Child Care Worker – ANZSCO 421111

Child Care Worker (ANZSCO 421111) is a skill level 3 occupation assessed by ACECQA for Australian skilled migration. It is on the CSOL list and can be used for subclass 482, subclass 186.

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Quick facts

• ANZSCO code: 421111
• 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: ACECQA
• Occupation lists: CSOL
• English test for skills assessment: Check with the authority
• ANZSCO unit group: 4211 Child Carers

Child Care Worker job description and duties

Provides care and supervision for children in programs, such as long day care and occasional care, in childcare centres, hospitals and educational centres. Registration or licensing may be required.

Also known as: Child Care Aide

Specialisations: Child Care Group Leader (Aus) (Skill Level 2), Children's Nursery Assistant, Creche Attendant, Early Childhood Worker

Tasks include

• Assisting in the preparation of materials and equipment for children's education and recreational activities
• Managing children's behaviour and guiding children's social development
• Preparing and conducting activities for children
• Entertaining children by reading and playing games
• Supervising children in recreational activities
• Supervising the daily routine of children
• Supervising the hygiene of children

Education and skill level

The occupations Child Care Worker and Out of School Hours Care Worker 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 or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) In New Zealand: NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. The occupation Family Day Care Worker in this unit group has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia: AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4) In New Zealand: NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. The occupation Nanny in this unit group has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia: AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4) In New Zealand: NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.

Visa options for Child Care Worker

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: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
• Subclass 407 Training visa: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Child Care Worker

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 Child Care Worker

This authority assesses whether your qualifications (and, for some occupations, registration or work experience) meet the Australian standard for this occupation. Requirements are set by the authority and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

The process

1. Confirm the authority: Check that this body assesses your occupation for your visa.
2. Check criteria: Read the qualification, registration, experience and English requirements.
3. Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, ID and any registration or employment evidence.
4. Apply and pay: Lodge with the authority, usually online.
5. Outcome: Use your outcome letter for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

ACECQA sets the criteria for this occupation. Requirements usually cover qualification level and field, any registration or licence, and in some cases work experience and English.

Documents checklist

• Passport
• Qualification certificates and full transcripts
• Registration or licence evidence (if applicable)
• Employment references (if applicable)
• English test results (if required)

English language requirement

For the ACECQA skills assessment

ACECQA sets its own English rule for this occupation. Many professional and registration bodies ask for IELTS Academic 7 or equivalent, so check before you book a test.

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 4211

• Child Care Worker (group leaders only) (421111)
• Out of School Hours Care Worker (421114)

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Child Care Worker?

The ANZSCO code for Child Care Worker is 421111. It is a skill level 3 occupation.

Who assesses Child Care Worker for Australian migration?

Child Care Worker is assessed by ACECQA. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Child Care Worker apply for?

Child Care Worker is on the CSOL list, so it can be used for: 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream; 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Do I need an English test for the Child Care Worker skills assessment?

ACECQA sets its own English rule; check its website. The visa itself needs at least Competent English (for example IELTS 6 in each band).

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