What is Australian Computer Society?
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the peak professional body representing information and communications technology (ICT) professionals in Australia. Established under legislation, ACS has statutory authority to conduct skills assessments for ICT professionals seeking Australian skilled migration visas.
ACS plays a critical role in Australia's skilled migration program by evaluating whether ICT professionals meet the technical and professional standards required for skilled work in Australia. The organisation assesses qualifications, professional experience, and demonstrated competency in ICT roles ranging from software development and systems analysis to cybersecurity and database administration.
ACS assessments cover over 50 ICT occupations across multiple ANZSCO codes. The assessment process uses a points-based model that considers formal qualifications, years of professional experience, English language proficiency, and membership status. This ensures that only professionals with genuine capability in their field are approved for skilled migration pathways.
Which visas require a ACS skills assessment?
An ACS skills assessment is required or beneficial for several skilled visa subclasses, particularly the permanent skilled visas and employer-sponsored pathways that recruit ICT professionals.
An ACS skills assessment confirms your ICT occupation is recognised and that you meet professional standards for that role. This assessment is a prerequisite for most skilled visa applications in ICT fields and is essential for claiming points in the skilled migration system. Without a positive ACS assessment, your ICT occupation cannot be used to support your visa application.
How ACS assessment works
The ACS assessment process evaluates your qualifications, professional experience, and ICT competency through a structured review. The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks and involves document submission, assessment by ACS evaluators, and a final determination.
- Prepare and submit your application online via the ACS portal, including personal details, employment history, and educational qualifications
- Upload certified copies of your educational qualifications (degree, diploma, or equivalent), English language test results (if applicable), and passport identification
- Provide statutory declarations detailing your ICT work experience, roles, responsibilities, and technical competencies
- Obtain and submit employment reference letters from your employer(s) on company letterhead, confirming your role, duration, and duties
- ACS reviewers assess your qualifications against the occupational benchmark for your ANZSCO code and evaluate your points under the assessment model
- ACS may request additional documentation or clarification on your work experience or technical skills if needed
- Receive your assessment outcome letter, which will state whether your assessment is positive, negative, or conditional
Assessment pathways
ACS offers several assessment pathways designed for different circumstances and experience levels. These pathways allow professionals to pursue assessment in a way that best matches their qualifications and career history.
The primary assessment pathway for ICT professionals with formal tertiary qualifications and relevant work experience. Evaluates your degree or diploma against the occupational standard, combined with your professional experience and English language ability. Suitable for graduates and experienced professionals from any country.
Available to current ACS members or those with recent ACS membership. Provides expedited processing for eligible applicants. Requires demonstration of active engagement with the ICT profession and professional standing within the ACS community.
Designed for ICT professionals with extensive work experience but non-traditional or overseas qualifications. Evaluates demonstrated competency and professional achievement in your ICT role, with emphasis on substantial work history and technical contribution.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Certified copy of your tertiary degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification (Bachelor's degree typically required for most ICT occupations)
- Official academic transcripts from your educational institution showing all completed units and grades
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge) if your degree was not completed in English
- Passport or identity document (scanned copy) to verify personal details
- Comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae outlining your ICT career history, roles, responsibilities, and technical skills
- Employment reference letters from each employer, on company letterhead, signed by a senior manager, confirming your role, dates of employment, and specific ICT duties
- Statutory declaration outlining your professional experience, key projects, technical competencies, and evidence of your work in the assessed occupation
- Evidence of any professional memberships, certifications, or training (e.g., Microsoft Certified Associate, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or vendor-specific qualifications)
- If applicable, evidence of continued professional development or technical courses undertaken
- Cover letter explaining your career progression and alignment with the assessed ANZSCO occupation
All educational qualifications must be officially certified by the educational institution or through an official document verification service. If your documents are not in English, you must provide certified English translations prepared by an accredited translator.
ACS assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Assessment | AUD 540 |
| Fast Track Assessment | AUD 720 |
| Experienced Professional Assessment | AUD 600 |
| Reassessment (after unsuccessful outcome) | AUD 360 |
| Additional Qualification Assessment | AUD 270 |
Assessment outcomes
ACS issues one of three outcomes:
A positive ACS skills assessment confirms that your ICT qualifications and experience meet the professional standard for your occupation. The assessment is valid indefinitely for visa application purposes and supports your eligibility for skilled migration visas including Subclass 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186. You can use this assessment to claim occupational points in the skilled migration system.
If your assessment is negative, it means ACS has determined your qualifications or experience do not currently meet the standard for your assessed occupation. You may apply for reassessment if you gain additional qualifications, further work experience, or can provide additional evidence of competency. You have the right to request a review of the decision before pursuing reassessment.
If you disagree with a negative assessment outcome, ACS offers a formal review process where your application is reconsidered by different evaluators. If the review outcome is still negative, you may gain additional qualifications or experience and reapply through reassessment.
Occupations assessed by ACS
ACS is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 261111 | Systems Analyst | MLTSSL |
| 261112 | Developer (Software) | MLTSSL |
| 261113 | Web Developer | MLTSSL |
| 261211 | Multimedia Specialist | MLTSSL |
| 261311 | Analyst Programmer | MLTSSL |
| 261312 | Database Administrator | MLTSSL |
| 261313 | ICT Security Specialist | MLTSSL |
| 261314 | Computer Network and Systems Administrator | MLTSSL |
| 262111 | Computer Network and Systems Engineer | MLTSSL |
| 263111 | Computer Professional (NEC) | ROL |
| 261299 | ICT Professionals NEC | ROL |
| 261315 | Test Analyst | MLTSSL |
| 261321 | Solutions Architect | MLTSSL |
| 262112 | Network Professional | MLTSSL |
| 261399 | Information and Communication Professionals NEC | ROL |