How to apply for ACS Skill Assessment? The Complete Checklist

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.

Table of Contents

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:

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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

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:

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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:

Eligibility Requirement

For IT

For Data Science

Bachelor’s degree or higher with a MAJOR in

ICT/Computer Science, Math, Statistics, Economics & Engineering

Bachelor’s degree or higher and a MINOR in

Data Science

Bachelor’s degree or higher and a MINOR in

ICT/Computer Science, Math, Statistics, Economics & Engineering

Diploma, advanced diploma, or associate degree holders with a MAJOR in

Data Science

Diploma, advanced diploma, or associate degree holders with a MAJOR in

ICT/Computer Science, Math, Statistics, Economics & Engineering

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:

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:

Eligibility Requirement

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

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

For each Australian or overseas IT or Data Science tertiary qualification you have completed, you need to provide two types of documents:

1. Degree or Award Certificates: Ensure these certificates clearly display:

2. Degree or Award Transcript (Academic Transcript): Ensure these transcripts display:

Two RPL Project Report Requirements

For the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway, you are required to submit (RPL) Project Reports instead of evidence of qualifications.

Provide two reports:

If you have not been in project roles, detail your work experience and challenges faced.

Each report should:

Professional Currency Evidence

For the ACS skill assessment RPL Assessment Pathway, you need to submit two forms of evidence demonstrating your skill and currency in the nominated ANZSCO code(s) completed within the last 2 years.

Categories of Evidence:

  1. Professional Training and Certification: credentials, certificates (full or in process), or IT vendor certifications (CCNA, for example).
  2. Professional Artefacts: Contributed works or honours, including papers, studies, databases, applications, scripts, code, websites, patents, copyrights, and awards.
  3. Engagement with the Industry and Professional Development: Attending conferences, seminars, workshops, events, or speaking engagements as a professional member.

Additional Notes:

ACS may request further evidence to verify your professional currency, ensuring alignment with ANZSCO standards.

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3. Evidence of Work Experience

For ACS skill assessment, you need to provide two types of evidence for each employment period: Employment References and Payment Evidence.

Must Include:

Ensure all documents are in English or translated. Cash payments are not accepted as sufficient evidence.

What happens if you can’t provide a reference?

If you cannot obtain an Employment Reference from an employer or are self-employed, you must submit a Statutory Declaration or Affidavit. This document must be written by a third-party work colleague in a managerial or supervisory role. It is crucial that you do not write this declaration yourself; self-written statutory declarations or affidavits will not be accepted for assessment.

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.

PathwayApplication Fee
Post Australian Study$1,100
General Skills$1,450
Recognition of Prior Learning$605
Fees are payable when starting the ACS application process for each respective pathway.

Can we fast-track ACS skill assessment?

Yes, you can fast-track your ACS (Australian Computer Society) skill assessment through their priority processing. This service is available for applicants facing Australian visa deadlines within 12 weeks from their application date. You must provide at least 2 weeks’ notice of the deadline. If your visa expires soon, ACS will automatically prioritise your application for assessment.

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.

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