The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has developed the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED) for use in the collection, storage and dissemination of statistical and administrative data relating to educational activity undertaken in Australia. The ABS has a commitment to develop, maintain and promote the use of standard definitions, classifications and coding procedures to ensure comparability of data derived from statistical and administrative systems, no matter what their source.
ASCED replaces the Australian Bureau of Statistics Classification of Qualifications (ABSCQ). It includes two component classifications, Level of Education and Field of Education. These reflect the needs of government agencies, the private sector and education and training organisations to describe the range of education and training currently offered in Australia. ASCED will be maintained by the ABS and revised periodically to reflect changes in levels and fields of education offered by Australian educational institutions and registered training providers.
The development of the classification involved extensive consultation with relevant Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies, educational institutions and other stakeholders in data on education in Australia. My thanks to those organisations which provided information and advice during the development process. I am particularly grateful for the contribution of the ASCED Steering Committee, which comprised representatives of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Certification Authorities, the Australian National Training Authority, the Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board, the Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, the Centre for the Economics of Education and Training at Monash University, the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd, and the Secretariat of the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs.
Dennis Trewin
Australian Statistician
August 2001
This page last updated 20 January 2006
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