Authorised Officers

So, you want to become an AO? Great! Now let’s determine what job functions you will perform in your workplace.

Follow the links below to find out about what products each job function covers, as well as the training and assessment required to gain your appointment.

• BVI3001 Export inspection of empty bulk vessels
• ECI3001 Export inspection of empty containers
• FOP3001 Export inspection of woodchips
• FOP3002 Export inspection of logs
• FOP3003 Export inspection of processed forest products
• GSEP4001 Export inspection of prescribed grain and plant products protocol
• HAS3001 Export inspection of hay and straw
• HEP4001 Export inspection horticulture protocol
• HOR3002 Export inspection of fruit and vegetables
• PGG3001 Export inspection of prescribed grain and plant products
• RBC3001 Export inspection of raw baled cotton
• TRE3001 Export phytosanitary treatments

You have successfully completed the first step of the AO candidate journey through choosing your job functions. The next step is application.

You must submit an AO application online through the Plant Export Management System (PEMS).

Detailed instructions for lodging a new AO application in PEMS can be found in the Work Instruction: Applying to become an Authorised Officer using the Plant Exports Management System. You must complete all steps of this work instruction to successfully apply.

In the application process, you must:

• provide 100 points of identification; with at least one piece of primary identification and one containing a photograph
• provide a National Police Check (no more than 12 months old)
• choose your job functions (fees apply).

Once your application has been approved, you will proceed to the next step.

How do I know if my PEMS registration has been received?

If you have successfully requested the ‘Authorized Officer’ role in PEMS following the Work Instruction: Applying to become an Authorised Officer using the Plant Export Management System you will receive an email from PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au within 10 business days notifying you that your access request has been accepted.

How do I know if my application has been received?

If you have successfully submitted your application following the Work Instruction: Applying to become an Authorised Officer using the Plant Export Management System you will receive an email from donotreply@aff.gov.au notifying you that your application has been received and that the AO Program will process your application within 15 business days. Your application status will also change from Active to Submitted within PEMS.

Are there any pre-requisites?

There are no pre-requisites for becoming an AO however, pre-requisites may apply for certain job functions. More information can be found on the Job functions for Authorised Officers webpage.

Cost

You must pay an application fee of $328 through PEMS.

Note: These fees are correct from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, but may change after this time. Further information about AO fees and charges is available on the department’s website.

How long will it take to become an AO?

The process to become an AO involves self-paced learning and will therefore vary from person to person. We recommend allowing a minimum of 3–6 months from when your completed application is received.

Am I required to be an Australian Citizen in order to become an AO?

It is not a requirement to be an Australia citizen in order to become an AO; however, you must be able to obtain an Australian National Police Check.

Is an AO a government official?

When undertaking the functions, they are appointed for under the Act, AOs are regarded as Australian Government officials (public officials), however they are not considered employees of the Australian Government.

What conditions apply to an AO?

An AO must:

• behave honestly, and with integrity and impartiality
• act with care and diligence
• treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and without harassment
• only exercise powers and functions for which they have been appointed
• comply with all applicable Australian laws
• comply with any lawful and reasonable direction given by someone in the Commonwealth who has authority to give the direction
• comply with all relevant instructional material published by the Commonwealth
• maintain currency of skills by attending training as directed by the Commonwealth
• be available for assurance and audit visits by the Commonwealth
• notify the Commonwealth of any observed fraudulent practices or the provision of false and misleading formation in relation to the export of plants and plant products from Australia
• notify the Commonwealth of any persons applying undue influence, harassment or offers of bribery
• ensure the payment of all debts due to the Commonwealth
• maintain correct contact details and notify the Commonwealth of any change in circumstances, including
  • conflicts of interest that may arise or have arisen
  • conviction of an offence under Commonwealth, State or Territory law
  • an order to pay a pecuniary penalty
  • the existence of outstanding debts due to the Commonwealth
  • a change in the conditions which permit the AO to work in Australia.
• behave in a way that upholds the integrity and good reputation of the Commonwealth and do not do anything that would cause harm to the Commonwealth’s interests or reputation
• comply with the Privacy Act 1988, including protecting and not inappropriately using or disclosing commercial in confidence information of clients and businesses.

