This is the 2026 VETASSESS skills assessment guide for ANZSCO 272199 — Counsellors NEC. For visa pathway selection see the 272199 pathway guide; for cost/timeline see the case study.
Code-fit decision (do this first)
Before applying VETASSESS under 272199, audit your role against defined codes:
- 60%+ career / vocational → 272111.
- 60%+ AOD / substance use → 272112.
- 60%+ couples / family / marriage → 272113.
- 60%+ rehabilitation / workers comp / NDIS → 272114.
- 60%+ school / university student → 272115.
- Modality-led psychotherapy specialist → 272314 Psychotherapist.
- Clinical psychology with AHPRA registration → 272311 Clinical Psychologist.
Only stay on 272199 if you genuinely can't apportion 60%+ to one defined code, or your specialty (e.g., trauma-focused, perinatal, grief, men's, sex therapy) doesn't have a defined ANZSCO.
VETASSESS pathway
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor (AQF 7) in Psychology / Social Work / Counselling |
| Employment (post-qualification) | At least 1 year highly relevant in the last 5 years |
| Skilled employment for points | Each year of additional skilled employment counts (max 20 pts) |
Documents
- Certified copy of degree certificate(s).
- Academic transcripts.
- Detailed CV mapped to ANZSCO 272199 — make the residual specialty scope explicit.
- Employment reference letters on letterhead with role, dates, hours/week, salary, specialty-specific duties.
- Identity — passport bio page.
- Payslips / tax records.
- Specialist training records — trauma-focused (EMDR, Somatic Experiencing), perinatal (PIRI), grief (ACGB), sex therapy (SAS), etc.
ANZSCO 272199 task focus
Reference letters must show at least 65% time on counselling tasks that don't fit defined codes — make the specialty explicit (trauma-focused, perinatal, grief, men's, sex therapy, faith-based, forensic).
Useful certifications
- PACFA Clinical Registration / ACA Level 4 — practical practice floor.
- Specialty-specific — EMDR (EMDRAA), Trauma (ASTSS), Perinatal (PIRI / COPE), Grief (ACGB), Sex therapy (SAS), Men's work (MensLine / MERN).
- Master of Counselling / Psychotherapy — gold standard.
English
VETASSESS doesn't require English. Home Affairs requires Competent English; Proficient or Superior for points.
Tools
- ANZSCO search — confirm 272199 vs defined codes
- Document checklist
- Points calculator
- Visa fee calculator
Authoritative sources
Next step
Want help with the 272199 vs defined-code decision? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.