The Skilled Occupation List is divided into 4 categories:

1) Managers and Administrators
2) Professionals
3) Associate Professionals
4) Tradespersons and Related Workers

1) Managers and Administrators

Managers and Administrators (60 or 50 points) The occupations which get 60 points are at the high end of the managerial scale. In general, what is required is a minimum of 5 years working as a senior manager, with people reporting to you who are themselves managers of others. In most cases a relevant degree or professional training will also be necessary. The 50 point occupations in this category cover administrators of various institutions and all require a degree.

2) Professionals

Professionals (60 or 50 points) In most cases applicants must hold a university degree (a notable exception is IT, but substantial experience is necessary if lower or no qualifications are held). Generally, 60 points are awarded for occupations which, according to Immigration, require "training which is specific to the occupation" while occupations that are considered "generalist", but still require a degree, get 50 points.

3) Associate Professionals

Associate Professionals (40 points) Occupations in this category require a diploma-level qualification.

4) Tradespersons and Related Workers

Tradespersons and related workers (60 points) This category covers skilled manual or technical workers. As a general rule, a formal four-year apprenticeship or 6 to 7 years of informal training is required.

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