Public Servant - Australian Public Service (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

The requirements to become a public servant in the APS differ depending on the position.

There are no standard qualifications to become a Trainee Administrative Service Officer. However, departments and agencies generally require Year 10. Different departments or agencies may have their own specific requirements and should be contacted directly for further information.

Graduate entry into the APS requires completion of a degree from a recognised tertiary institution. Entry to these courses usually requires you to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12.

To become an information technology officer or professional and technical officer usually requires completion of a diploma, degree or trade qualification, or extensive work experience in the relevant field, depending on the position.

On-the-job training and in-house courses are provided at all levels to develop and broaden work skills. Public servants may be required to undertake further part-time study.

Additional Information:

The actual tasks and duties carried out by the various job levels differ between departments and agencies. For specific task descriptions and training requirements you will need to speak to the recruitment officers of the different departments.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Public Sector Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within the public service.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Government - Contract Performance Management (Training Program)
  2. Government - Fraud Control Fundamentals (Training Program)
  3. Government - Procurement Basic Skill Set (Training Program)
  4. Government - Procurement Delegation Skill Set (Training Program)
  5. Government - Procurement Foundation Skill Set (Training Program)
  6. Government - Strategic Contract Management (Training Program)
  7. Government - Strategic Procurement Management (Training Program)
  8. Government - Workplace Relations Inspections and Investigation (Training Program)
  9. Public Sector Procurement (Training Program)
  10. Working in the Public Sector (Training Program)
  11. Certificate II in Government *
  12. Certificate III in Government *
  13. Certificate III in Government - Court Compliance
  14. Certificate IV in Business - Governance *
  15. Certificate IV in Government *
  16. Certificate IV in Government - Border Protection
  17. Certificate IV in Government - Court Compliance
  18. Certificate IV in Government - Court Services
  19. Certificate IV in Government - Financial Services *
  20. Certificate IV in Government - Fraud Control
  21. Certificate IV in Government - Injury Rehabilitation Management
  22. Certificate IV in Government - Investigation *
  23. Certificate IV in Government - Occupational Health and Safety
  24. Certificate IV in Government - Personnel Security *
  25. Certificate IV in Government - Procurement and Contracting *
  26. Certificate IV in Government - Project Management *
  27. Certificate IV in Government - Revenue Administration
  28. Certificate IV in Government - Road Transport Compliance
  29. Certificate IV in Government - Security
  30. Certificate IV in Government - Statutory Compliance *
  31. Diploma of Government *
  32. Diploma of Government - Community Capacity
  33. Diploma of Government - Contract Management
  34. Diploma of Government - Court Services
  35. Diploma of Government - Financial Services *
  36. Diploma of Government - Fraud Control
  37. Diploma of Government - Human Resources *
  38. Diploma of Government - Injury Management *
  39. Diploma of Government - Investigation *
  40. Diploma of Government - Management *
  41. Diploma of Government - Occupational Health and Safety
  42. Diploma of Government - Policy Development *
  43. Diploma of Government - Procurement and Contracting *
  44. Diploma of Government - Project Management *
  45. Diploma of Government - Security
  46. Diploma of Government - Workplace Inspection *
  47. Diploma of Intelligence Analysis
  48. Advanced Diploma of Government *
  49. Advanced Diploma of Government - Financial Management *
  50. Advanced Diploma of Government - Human Resources
  51. Advanced Diploma of Government - Management *
  52. Advanced Diploma of Government - Occupational Health and Safety
  53. Advanced Diploma of Government - Procurement and Contracting *
  54. Advanced Diploma of Government - Workplace Inspection *
  55. Bachelor of Applied Economics / Bachelor of Management
  56. Bachelor of Art Theory / Bachelor of Arts
  57. Bachelor of Arts *
  58. Bachelor of Arts - Business and Communication Studies
  59. Bachelor of Arts - International Studies / Bachelor of Management
  60. Bachelor of Australian Politics and Public Policy
  61. Bachelor of Business Administration / Bachelor of Management
  62. Bachelor of Commerce - Liberal Studies
  63. Bachelor of Education / Bachelor of Arts
  64. Bachelor of Management *
  65. Bachelor of Management / Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies
  66. Bachelor of Management / Bachelor of Journalism
  67. Bachelor of Politics and International Relations
  68. Bachelor of Politics and International Relations / Bachelor of Business Administration

Employment Opportunities:

Australian public servants work in every state and territory in Australia. Many positions are in the capital cities or larger cities and towns. There are limited opportunities for overseas postings. Many graduate entry positions are based in Canberra.

Recruitment and testing services are conducted by individual Commonwealth Government departments and agencies. Contact your chosen department or agency for full details. Department and agency contact details are available in the White Pages or through the Federal Government website at http://australia.gov.au.

Some jobs are advertised in local or national newspapers. Vacancies for permanent APS positions are also advertised on the Australian Public Service website at www.apsjobs.gov.au. Most jobs advertised on the website are open to all Australians, not just those already in the APS.

For Indigenous Australians, opportunities for employment while studying are available under the Indigenous Cadetship Support initiative. This employment program aims to assist Indigenous jobseekers to gain professional positions in both the private and public sectors. Contact the Indigenous Employment Line on 1802 102 (FREECALL) or visit www.ics.deewr.gov.au for more information.

Competition for positions in the APS is very strong.

For Further Information:

Contact your chosen government department for further information regarding this occupation.

Information for other states and territories: