ACS Skills Assessment Overview

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) plays a crucial role in assessing the skills and qualifications of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals who are considering migration to Australia for employment in the ICT sector.

ACS Skills Assessment and Visa Application Process
The ACS conducts skills assessments on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs as part of the visa application process. The purpose of this assessment is to determine whether an applicant possesses the required ICT qualifications and experience for employment in Australia.

English Language Requirements for Skills Assessment
The ACS does not mandate English language testing for skills assessments.

Processing Time for Skills Assessment Applications
Applications are processed promptly, with any delays contingent upon the quality of the documentation and information submitted. For applications that do not necessitate additional documentation requests, the assessment typically takes between 8 to 10 weeks.

Priority Processing of Skills Assessment Applications
Priority processing is available as a courtesy service for applications submitted with Australian visa deadlines of less than 12 weeks from the application date. Applicants are required to provide at least two weeks’ notice prior to the deadline.

Fees for ACS Skills Assessment Applications

• Temporary Graduate Visa (485) Skills Assessment: A$475
• Post Australian Study Skills Assessment: A$500
• General Skills Assessment: A$500
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): A$550
• Review Application: A$395
• Appeal Application: A$395

Applicants must provide evidence of their educational qualifications and employment history, along with proof of identity, as part of the application process. Various skills assessment options are available for migration purposes:

1. Temporary Graduate Visa Skills Assessment

This pathway is for graduates who have completed an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher. It is a qualification-only assessment for applying for a subclass 485 visa.

• Only occupations listed on the subclass 485 Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are eligible.
• Candidates must have completed an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in ICT closely related to the nominated occupation (ANZSCO) to meet the suitability criteria.

2. Post Australian Study Skills Assessment

This pathway is for graduates with an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher seeking a skills assessment for general migration purposes. Relevant ICT employment or completion of an ACS Professional Year program is required.
To meet the suitability criteria, candidates must hold an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in ICT closely related to the nominated occupation (ANZSCO) and one of the following:

• One year of relevant work experience post-completion of the degree; or
• Completion of an ACS Professional Year Program.

3. General Skills Assessment

This assessment is suitable for applicants with tertiary ICT qualifications and relevant ICT employment.

Suitability Criteria Based on Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree with ICT Major Closely Related: 2 years of relevant work experience within the last 10 years or 4 years of relevant experience at any time.
• Bachelor’s Degree with ICT Major Not Closely Related: 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree with ICT Minor Closely Related: 5 years of relevant work experience within the last 10 years or 6 years at any time.
• Bachelor’s Degree with ICT Minor Not Closely Related: 6 years of relevant work experience.
• Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree with ICT Major Closely Related: 5 years of relevant work experience within the last 10 years or 6 years at any time.
• Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree with ICT Major Not Closely Related: 6 years of relevant work experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The RPL application pathway is intended for applicants with tertiary qualifications lacking sufficient ICT content or for those without recognized tertiary qualifications.

• For AQF Diploma or higher qualifications assessed as having insufficient ICT content, 6 years of relevant work experience and a suitable RPL application are required.
• Applicants without recognized qualifications must demonstrate 8 years of relevant work experience and a suitable RPL application.

Applicants must provide two project reports that detail how they acquired ICT knowledge through their work experience. One report must pertain to a project completed within the last three years, and the other within the last five years, demonstrating the depth and breadth of their ICT knowledge.

ACS Nomination for the Global Talent Independent (GTI) Program

The GTI program aims to attract exceptional skilled migrants to Australia across various sectors. Eligible candidates are invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for a Distinguished Talent visa, which requires an endorsement from a reputable Australian organization or individual in the same field as the applicant. The ACS is recognized for nominations in the following sectors:

• DigiTech: Including specializations such as quantum computing, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and more.
• FinTech
• AgTech

Qualifications for ACS Skills Assessment

An applicant’s qualifications must align with a broad definition of ICT. The programs should foster a progressive learning experience, transitioning from guided to independent study. Vendor certifications are no longer assessed by the ACS; however, those applying for RPL are encouraged to provide evidence of any vendor certifications completed.

Assessment of ICT Content in Tertiary Qualifications

Qualifications are categorized based on ICT Major or Minor content. The following criteria apply:

• ICT Major Criteria:
  • Bachelor’s Degree: A 3-year Bachelor’s qualification is deemed to have a computing major if at least 33% of the content is ICT.
  • Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: A qualification is deemed to have a computing major if at least 50% of the content is ICT.
  • Postgraduate Qualification: A 2-year postgraduate qualification is deemed to have a computing major if at least 50% of the content is ICT.
• ICT Minor Criteria: A Bachelor’s degree is assessed as a minor when the ICT content meets two-thirds of the major requirement.

Work Experience Assessment

Work experience must be at a professional ICT level and relevant to the nominated occupation. Employment must meet the following criteria:

• Consistently remunerated for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Performed at the appropriate complexity level for the nominated occupation.
• Salary must reflect skill level.
• Employment must be completed after the age of 18.

Concurrent Employment: Only one employment period can be claimed for any given timeframe.

Teaching and Research Experience: ICT teaching must be at an AQF Diploma level or higher. Research work tied directly to a thesis does not qualify as employment experience.

Employment Reference Requirements:

Applicants must separate their employment history into periods of Australian and overseas employment, providing evidence on official company letterhead signed and dated by an authorized individual. Each reference must detail start and finish dates, position title, duties performed, hours worked, location, and contact details of the signatory.

Employment Payment Evidence:
Evidence of paid employment must confirm that payment aligns with the skill level for the position. At least two forms of documentary evidence are required to verify payment, including government tax records, payslips, insurance documents, and bank statements. Cash payments will not be accepted.

Self-Employed Applicants:
Self-employed individuals must provide a statutory declaration detailing their employment, along with supporting documentation such as business registration certificates, accountant statements, client references, and payment evidence.

FAQs regarding the ACS Skills Assessment process for ICT professionals considering migration to Australia:

1. What is the purpose of the ACS Skills Assessment?

The ACS Skills Assessment evaluates the skills and qualifications of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals who wish to migrate to Australia. It ensures that applicants possess the necessary ICT qualifications and experience required for employment in the Australian ICT sector.

2. Is an English language test required for the ACS Skills Assessment?

No, ACS does not require any English language tests as part of the skills assessment process.

3. What is the typical processing time for ACS Skills Assessment applications?

Applications are generally processed within 8 to 10 weeks, provided that all documentation is complete and no additional information is required. Delays may occur depending on the quality of the submitted documentation.

4. What are the fees associated with the ACS Skills Assessment?

The fees vary based on the type of assessment. For example:

• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): A$475
• Post Australian Study Skills Assessment: A$500
• General Skills Assessment: A$500
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): A$550
• Review or Appeal Application: A$395

5. What qualifications are eligible for the ACS Skills Assessment?

Applicants must hold qualifications that align with a broad definition of ICT, indicating a significant objective to educate students as ICT professionals. This includes various levels of education, such as Bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and advanced diplomas, with a major in ICT closely related to the nominated occupation.