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Understanding Qualification and Unit Codes

codes in nationally recognised training

Codes in Nationally Recognised Training

The are 3 types of codes typically used in Nationally Recognised Training, these are;

  1. Training Package Codes
  2. Qualification Codes
  3. Unit Codes

Training Package Codes

These codes assign a unique identifier for each training package.  The convention applied for most training packages is three letters followed by 2 numbers.

  • The letters are a unique sequence (much like airport codes) to identify a training package.
  • The numbers normally indicate the year of endorsement.

BSB Training Package Code

For example the Business Services Training Package has the code BSB07:

BSB is the unique code for Business Services

07 is the year the training package was first endorsed.

Qualification Codes

Each nationally recognised qualification will have a unique code.  This is so it can be differentiated against qualification of similar names or different versions of the same qualification.  For example the Diploma in Project Management was updated in 2013 and whilst it kept the title “Diploma of Project Management” the code changed from BSB51407 to BSB51413.   The code allows the different versions to be distinguished.

Whilst the convention may change from one training package to another, most follow the logic as explained below:

  • The first letters refer to the training package which contains the qualification
  • The first number refers to the AQF level of the qualification
  • The next two numbers indicate the sequence, basically the order in which the qualification is located within the training package
  • The last two numbers show the year the qualification was endorsed.

For example the Diploma of Project Management BSB51413

Diploma Project Management Qualification Code

  • BSB is the Business Services Training Package
  • 5 is the AQF Level for Diploma
  • 14 is the sequence within the BSB Diploma level qualifications
  • 13 is the year 2013, when the qualification was accredited

Unit Codes

Unit codes are used for a similar purpose to qualification codes, they allow for a representation of a unique identifier for each unit of competence.  As with qualifications unit codes can be used to identify the currency status for a specific unit.  For example take two units with the same name, but different codes:

  1. BSBPMG503A – Manage project time
  2. BSBPMG512A – Manage project time

The codes would be used to identify the actual unit completed by a student and the currency of the unit.  By simply typing the codes into the national training database (training.gov.au) we can identify following under the usage recomendations:

  1. BSBPMG503A – Manage project time (Superseded)
  2. BSBPMG512A – Manage project time (Current)

In terms of the coding most units will use the following convention (note that there are differences across training packages):

  • The first 3 letters refer to the training package
  • The next 3 letters refer to the competency field or specialisation
  • The next number refers to the AQF level
  • The following numbers are a uniquely assigned set of numbers for that unit
  • The final letter refers to the revision number (starting at A)
  • Manage Project Time CodeBSB is the Business Services Training Package
  • PMG is the field code for Project Management
  • 5 is the AQF Level for Diploma
  • 12 is the unique unit ID
  • A generally means that there have not been any revisions

 

 

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