As public officials, AOs fall under the jurisdiction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022. Under the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is responsible for detecting, investigating, and reporting on serious or systemic ‘corrupt conduct’ in the public sector. This means that AOs who engage in corrupt conduct may be investigated by the NACC. The NACC is also able to investigate any person, even if they are not a public official, if that person does something that might cause an AO to carry out their role in a dishonest or biased way.
Some examples of ‘corrupt conduct’ can include:

• Breach of public trust – arises when an AO exercises official powers for an improper purpose, or in a way that goes against the purpose for which the powers were appointed.
• Abuse of office – when an AO engages in improper acts or omissions knowing the conduct is improper. These acts or behaviours have the intention to gain a benefit for themselves, or others, or to cause a detriment to another person.
• Misuse of information – when an AO, or former AO, does something that involves misuse of information or documents that they have or had access to because of their role.
• Causing, or attempting to cause, a public official to behave dishonestly or in a biased way – when a person does something that does, or could, cause an AO to behave dishonestly or show bias when exercising their official functions, powers, or duties.

What does 'fit and proper person' mean?

A fit and proper person is someone who can demonstrate to the department that they are suitable to act as an AO on behalf of the Australian Government. A fit and proper person assessment will include, but is not limited to, an analysis of your National Police Check.

When an application is received, AO candidates are sent a Fit and Proper Person Questionnaire to complete. If it has been more than 15 business days since you received confirmation that your application has been received and you have not yet received an email containing the questionnaire, please email PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

How do I know if my Fit and Proper Person Questionnaire was received?

You will receive an email from PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au within 10 business days notifying you that your application has been sent to the Fit and Proper Person team to undergo a Fit and Proper Person evaluation.

How long does the Fit and Proper Person test take?

The fit and proper person test may take up to 60 business days to complete.

If I have a conflict of interest, will I be automatically ineligible?

You must declare on your application any interests, pecuniary or otherwise, that conflict or could conflict with your proper performance of functions or exercise of powers as an AO.

While avoiding a conflict is best, it is not always practical. Having a conflict of interests will not automatically exclude an applicant from being appointed as an AO. Some examples of conflicts of interest and possible ways they could be managed are provided below. If you are not sure if your situation involves a conflict of interest, please declare it and we will consider it.

If I have a criminal record, will I be automatically ineligible?

A criminal conviction or pending charge will not automatically exclude an applicant from being appointed as an AO. Nonetheless, the department may be concerned that a particular charge or conviction reflects that applicant’s fitness to perform the services required or may affect their integrity and the reputation of the department.

You have successfully completed the first 2 steps of the AO candidate journey. The next step is eLearning.

We will create an account for you and enrol you into the relevant eLearning programs. You will receive email notification of enrolment from the department’s learning management system – Learnhub – with a link to the log in page.

The eLearning programs are designed to be informative and self-paced learning products that are mandatory in preparing you for appointment in your chosen job functions. You are required to read and understand each page and complete all quizzes and knowledge assessments.

Is the eLearning mandatory?

eLearning is mandatory and must be completed prior to requesting assessment.

The PEMS video tutorials are not mandatory. These are designed to assist you with completing inspection records in PEMS and will always show as incomplete on your Learnhub profile.

How do I know if I’ve completed my eLearning?

If you are unsure whether you have completed your eLearning, you can login to your Learnhub account and select My Learning > Enrolments. If any programs or courses are listed, you have not yet completed your eLearning.

Is there prior learning recognition for an applicant that has been working as an inspector for a number of years?

There is no recognition of prior learning in place. Every AO candidate must complete the training.

You have successfully completed the first 3 steps of the AO candidate journey. The next step is facilitated training.

Facilitated training with a Plant Export Assessor (PEA) is mandatory for all job functions.

This training equips you with further skills and knowledge required to competently carry out your job functions, in accordance with relevant legislative requirements.

Although completion of the relevant eLearning programs for each job function is not a pre-requisite for facilitated training, it is recommended that you complete your eLearning before requesting facilitated training.

Detailed instructions on requesting facilitated training through PEMS can be found in the Work Instruction: Requesting Authorised Officer training using the Plant Exports Management System. You must complete all steps of this work instruction to successfully request training.

Cost

You must pay a learning and assessment fee of $2,293 per application for up to 5 job functions through PEMS.

Note: These fees are correct from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, but may change after this time. Further information about AO fees and charges is available on the department’s website.

How do I know if my training request has been received?

If you are unsure whether your training request has been received, login to your PEMS account and select the Training & Assessment tab. If you have requested training your Status should be listed as ‘Paid’ and your Job Groups – Status – Date should be showing as ‘Training Requested’. If this is not the case, you will need to follow the Work Instruction: Requesting Authorised Officer training using the Plant Exports Management System to request training.

When will I receive training?

We cannot provide an exact timeframe for how soon after submitting a request and paying the learning and assessment fee you will receive training. Generally speaking, a PEA should contact you about training within 1 month of receiving payment.

If you do not hear anything within this timeframe, and you have confirmed that your Status is listed as ‘Paid’ and your Job Groups – Status – Date is showing as ‘Training Requested’, email PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

What will the training cover?

Training will cover how to:

• work effectively in an export environment
• conduct pre-inspection tasks
• prepare to supervise applicable phytosanitary treatments
• conduct flowpath inspection tasks
• identify and apply the correct sampling rates and inspection techniques
• supervise the initiation of applicable phytosanitary treatments
• understand pest and contaminant tolerances
• pass the goods after an inspection
• verify the successful completion of applicable phytosanitary treatments
• fail the goods after an inspection
• correctly apply failed treatment procedures
• inspect a resubmitted consignment
• complete the applicable inspection/treatment record.

Further information about specific job functions is available on the department’s website.

You have successfully completed the first 4 steps of the AO candidate journey. The next step is assessment.

AO candidates must participate in an assessment of competency against their chosen job functions. You will need to request an assessment through PEMS.

Detailed instructions on requesting assessment through PEMS can be found in the Work Instruction: Requesting an Authorised Officer assessment using the Plant Exports Management System. You must complete all steps of this work instruction to successfully request assessment.

You have successfully completed the first 5 steps of the AO candidate journey. The next step is appointment.

Once your assessment result has been verified, you must pay an approval fee and acknowledge that you have read and understood the obligations placed on you as an AO.

Once you have done this, you will be able to request your Instrument of Appointment (IoA) through PEMS.

Detailed instructions on how to request your IoA through PEMS can be found in the Work Instruction: Requesting an AO Instrument of Appointment using the Plant Exports Management System. You must complete all steps of this work instruction to successfully request your IoA.

When will my IoA be available in PEMS?

Your IoA will be generated in PEMS within 24 hours of paying the approval fee. You will also be assigned the relevant job function/s you require to complete inspections.

You can check whether you have paid the approval fee by logging into your PEMS account and opening your Appointment tab. If the option to ‘Pay Now’ is showing, you have not paid your approval fee; follow the steps in the Work Instruction: Requesting an Instrument of Appointment using the Plant Exports Management System to pay this fee.

Cost

You must pay an instrument of appointment fee of $328 through PEMS.

Note: These fees are correct from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, but may change after this time. Further information about AO fees and charges is available on the department’s website.

How long will I be appointed for?

Your job function appointment is valid for a period of 2 years (except in the case of the Bulk Vessel Inspection job function which is valid only until the first prerequisite training/registration expires).

More information on reappointments can be found in Step 10.

What are my responsibilities as an AO?

As an AO, you will have powers and sub-delegations under the Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Rules 2021. Your instrument of appointment will detail your specific delegations under the legislation.

When working as an AO, you are considered an Australian Government official. You must not exceed your powers and sub-delegations under the legislation.

As an AO, depending on your powers and sub-delegations under the legislation, you may be legally required to make sure that:

• empty containers and/or vessel holds meet required standards.
• prescribed goods (plants and plant products) exported from Australia comply with the requirements of the plant rules.
• relevant treatments are conducted in a way that meets the required standards.

Regional Assurance Manager (RAM) support

You will receive ongoing support throughout your appointment from your local Regional Assurance Manager (RAM).

A RAM is part of a regionally based team providing support to Plant Export AOs and their employers (clients). RAMs establish and maintain effective and productive relationships with their clients to ensure understanding of and adherence to plant export policies. RAMs do this through a number of regular on-site visits.

Once you are appointed, you can expect your local RAM to be in touch to organise your post-assessment visit.

Your RAM will be contactable throughout your appointment and will make regular contact with you.

You can find all the information you need, regarding RAMS and their visits, by visiting the RAM webpage.

Note: A RAM visit is not an audit.

AO Hotline

As an AO, you will also have access to the Authorised Officer Hotline on 1800 851 305.

You can call the hotline at any time if you need assistance with an inspection, your appointment, or if you have a general plant export query.

Plant Export Training mailbox

As an AO, you will also have access to support via the Plant Export Training mailbox at PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

You can email this mailbox at any time if you need assistance with an inspection, your appointment, or if you have a general plant export query.

AOs must participate in regular auditing by the department. AOs are audited against performance standards outlined in the Reference: Authorised officer audit performance standards. The Guideline: Audit of plant export authorised officers has been developed to ensure AOs are complying with the legislative and departmental requirements of their appointment.

Audits are performed to provide assurance to stakeholders, which is important to both maintain and gain new market access. Audits are completed at least once every 12 months if no corrective action requests have previously been issued. Unannounced audits may be conducted at any time.

Cost

Fee for services rates apply to audits at $47 per 15 minutes.

Note: Fees are correct from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, but may change after this time. Further information about AO fees and charges is available on the department’s website.

Audit process

Pre-examination

• The auditor will examine your export documentation.
• Errors will be discussed and addressed.

Meeting

• The auditor will meet you and describe the audit objective, scope and process.
• The auditor will work through the evaluation checklist.

Demonstration

• You will be asked to demonstrate an export activity or task.
• You will be asked questions.

Conclusion

• An exit meeting will be conducted at the conclusion of the audit.
• You will be advised of the audit outcome and receive audit support.

What are the AO audit and performance standards?

The AO audit and performance standards outline the policy and process for the audit of plant export AOs. The Guideline: Audit of plant export authorised officers describes the framework of how and when AOs are audited by the department. The Reference: Authorised officer audit performance standards set the criteria against which AOs are assessed during audits in order to determine their compliance with legislative and departmental requirements.

How often will I be audited if I have been issued a corrective action request?

You will have an audit at least once every 12 months. However, if you were issued one or more correction action requests (CARs) previously, periodic audits may be performed every 3 to 6 months.

Will I be audited for all job functions?

You may be audited for all or some of your appointed job functions, depending on the number of job functions you are appointed for and whether or not you have been active (conducted export activities) in each job function. Where you are appointed for many job functions, you will be audited on only a select few using a hierarchy system that prioritises your more high-risk job functions for auditing.

Where you haven’t used one or more of your appointed job functions since your appointment or last audit, it will be excluded from the audit process.

What happens if I receive a negative result?

You will receive a Corrective Action Request (CAR) for any non-compliance identified at your audit. When this occurs, you may be subject to more frequent audit timeframes of 3 to 6 months.

Sometimes training may be mandated to rectify a non-compliance. Negative audit outcomes warranting immediate attention may be referred to the delegate and (in cases of extreme or repeated non-compliances) may result in the revocation of your appointment.

The department issues Industry Advice Notices (IANs) to inform its clients of changes and updates affecting the export of plants and plant products.

As an AO, you will be automatically registered to receive IANs relevant to your job functions. You can also check the Industry Advice Notices webpage for updates.

As an AO, you will also receive SMS notifications when IANs relevant to your job functions are released.

Your appointment is valid for a period of 2 years (except in the case of the BVI3001: Export inspection of empty bulk vessels job function which is only valid until the first prerequisite training/registration expires).

You will receive emails generated by PEMS and pop-up messages will appear in your PEMS profile prior to your appointment expiring. Whether you would like to continue your appointment or not, you must follow the instructions that will be provided to you at the time.

Detailed instructions on how to request reappointment through PEMS can be found in the Work Instruction: Requesting reappointment using the Plant Exports Management System. You must complete all steps of this work instruction to successfully request reappointment.

You will receive a reappointment visit from a Regional Assurance Manager (RAM).

Once you have had your reappointment visit and you have paid your reappointment fee, you can request your new IoA through PEMS.

Cost

You will not be charged for your reappointment visit; however, you must pay an approval fee of $328 for your reappointment through PEMS. The reappointment approval fee is separate to the $983 annual levy, which is charged each financial year on 1 July.

Note: These fees are correct from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, but may change after this time. Further information about AO fees and charges is available on the department’s website.

As an appointed AO there are things that we need you to do, as well as things you might need to do, to keep your appointment up to date.

For example:

• paying the annual levy
• withdrawing from the AO model
• updating your personal information
• adding or removing job functions
• notifying us of a change in circumstance
• notifying us of any incidents.

Paying the annual levy

An annual levy of $983 is charged each financial year on 1 July and applies to all AOs appointed for the financial year or part thereof. It is not pro rata. The annual levy covers costs associated with your appointment that are not directly linked to a service. This is separate to the reappointment fee.

