ACS Skills Assessment for Australian Migration - Process and Cost

To all the IT or Data Science professionals looking to move to Australia, before you apply for a visa, you might need a skills assessment. Last year, ACS helped over 39,000 people with their skills assessments to live and work in Australia.

ACS is approved by the Australian Government. They check the skills and qualifications of IT and Data Science professionals using the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA).

About ACS

ACS expands to the Australian Computer Society. It is the professional body for tech experts. It promotes the technologies, people, and skills vital for Australia's future. Authorised by the Australian Government, ACS evaluates IT and Data Science professionals' skills and qualifications.

When you complete an ACS Migration Skills Assessment, you get a free 12-month ACS membership. This membership offers exclusive events, special offers, training, and career development opportunities.

What is the ACS Migration Skills Assessment?

The ACS Migration Skills Assessment is vital to the visa application process. It evaluates your IT qualifications and work experience to confirm your eligibility for skilled migration to Australia.

Who is eligible to apply?

ACS accepts applications from various IT and Data Science professionals. These professionals are involved in designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining IT infrastructure and services. Applicants need to provide various details during the application process, like:

• Proof of education
• Employment History
• Identity

Check Eligibility

How long does the ACS Migration Skills Assessment take?

If no extra documents or information are needed, the skills assessment takes 4-6 weeks to complete.

How ACS Assesses IT Skills?

The ACS Migration Skills Assessment evaluates your personal identification documents, educational qualifications, and work experience. It is to find out if these meet professional ICT standards and are relevant to your nominated occupation (ANZSCO) for migration.

1. Qualification Review: ACS checks your qualifications against the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). Each course unit is assessed to determine if it qualifies as a professional ICT unit. The assessment result will classify your qualification as Major, Minor, or Insufficient in ICT content.
2. ICT Units and Work Experience: An ACS assessor reviews which ICT units are closely related to your nominated occupation. Based on this, they determine the amount of relevant work experience needed to meet the criteria. Your work experience episodes are then evaluated. This ensures that your skills are assessed according to the required skill level and relevance to your nominated occupation. The assessment process adheres to the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA).

Note: ACS cannot confirm the suitability of your qualifications or work experience until a full assessment is completed. This is because the process involves detailed evaluation and verification procedures.

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Assessment Pathways

When applying for the ACS Migration Skills Assessment, you can choose from four pathways. Each pathway has specific eligibility criteria and requirements. Check which one applies to you below:

Temporary Graduate 485 Pathway

An international student with an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher in IT or Data Science willing to stay in Australia temporarily, the Temporary Graduate 485 pathway is the best option. A successful assessment allows you to apply for a subclass 485 visa. It enables you to live, study, and work in Australia for a certain period.

Post Australian Study Pathway

International students with an Australian Bachelor's degree or higher in IT or Data Science who seek a skills assessment for migration can use this pathway. You need at least one year (365 days) of relevant Australian IT work experience or completion of the ACS Professional Year.

General Skills Pathway

Experienced IT or Data Science professionals with recognized tertiary qualifications and extensive work experience can opt for this pathway. This common option assesses your practical expertise and IT qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning Pathway (RPL)

For seasoned IT or Data Science professionals without formal tertiary qualifications, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway is suitable. This pathway evaluates your practical work experience in the field.

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Educational Requirement for ACS Assessment

Qualifications are categorized based on the extent of ICT content:

1. ICT Major Criteria:
   1. Bachelor's Degree Level: A standard 3-year Bachelor's qualification is considered to have a major in computing if at least 33% of the program focuses on ICT. Longer programs are equated to a 3-year AQF Level 7 (Bachelor) award.
   2. Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Associate Degree Level: These qualifications are deemed to have a major in computing if they include a full academic year of ICT content. For instance:
      1. 1-year duration requires all ICT units to be ICT-related.
      2. 2-year duration requires at least 50% ICT content.
      3. Duration less than 1 year is considered ICT Insufficient.
   3. Postgraduate Qualification Level: A 2-year postgraduate qualification (e.g., Graduate Diploma or Masters) is classified as having a major in computing if at least 50% of the program is ICT-related. These qualifications are equated to a 2-year AQF Level 8 or higher award. Australian postgraduate degrees with 12 subjects require a minimum of 67% ICT content.
   4. Research-Based Postgraduate Qualification: Qualifications involving a thesis or research project require an abstract endorsed by the primary supervisor, detailing the ICT content relevant to the nominated ANZSCO.
2. ICT Minor Criteria: A Bachelor's or higher qualification is categorized as a Minor when the ICT content meets at least two-thirds of the major requirements.
3. Insufficient ICT Content: Qualifications with less than the required ICT content for a Minor are assessed as non-ICT qualifications.
4. Closely Related ICT Content Criteria: At least 65% of the ICT content in all educational qualifications must closely relate with sufficient core content to the nominated occupation (ANZSCO) to meet suitability criteria.

