This is the practical, step-by-step VETASSESS skills assessment guide for ANZSCO 225111 Advertising Specialist.
For the upstream pathway choice, see the Advertising Specialist pathway guide. For costs and timelines, see the Advertising Specialist cost & timeline case study.
Step 1 — Confirm 225111 is the right code
| Code | Title | Use if dominant role is... |
|---|---|---|
| 225111 | Advertising Specialist | Campaign planning, creative direction, account management |
| 225112 | Market Research Analyst | Market research / consumer insights |
| 225113 | Marketing Specialist | Broader marketing strategy / management |
| 212411 | Copywriter | Commercial / advertising writing |
| 212111 | Artistic Director | Senior creative leadership at arts organisation |
Pick 225111 only if your dominant role over 5 years is advertising specialist work — campaign development, account management, creative direction, media planning at agencies or in-house brand teams.
Step 2 — Map your qualification
VETASSESS requires AQF Bachelor degree-level qualification:
- Bachelor of Communications (Advertising / PR / Media)
- Bachelor of Marketing
- Bachelor of Business / Commerce (Marketing major)
- Bachelor of Arts (Media / Communications)
- Equivalent international qualifications
Step 3 — Document post-qualification employment
VETASSESS expects "highly relevant employment":
- Developing advertising campaigns
- Account management at agencies
- Brand strategy / positioning
- Creative direction
- Media planning / buying
Evidence VETASSESS accepts
- Employment letters for advertising roles at agencies / brands
- Reference letters from creative / account directors
- Award certificates — Cannes Lions, AWARD Awards, D&AD, Effie Awards
- Portfolio of campaigns
Step 4 — Build the portfolio submission
VETASSESS for 225111 typically wants:
- CV / advertising CV — chronological list of agency / brand roles
- Campaign portfolio — published / produced campaign work
- Reference letters
- Award certificates / nominations
Step 5 — Lodge the assessment
Lodge online at the VETASSESS portal. Standard fee AUD 1,096; Priority Processing AUD 836 extra.
Common rejection patterns for 225111
"Code fits 225113 Marketing Specialist not 225111." Marketing strategy roles fit 225113. Pure advertising / creative focus fits 225111.
"Insufficient evidence of advertising specialist role." General marketing / sales staff without explicit advertising responsibility may struggle.
After a positive VETASSESS outcome — next steps
- English testing — push for Superior (IELTS 8 / PTE 79)
- Lodge EOI via SkillSelect — for 190 / 491
- Sponsor search — for 186 / 494 / 482 (major Australian agencies, brand teams)
- AANA / Communications Council membership planning
Tools
- Document checklist
- Visa fee calculator
- Eligibility wizard
- ANZSCO search — confirm 225111 vs 225113 / 212411
Where to verify the rules
Next step
Want a personalised review of your advertising credentials before you lodge with VETASSESS? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.