ACS Migration Skills Assessment
The Australian Computer Society is an assessing authority in Australia for skilled migration in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.
Society plays a primary role in collaborating with the Australian government to curate and update the diploma and advanced diploma courses one pursues in Australia.
Being the topmost authority in Australia for technology, it has a pool of 48,000 members, over 44,500 training videos, and more than 600 industry events every year.
Introduction to Australian Computer Society (ACS)
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) stands as a pillar of excellence, fostering innovation, shaping digital skills capabilities, and driving the growth of Australia’s ICT sector.
As a leading professional association, ACS brings together a diverse community of technology enthusiasts, sets high standards for lifelong learning, and offers various programs to support career development and talent acquisition. In this article, we delve into the expertise and authority of the Australian Computer Society, exploring its core initiatives, accredited courses, cybersecurity education, and the Professional Year Program.
ACS is an Australian government-authorised body for migration skill assessments for Information and Communication Technology related occupations.
Background
The ACS was formed from five state-based societies on January 1, 1996. Its formal incorporation in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was done on October 3, 1967. Since then, every state and territory had separate chapters.
The ACS works as being a member of the Australian Council of Professions (‘professionals Australia’), the top body for professional associations in Australia. On an international level, the ACS works as a member of the International Professional Practice Partnership (IP3), South East Asia Regional Computer Confederation, International Federation for Information Processing, and The Seoul Accord.
Activities of ACS
The ACS conducts yearly conferences, numerous chapters, Special Interest Groups, and a professional development program. Members must adhere to the Code of Ethics, and a Code of Professional Conduct.
Certifications & Education offered by ACS
The ACS conducts an online Computer Professional Education Program (CPEP) for post-graduate education in a multiple subjects like Green ICT Strategies, New Technology Alignment, Business, Strategy & IT, Adaptive Business Intelligence, Project Management, Managing Technology, and Operations. These lectures are delivered via the web using the Moodle course management system.
It also offers the Diploma of Information Technology (DIT) that is equal to one academic year of Bachelor of Information Technology of other universities. Among its eight compulsory subjects are system analysis, programming, computer organization, data management, OO systems development, computer communications, professional practice, and systems principles.
The ACS also offers certifications to IT professionals at two levels, the Certified Professional and the Certified Technologist. With each certification comes a minimum level of experience and also mandates continuous CPD (Certified Professional Development) hours of learning every year. The year 2017 witnessed the launch of a cybersecurity specialization within the certification framework.
Benefits of ACS membership
By gaining access to ACS membership, the member gets world-class resources and gets an opportunity to advance his/her career in IT.
- Learning insights
With new courses, prescribed learning journeys, vendor certification tests, certifications on completion, and personalized recommendations, you can develop new skills and hone existing ones.
- A digital library
Through this library, the member gets access to 44,500 digital assets, exclusive training videos, recorded webinars, and knowledge from tech Nazis.
- Career advise and a lot more
The members get tips on building a career, information for job seekers, and an opportunity to get in touch with employers spread across the tech sector.
- A chance to network
ACS offers above 600 events to help you build a network, spot mentors, and gain from peers. Alongside, there is a myriad of webinars and virtual events to gain from the industry leaders.
Which occupation does ACS does migration skill assessment for?
ACS is a body appointed by the Australian government to assess the following ICT (Information and communications technology) occupations. Australian Computer Society (ACS) does migration skill assessments for the following occupations:
| ACS Occupation | ANZSCO | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IC T Project Manager | 135112 |
| 2 | ICT Manager | 135199 |
| 3 | ICT Trainer | 223211 |
| 4 | Web Developer | 261212 |
| 5 | Software Tester | 261314 |
| 6 | Database Administrator | 262111 |
| 7 | Systems Administrator | 262113 |
| 8 | Network Administrator | 263112 |
| 9 | Network Analyst | 263113 |
| 10 | ICT Quality Assurance Engineer | 263211 |
| 11 | ICT Support Engineer | 26212 |
| 12 | ICT Systems Test Engineer | 263213 |
| 13 | ICT Support And Test Engineers(nec) | 263299 |
| 14 | Web Administrator | 313113 |
| 15 | Multimedia Specialist | 261211 |
| 16 | Chief Information Officer | 135111 |
| 17 | Software Engineer | 261313 |
| 18 | Software Tester | 261314 |
| 19 | Analyst Programmer | 261311 |
| 20 | System Analyst | 261112 |
Which ACS assessment Pathway should I take?
The following application options are available for migration purposes:
- Post Australian Study (PAS) – only applicable for Australian bachelor’s degree holders or higher
- General Skills Assessment (Skills)
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Pathway 1 – Post Australian Study (PAS)
The Post Australian Study (PAS) pathway is for Australian graduates with an Australian bachelor’s or higher degree who wants to get the skill assessment done for migration purposes.
Under Post Australian Study (PAS) pathway, there are two requirements:
- Australian bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in ICT which is closely related to the nominated ANZSCO occupation.
- Either 1 year (365 days) of post-qualification relevant experience or completion of the ACS Professional Year Program.