Non-payment of the annual levy by the due date is a contravention of the Act and may result in your appointment being suspended or revoked.

The annual levy is payable through PEMS.

Detailed instructions on how to pay the annual levy through PEMS can be found in the Work Instruction: Paying the annual levy using the Plant Exports Management System. You must complete all steps of this work instruction to successfully pay the annual levy.

Note: These fees are correct from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, but may change after this time. Further information about AO fees and charges is available on the department’s website.

Withdrawing from the AO model

If at any point you wish to withdraw from the AO model, you must complete and submit an Authorised Officer Withdrawal Form to PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

Updating your personal information

It is important to keep your personal information up to date so that we can contact you about your appointment.

You can update your contact details in PEMS at any time following the instructions in the Reference: Plant Exports Management System (PEMS) Authorised Officer User Guide – Overview and General Functions available on the Plant Export Operations Manual.

To update your name or date of birth email PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

Adding job functions

You can add job functions, and job function attachments (commodity groups or inspection techniques), to your appointment at any time following the instructions in the Work Instruction: Requesting additional job functions in the Plant Exports Management System. You must complete all steps of this work instruction to successfully add job functions.

You must pay a learning and assessment fee of $2,293 per application for up to 5 job functions through PEMS.

Note: These fees are correct from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, but may change after this time. Further information about AO fees and charges is available on the department’s website.

Removing job functions

To remove a job function or job function attachment/s (commodity group/s or inspection technique/s) from your appointment email PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

Notifying of a change in circumstance

It is important to notify us of any change in circumstance, including:

• conflicts of interest that may arise or have arisen
• a conviction of an offence under Commonwealth, State or Territory law
• pending criminal charges
• an order to pay a pecuniary penalty
• outstanding debts due to the Commonwealth
• a change in the conditions which permit the AO to work in Australia.

A failure to notify us of a change in circumstances is a contravention of the Act and may result in your appointment being suspended or revoked.

You can update your conflict of interests and pending criminal charges details at any time following the instructions in the Reference: Plant Exports Management System (PEMS) Authorised Officer User Guide – Overview and General Functions available on the Plant Export Operations Manual.

To notify us of any other change of circumstance email PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

Notify of an incident

It is important to notify us of any incidents, including:

• work health and safety
• persons applying undue influence, harassment or offers of bribery
• observed fraudulent practices or the provision of false and misleading formation in relation to the export of plants and plant products from Australia
• corrupt conduct.

To notify us of any incidents email PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

Reports of corrupt conduct can also be made:

• via departmental channels of reporting – Integrity Hotline 1800 99 88 80 or integrity@aff.gov.au
• directly to the National Anti-Corruption Commission via their website.

Note: When reporting actual or suspected corrupt conduct, AOs do not need to prove that corrupt conduct has occurred. AOS can also choose to remain anonymous. All reported allegations of corruption are taken seriously and treated confidentially.

A person who was previously appointed as a plant export AO, but either let that appointment expire or withdrew from the AO model may have their appointment reinstated if they can provide us with assurance that they have retained the skills and knowledge to be an AO.

To apply to have your appointment reinstated you must complete and submit an Application to be reinstated as a plant export authorised officer to PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

We understand that the process your staff member must follow in order to become an AO may seem daunting. This section will help you, as an employer adapt to the AO model for plant and plant product exports.

Below are the ways you can support your staff member through the AO process.

Understanding costs

Fees and charges apply to becoming an AO. All costs must be settled prior to a person being appointed as an AO.

An employer may choose to pay their employee’s AO fees as an incentive; however, as an AO appointment is an individual appointment, payments must be made through the AO’s personal profile in PEMS. Employers may choose to pay fees directly or to reimburse the AO for the cost.

Invoices are not issued for AO fees, but tax invoices will be automatically generated after payment is received.

Please note that credit/debit cards are the only payment option accepted through PEMS.

Understanding the AO candidate’s responsibilities

It is the individual AO candidate’s responsibility to take the steps required to achieve their appointment as an AO. The company can only give support as needed.

The AO candidate must therefore:

• initiate the application process
• complete their eLearning
• request and participate in facilitated training
• request and participate in assessment.

The employers should allow their staff to decide if they want to become an AO, and when they are ready to be trained and assessed.

