Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The national framework that ranks qualifications from certificates to degrees; used to assess overseas equivalence.
The Australian Qualifications Framework, or AQF, is the national system that ranks education and training qualifications into ten levels, from Certificate I through to Doctoral Degrees. It gives a common reference point so a Certificate III, a diploma or a bachelor degree means the same thing across the country.
For care workers, the AQF level tells you and employers where a qualification sits. Many entry roles in Aged Care and disability call for a Certificate III, while nursing and allied health roles require higher level diplomas or degrees. Knowing the level helps you understand what a role requires and how your study compares.
For workers who trained overseas, the AQF is the yardstick used to assess equivalence. A skills assessing authority compares your qualification to the relevant AQF level so employers and registration bodies can understand it. This sits separately from registration: holding an equivalent qualification does not by itself grant AHPRA registration or a screening clearance, which follow their own processes. Our guide on overseas trained care workers walks through how the pieces fit together.
This is general information, not compliance advice. Always confirm requirements with the relevant regulator, and remember that providers keep the legal responsibility to sight credentials and decide who can work.
We work hard to keep it accurate, but the rules change and we will not always get every detail right. If you think something here needs updating, email us at resources@koora.care. We would genuinely rather know, because we all do better when we help each other get it right.
Working in care with an overseas background
How overseas qualifications, skills assessment and the statutory declaration for overseas history fit into starting a care job in Australia.
Read guideAged CareRN, EN and AIN roles in Aged Care: credentials and pathways
How registered nurses, enrolled nurses and assistants in nursing differ in Aged Care: scope, qualifications, AHPRA registration and the screening every role still needs.
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