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Eligibility Criteria for ACS Skill Assessment

Temporary Graduate 485 Assessment Pathway

Step 1 – Eligibility Criteria:

1. Ensure you have completed an Australian bachelor’s degree or higher at an Australian educational institution. This assessment pathway requires an Australian qualification for suitability.
2. The degree must major in IT or Data Science closely related to the nominated occupation and ANZSCO code.
3. Confirm that the nominated occupation is listed on the subclass 485 Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Step 2 – Document Preparation: Once you confirm eligibility, gather the necessary documents for your Temporary Graduate 485 application.

1. Proof of Identity: Provide two forms of photo ID and evidence of any name changes (e.g., marriage certificate).
2. Evidence of Qualifications: Submit proof of completion of an Australian bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in IT or Data Science from an Australian educational institution.

Post Australian Study Assessment Pathway

Step 1 – Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet these criteria before gathering your documents:

• Completed an Australian bachelor’s degree or higher in IT or Data Science related to your occupation and ANZSCO code.
• One year of relevant work experience in Australia or overseas after completing your degree, or completion of the ACS Professional Year.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents

Once eligible, gather the necessary documents for your application:

1. Proof of Identity: Two forms of photo ID and proof of any name changes.
2. Evidence of Qualifications: Proof of completing an Australian bachelor’s degree or higher in IT or Data Science.
3. Evidence of Work Experience: Proof of completing the ACS Professional Year or documentation from employers detailing your employment periods and responsibilities, along with payment evidence.

General Skills Assessment Pathway

Step 1 – Check Eligibility Criteria: Before gathering your documents, ensure you meet the General Skills assessment criteria. It is based on your IT or Data Science qualifications and work experience.

1. IT Criteria

2. Data Science Criteria

Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents: Once eligibility is confirmed, gather the necessary documents for your General Skills application:

1. Proof of Identity Documents: Two forms of photo ID and evidence of name change (if applicable).
   1. Check specific document requirements.
2. Evidence of Qualifications: Documentation of overseas IT or Data Science qualifications.
   1. Check specific document requirements.
3. Evidence of Work Experience: Two types of evidence:
   1. Employment references detailing periods of employment and key details.
   2. Payment evidence to verify employment and salary level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment Pathway

Steps for RPL Assessment Application

Step 1 – Check Eligibility Criteria Before gathering your documents, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for an RPL assessment. The RPL pathway assesses IT work experience exclusively and does not consider tertiary qualifications.

• Relevant IT Work Experience Required:
  • Minimum 6 years of professional IT employment.
  • Most recent experience must be within the last 2 years.
  • Work must be at least 20 hours per week.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents Once eligibility is confirmed, gather necessary documents for your RPL assessment application.

1. Proof of Identity Documents:
   1. Two forms of photo ID.
   2. Proof of any name change (e.g., marriage certificate).
2. Two RPL Project Reports:
   1. Submit two Project Reports within the ACS Recognition of Prior Learning Form.
   2. One report from a project completed within the last two years.
   3. Another report from a project completed within the last four years, for those not in project-based roles.
3. Professional Currency Evidence: Provide two forms of evidence demonstrating your skill and currency in the nominated ANZSCO code(s).
4. Evidence of Work Experience:
   1. Submit evidence from employers detailing periods of employment and key details.
   2. Provide evidence of payment commensurate with your position's skill level.

Fast Track Process

Documentation Required

Points to Note

• All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
• Ensure high-quality scans (at least 300 dpi) and visible edges to avoid rejection.
• Electronic files should be original and not combined with other documents.
• Submit all pages of each qualification in a single PDF, ensuring clarity and readability.

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How to apply for the ACS Migration Skills Assessment?

1. Begin your application online using the ACS Migration Skills Assessment portal.
2. The portal automatically suggests ANZSCO codes matching your skills from ACS's list of assessed occupations.
3. Ensure all data entered or uploaded online is accurate. It includes personal information, qualifications, and employment history.
4. Submit all required documentation to facilitate a prompt assessment of your application.
5. Delayed processing may occur if your submission lacks necessary, incorrect, or extraneous documentation. It may affect your application outcome.

