or offshore list.
• South Australia: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the SA Skilled Occupation List.
• Western Australia: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on WASMOL or the Graduate occupation list.
• Tasmania: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore TAS residents, offshore No. Living in Tasmania: Skilled Employment, Graduate or Established Resident pathways; Overseas 491 (OSOP) closed for 2026–27.
• Australian Capital Territory: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the ACT occupation list (Canberra small-business owners may still qualify).
• Northern Territory: 190 Closed, 491 By exception, onshore NT grads/residents only, offshore No. 491 onshore only, by exception for NT Graduate or Resident applicants with urgent visa or age deadlines.

Based on each state's official 2026–27 lists and program pages. Being listed does not guarantee an invitation.

Skills assessment for Sound 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

1. Check your program: Use TRA's Pathfinder: MSA, or OSAP if your passport country is listed for your trade.
2. Gather evidence: Qualification or apprenticeship papers, employer templates and pay evidence for every job.
3. Apply and pay: MSA through the TRA Online Portal; OSAP through an approved RTO.
4. Assessment: MSA: documents only (about 120 days). OSAP: documents, then technical interview, then practical if licensed.
5. 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

• Broadcast Transmitter Operator (399511)
• Camera Operator (Film, Television or Video) (399512)
• Light Technician (399513)
• Make Up Artist (399514)
• Musical Instrument Maker or Repairer (399515)
• Performing Arts Technicians nec (399599)
• Television Equipment Operator (399517)

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Sound Technician?

The ANZSCO code for Sound Technician is 399516. It is a skill level 3 occupation.

Who assesses Sound Technician for Australian migration?

Sound 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 Sound Technician apply for?

Sound Technician is on the STSOL, CSOL lists, so it can be used for: 190 Skilled Nominated; 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated; 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream; 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored; 407 Training visa. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Which states nominate Sound Technician?

2 of 8 states and territories currently list Sound Technician: Victoria, Tasmania. Each state has extra criteria such as residence, employment and points.

Do I need an English test for the Sound 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.