Supporting your staff member through the AO process

As the employer of an AO candidate, you will not be directly involved in the AO process, however you can support your staff member by:

• providing them access to a computer with an internet connection so they can complete their eLearning
• allowing them time to complete their eLearning during work hours
• giving them time off from work to attend facilitated training
• making sure they are ready for assessment and do not feel pressured to be assessed when they are not yet confident.

Continue to support your staff member after they are appointed as an AO

Employers should provide a supportive environment that allows:

• appropriate time and resources for AOs to learn and become confident in their role
• appropriate time and resources for AOs to perform their functions
• AOs to make independent export compliance decisions.

National Anti-Corruption Commission

It is important to note that, as public officials, AOs fall under the jurisdiction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022. Under the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is responsible for detecting, investigating, and reporting on serious or systemic corrupt conduct in the public sector.

The NACC can investigate any person, if that person does something that might cause an AO to carry out their role in a dishonest or biased way. As an employer of an AO, it is important that you understand the roles and responsibilities of AOs, and do not engage in conduct that interferes with the proper execution of their official functions, powers or duties.

Reports of corrupt conduct can be made:

• via departmental channels of reporting – Integrity Hotline 1800 99 88 80 or integrity@aff.gov.au
• directly to the National Anti-Corruption Commission via their website.

Protected information

‘Protected information’ is information obtained under, or in accordance with, the Act. This includes information about an AO candidate or appointed AO.

Protected information can only be disclosed under certain circumstances. In accordance with the Act, we cannot disclose information about an AO candidate or appointed AO to their employer or company. For example, we cannot tell you if your employee has completed their eLearning or if they have paid their fees.

Under the Act, we can only disclose protected information to you if the AO candidate or appointed AO has given us permission to do so. This can be done via a ‘Permission to disclose protected information form’ submitted to PlantExportTraining@aff.gov.au.

Benefits to the company

By adopting the AO model, your company can benefit from:

• increased flexibility – you will have staff available to conduct export inspections when you need them
• consistent inspections – all AO candidates receive the same training and assessment, and follow the same instructional material
• ongoing support – your AOs will receive support visits from the department and can call the Authorised Officer Hotline on 1800 851 305 for assistance.

AO fees and charges are legislated in the:

• Export Control (Fees and Payments) Rules 2021
• Export Charges (Impositions—General) Regulations 2021

You will find below a table outlining fees associated with becoming an AO and maintaining that appointment. Fees and charges are also addressed under the applicable sections in the AO process of this webpage.

Note: These fees are correct from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, but may change after this time. Further information about AO fees and charges is available on the department’s website.

AO fees and charges explained

Below you will find a worked example of AO fees and charges in practice.

John Citizen wishes to become a third party authorised officer. He submits an application through PEMS and requests 6 job functions. He pays an application fee of $328.

John Citizen’s application is approved and he completes his eLearning. John is ready to request training in the first of his chosen job functions. He pays a learning and assessment fee of $4,586 because he has selected 6 job functions in his application, which is 2 packages of up to 5 job functions. John attends training in the first of his chosen job functions, and subsequently requests assessment. John passes his assessment. After being found competent at his assessment, John requests his instrument of appointment and is charged an instrument of appointment fee of $328.

On 1 July, John is still an appointed AO. John is charged the annual levy of $983, which he pays through PEMS.

John is settling into his role as an AO and decides to request training in the remainder of his job functions. John attends training in each of his remaining job functions, and subsequently requests assessment. Unfortunately on this occasion, John is found NYC1 in one of his job function assessments. This means that John must attend re-training and be re-assessed as competent if he wants to be appointed in this job function. John is charged the additional learning and assessment fee of $2,621 and is re-trained and re-assessed. On his second go, John is found competent at his assessment. John requests his instrument of appointment in PEMS and is charged an instrument of appointment fee of $328.

Some time later, John decides to add 1 more job function to his appointment. He submits an application through PEMS and pays an application fee of $328. He completes his eLearning and requests training. He pays a learning and assessment fee of $2,293 because he has selected 1 job function in his application, which is 1 package of up to 5 job functions. John attends training and subsequently requests assessment. John passes his assessment. After passing his assessment, John requests his instrument of appointment and is charged an instrument of appointment fee of $328.

During his appointment John is audited by the department. The audit takes 2 hours and John is given an invoice for $376, which is 8 x $47 per 15 minutes. Two years after his original appointment date, John Citizen’s appointment is due to expire. John requests reappointment through PEMS and is charged the instrument of appointment fee of $328.