Work that is purely manual, or work that can rely on verbal instructions alone can be scored at Level 1. Jobs such as despatch clerk, photocopy clerk, mailroom clerk, or receptionist, usually require education up to year 10 but not beyond. Accordingly we would expect to score these jobs at Level 2.

For example, an accounts clerk would normally be expected to have completed secondary schooling, but would not need a formal qualification beyond that point. For accounts clerk we would therefore select Level 3.

Other positions that can score at Level 3 include a travel officer in a travel agency, a personnel clerk, a workshop machinist, and an administrative assistant.

Positions needing a post-secondary certificate or diploma, or some subjects towards a first degree, can include a technical sales representative, a design draftsperson, a merchandising manager, a purchasing officer, a payroll supervisor, and some computer programming jobs. These would be assessed at Level 4 or 5.

Most general management positions, even at chief executive level, do not specifically require advanced degrees. What is more important for these roles is the pertinent knowledge and skills gained through significant business and executive experience - the initial academic qualification is less important. Accordingly, most general management and chief executive positions would score Level 6.

Similarly for a general business degree requiring a three year university course we would select Level 6.

Other positions that can be scored at Level 6 include a portfolio manager in a funds management organisation, and a marketing manager.

Level 7 positions require a qualification beyond the Bachelor degree level, such as a finance position that requires an accounting degree plus a CPA qualification.

By contrast, a senior engineer must have completed an engineering degree at a recognised university, and this takes a minimum of four years study. Accordingly we would select Level 8 for the senior engineer.

Jobs that require a Master's degree (Level 9) can include a chief economist in a large corporation, specialist positions in investment banking, some consulting positions, lower level pure research positions and positions in tertiary education.

We would normally expect Levels 10 and 11, PhD and post Doctorates, only in research organisations or in tertiary education.