Pathway 2 – General Skills Assessment
The General Skills Assessment pathway is for applicants with ICT qualifications and ICT employment.
| AQF Comparable Qualification | ICT MAJOR/MINOR | Relevance of ICT Content to nominated ANZSCO Occupation | Relevant Experience Required |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | ICT Major | Closely related to the nominated occupation | You will require 2 years of relevant work experience completed within the past 10 years or 4 years of relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history (whichever provides the earliest skill date) to meet the suitability criteria. |
| Not Closely related to the nominated occupation | You will require 4 years of relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history to meet the suitability criteria. | ||
| ICT Minor | Closely related to the nominated occupation | You will require 5 years of relevant work experience completed in the past 10 years or 6 years of relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history (whichever provides the earliest skill date) to meet the suitability criteria. | |
| Not Closely related to the nominated occupation | You will require 6 years of relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history to meet the suitability criteria. | ||
| Diploma, Advanced Diploma, associate degree | ICT MAJOR | Closely related to the nominated occupation | You will require 5 years of relevant work experience completed within the past 10 years or 6 years of relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history (whichever provides the earliest skill date) to meet the suitability criteria. |
| ICT MINOR | Not closely related to the nominated occupation | You will require 6 years of relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history to meet the suitability criteria |
Pathway 3 – Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The recognition of the Prior Learning (RPL) pathway is for applicants who hold territory qualifications with less or no ICT content or applicants who do not hold any recognized territory qualifications.
- If an applicant has their qualification assessed as AQF Diploma or higher with insufficient IT content, they will need 6 years of relevant employment experience and a suitable RPL application to meet this pathway requirement.
- If an applicant has no recognized territory qualification, they will be required to have 8 years of relevant employment experience and a suitable RPL application.
To demonstrate ICT knowledge 2 project reports, need to be submitted with the RPL application.
Each report must provide a detailed description of a career episode in your employment history with sufficient detail of evidence in applying the claimed ICT knowledge in a working situation. The projects must relate to the employment being assessed. Of the two reports, one must apply to a project undertaken within the last three (3) years, and the other for a project within the last five (5) years. Sufficient detail must be provided by the applicant to demonstrate the depth and breadth of your ICT knowledge gained during your ICT employment.
ACS Skill Assessment Processing Time 2023
If the applicant submits all documents, ACS requires 8 to 10 weeks to complete the migration skill assessment.
ACS Login
You can log in to the ACS portal by clicking here.
ACS Skill Assessment Fee
The following are the ACS skill assessment fees.
| ACS Application type | ACS Fees |
|---|---|
| Temporary Graduate – 485 Skills Assessment | $500 |
| Post Australian Study Skills Assessment | $530 |
| Skills (general application) | $530 |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) | $575 |
| Review Application | $395 |
| Appeal Application | $395 |
ACS Accredited Course List
To check ACS accredited course list click here.
ACS – Global Talent Visa Program
ACS is appointed by the Australian government for the Global Talent Visa suitability assessment.
ACS assesses nominations for the following target sectors only for Global Talent Visa suitability assessment.
DigiTech
This sector includes, but is not limited to, the following specialisations:
- Data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Automation and robotics
- Big data, data management and analysis
- Blockchain technology
- Cloud computing
- 5G
- Cyber security detection, prevention and response
- Data and eResearch infrastructure
- SmartTech and disruptive technologies
- Front-end development
- Internet of Things
- Immersive technologies including virtual, augmented and extended reality
- IT integrated control systems for plant and machinery
- Machine learning engineering
- Network engineering/architecture
- Production and development of digital (video) games and game engine technology
- Quantum information and computing
- Smart cities
- Specialised knowledge in software and mobile application development
Fintech (If predominantly ICT focussed)
AgTech (If predominantly ICT focussed)
ACS Global Talent Visa
High Income Threshold
Candidates for Global Talent Visa suitability assessment should have the ability to attract a salary of Fair Work High Income Threshold of $167,500.
Applicants should provide:
- Current salary slips or contract.
- Future job offers outlining salary.
- Recent Ph.D. graduates in the target sectors.
ACS Global Talent Visa Suitability Assessment Fee
Applicants for Global Talent Visa suitability assessment need to pay a non-refundable fee of $300.
ACS Professional Year Program
The ACS Professional Year Program plays a vital role in supporting skilled migrants as they integrate into the Australian ICT industry. This program offers a unique opportunity for international graduates in ICT-related fields to gain valuable work experience and enhance their employability in the Australian job market.
ACS Professional Year in IT includes the following:
ACS is appointed by the Department of Home Affairs to provide the ACS Professional Year in IT.
- 32-week classroom-based work-readiness training (8 hrs/week)
- 13-week online mentorship and IT skills development journey
- 12-week local IT internship
- Complimentary ACS Membership
ACS Professional Year Accredited Providers
ACT
Queensland International Business Academy
NSW
Australian Technical & Management College
Queensland International Business Academy
NT
QLD
Queensland International Business Academy
SA
TAS
Queensland International Business Academy
VIC
Australian Technical & Management College
WA
Frequently Asked Questions ACS (Australian Computer Society)
Does ACS require English test results for migration skill assessment?
ACS has no English test requirement for migration skill assessments.
Does ACS have a minimum age requirement for employment experience?
Yes, ACS only counts work experience after the applicant turns 18 years old.
What is the ACS priority processing fee for migration skill assessments?
ACS only does priority processing for applicants with visa deadlines without any fee.
Is ACS a signatory to Seoul Accord?
Yes, ACS has been a signatory to Seol Accord since 2008.
How many hours does ACS count as full-time experience?
ACS counts 20 hours a week as full-time experience.
Does ACS accept part-time employment experience?
ACS considers 20 hours as full-time experience and anything less than 20 hours is not considered.
Can an applicant for ACS skill assessment have more than one job at the same time?
ACS will only consider experience from one job at the same time. Although the more favourable one will be considered.
How long is the ACS Skill Assessment valid?
ACS skill assessment is only valid for 24 months from the date of the letter being issued.
How do you receive the result of the ACS Skill Assessment?
ACS skill assessment is emailed to the nominated email address. ACS invites any candidate that receives a suitable assessment to submit a formal Global Talent Visa application for a non-refundable fee of $500.
Do you get extra points for ACS Professional Year Program?
Under the skilled migration visa categories, applicants for the skilled migration visas get 5 extra points for completing the professional year.
