Is your career path leading you to Australia’s thriving technology scene? Are you wondering if your IT or data science qualifications meet Australian standards? The ACS skill assessment, administered by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), is a formal evaluation that determines whether applicants have the necessary ICT qualifications and expertise for employment in Australia.
It is critical to ensure that an applicant’s credentials meet Australian standards, as established by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
From deciphering the requirements to compiling the perfect application, our guide will equip you with the detailed information you need to conquer the assessment process and unlock the doors to your future in the thriving Australian tech landscape.
What is the ACS Skill Assessment?
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) skill assessment is a critical evaluation for IT or data science professionals seeking to migrate to Australia or work there under certain visa categories. It assesses whether your qualifications and work experience align with Australian standards in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. The assessment is designed to determine whether an individual’s skills and qualifications fulfil the standards for their nominated occupation in Australia.
Who needs an ACS Skill Assessment?
The ACS assessment may be necessary for various visa categories, including:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): For skilled workers who have not been sponsored by a company, state, or family member.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): For skilled workers nominated by an approved sponsor to fill a position where a suitable Australian worker is not available.
How to Apply for ACS Skill Assessment?
To successfully apply for an ACS skill assessment, it’s essential to recognise the different pathways available. Depending on your educational background and work experience, there are three main pathways to consider:
1. Post Australian Study Pathway
If you’re an international student who has recently graduated from an Australian university with a bachelor’s degree or higher in IT or Data Science, the Post Australian Study pathway could be ideal for you. This pathway is designed for graduates who have:
Eligibility Requirement
- Completed their degree in Australia with a major in IT or Data Science that closely aligns with your nominated occupation and ANZSCO code
- Gained at least one year (365 days) of relevant professional IT employment, either in Australia or overseas, after the completion date of your degree. The work experience must be relevant to your field and at least 20 hours per week.
- Alternatively, complete the ACS Professional Year Program.
This pathway allows recent graduates to leverage their Australian education and work experience to meet the ACS assessment criteria for migration purposes.
Note: When applying for a visa that requires an ACS skill assessment, such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) or other skilled migration visas, it’s crucial to meet the Australian Study Requirement (ASR).
What is the ASR?
The Australian Study Requirement (ASR) is a criterion set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) for visa applicants. To meet the ASR, an applicant must have:
- A degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution that is registered with CRICOS.
- Obtained through at least 16 months of study in Australia.
- Equivalent to two academic years (92 weeks) of study.
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2. General Skills Pathway
The General Skills pathway is the most common route for IT and Data Science professionals with recognised tertiary qualifications and extensive experience in their field. This pathway is tailored for individuals who:
- Hold a formal tertiary qualification in IT or Data Science from a recognised institution.
- Have a robust background of several years working in the IT or Data Science sectors.
Eligibility Requirement
For IT
| Qualification Level | Related to the Nominated Occupation & ANZSCO code | Required Work Experience |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher with a MAJOR in IT | Closely Related |
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| Bachelor’s degree or higher with a MAJOR in IT | Not Closely Related |
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| Bachelor’s degree or higher and a MINOR in IT | Closely Related |
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| Bachelor’s degree or higher and a MINOR in IT | Not Closely Related |
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| Diploma, advanced diploma, or associate degree holders with a MAJOR in IT | Closely Related |
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| Diploma, advanced diploma, or associate degree holders with a MAJOR in IT | Not Closely Related |
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For Data Science
| Qualification Level Relevance to Nominated Occupation/ ANZSCO code | Required Work Experience |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher MAJOR in Data Science |
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Bachelor’s degree or higher with a MAJOR in ICT/Computer Science, Math, Statistics, Economics & Engineering |
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Bachelor’s degree or higher and a MINOR in Data Science |
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Bachelor’s degree or higher and a MINOR in ICT/Computer Science, Math, Statistics, Economics & Engineering |
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Diploma, advanced diploma, or associate degree holders with a MAJOR in Data Science |
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Diploma, advanced diploma, or associate degree holders with a MAJOR in ICT/Computer Science, Math, Statistics, Economics & Engineering |
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The General Skills pathway assesses both your academic qualifications and your practical expertise, ensuring you meet the Australian industry standards for your nominated occupation.
Key Points:
- AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) equivalent qualifications are required.
- Relevant work experience must be professional and at least 20 hours per week.
- The 10-year work experience requirement is based on the period preceding your online skills application submission date.
3. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Pathway
For IT and Data Science professionals who have extensive work experience but lack formal qualifications in these fields, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway offers a viable option. This pathway is suitable for professionals who:
- Do not possess formal tertiary qualifications in IT or Data Science.
- Have gained significant practical experience and skills through their career in IT or Data Science roles.
Eligibility Requirement
- To meet the criteria, you need a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience, with your most recent employment being active or within the last 2 years, before submitting your assessment application.
- Additionally, your IT work experience must be in a professional capacity, involving at least 20 hours per week.
The RPL pathway evaluates your professional experience and the knowledge you have acquired on the job, allowing you to demonstrate your competency in the absence of formal academic credentials.
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Documents Required for ACS Skills Assessment Application
The provided document checklist is required for applicants applying through any of the three pathways.
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1. Proof of Identify Document
I. Valid Passport: Submit the details page only (not the entire passport).
II. Secondary Photo ID: Provide one additional government-issued identity document from your country of birth or current residence that includes your photograph. Acceptable forms of secondary ID include:
- Driver’s license
- National ID card
- Australian ImmiCard
- NSW Photo Id
III. Evidence of Name Change: If applicable, include documentation demonstrating a change of name due to marriage or other reasons.
Note: You will be guided to scan and upload these documents through the Applicant Portal using a QR code and your smartphone camera.
2. Evidence of Qualification
For Post Australian Study and General Skills Pathway
Processing time and Fees associated with the ACS Assessment
According to acs.org.au, the processing period for the ACS migration skills assessment ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. However, it can vary depending on your application’s completeness, case complexity, and current processing volumes.
| Pathway | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Post Australian Study | $1,100 |
| General Skills | $1,450 |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | $605 |
Summing Up
Navigating the ACS skill assessment is pivotal for ICT professionals aspiring to advance their careers in Australia through skilled migration visas. Whether you’re a recent graduate leveraging your Australian education, an experienced professional validating years of industry expertise, or demonstrating competence through the RPL pathway, ACS provides a structured approach to meet visa requirements and contribute meaningfully to Australia’s thriving tech sector.
By successfully completing and achieving a positive skill assessment, you’ll gain a valuable credential that validates your expertise and opens doors to exciting opportunities. The process can seem complex, and If you have any questions or need expert assistance, our registered migration agent are here to help you understand the requirements, prepare the necessary documentation, and ensure a smooth ACS assessment experience. Contact us today.