Points to Note

• Adhere to ACS guidelines and provide all required documentation.
• ACS may request additional verification documents as necessary.
• Failure to provide adequate evidence may lead to an unsuitable assessment outcome.
• ACS reserves the right to reject applications deemed 'Not Suitable' without requesting further documentation in some cases.

Begin Assessment

What are the Application fees/Costs for the ACS Skill Assessment?

How to Check Application Status?

Once you finish your online application, you'll receive a confirmation email with your ACS reference number. This number allows you to track your application's progress through the Application Status on our online portal.

What is a Priority Application?

Any applicant applying for the ACS Migration Skills Assessment with a visa deadline within 12 weeks from the application date will receive automatic priority processing.

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What is the ANZSCO code?

An ANZSCO code is a numerical classification system. It is used in Australia and New Zealand to categorize occupations for immigration purposes. Each job title on government occupation lists is assigned a unique six-digit ANZSCO code.

How do ANZSCO codes work?

After entering your skills into the portal, it automatically matches them with relevant occupations and ANZSCO codes. You can select up to three codes for assessment, each resulting in a separate outcome letter upon successful evaluation.

Check Eligibility

In-demand occupations and their corresponding ANZSCO code

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How Can Kansas Help?

Kansas Overseas Careers specializes in assisting individuals with tourist visas. It includes destinations like Australia. Here’s how we can help you:

• Expert Guidance: Get personalized assistance tailored to your visa requirements and eligibility criteria.
• Documentation Assistance: Our consultants review and prepare all necessary documents to meet immigration standards.
• Application Submission: We ensure timely and accurate submission of your visa application.
• Personalized Support: Dedicated consultant support with prompt updates on your application progress.
• Visa Interview Preparation: Comprehensive preparation to enhance your interview performance.
• Post-Visa Services: Assistance with travel and accommodation arrangements for a smooth transition.

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Other FAQs

1. What is ACS skill assessment?

ACS skill assessment is a process where the Australian Computer Society (ACS) evaluates the skills and qualifications of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) professionals seeking migration to Australia.

2. How much is the ACS skill assessment?

The cost of ACS skill assessment varies depending on the pathway chosen. It typically ranges from AUD $600 to AUD $1,450.

3. How long does it take for ACS skill assessment?

The processing time for ACS skill assessment is 10 to 12 weeks from the date of application.

4. How long does it take to get ACS skill assessment results?

ACS skill assessment results are typically provided within 10 to 12 weeks from the date of submission.

5. How much work experience do you need to demonstrate to meet ACS?

ACS requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience to meet their skill assessment requirements. This experience should be within the last ten years.

6. What is the difference between ACS skill assessment and other assessments?

ACS skill assessment is specific to ICT professionals applying for migration to Australia. It focuses on test skills and qualifications relevant to the ICT sector according to Australian standards.

7. Why is ACS skills assessment important for migration and career opportunities?

ACS skills assessment is crucial for ICT professionals as it validates their skills against Australian standards. It is necessary to migrate under skilled visa categories and career opportunities in Australia.

8. What is the difference between an ICT major and an ICT minor for ACS skills assessment?

The difference between an ICT major and an ICT minor for ACS skills assessment depends on the depth and relevance of ICT content in the applicant’s education and work experience. This affects the assessment criteria and outcome.

9. Can experience be added after submission of the ACS migration skills assessment?

Yes, additional relevant experience can be added after the initial submission of the application. It should be documented and submitted for consideration during the assessment process.

10. What is the ACS skill assessment application process for international applicants?

International applicants can apply for the ACS skill assessment by submitting an online application. They must provide the required documentation, and pay the assessment fee. They must also meet English language proficiency requirements.

11. Do you have to be a member to submit the ACS migration skills assessment?

No, ACS membership is not mandatory to submit a migration skills assessment application. But, members may receive certain benefits and discounts.

12. What documents do you need to apply for an ACS skills assessment?

Required documents include:

• Passport
• Secondary photo ID
• Educational certificates
• Reference Letter
• Evidence of professional development (if applicable), among others.

13. What are the common mistakes to avoid in ACS skill assessment?

Common mistakes include:

• Submitting incomplete documentation
• Not meeting English language requirements
• Not providing sufficient evidence of ICT skills and experience.

14. Does ACS require an English language test for a skills assessment?

Yes, ACS requires evidence of English language proficiency for skills assessment. This can be demonstrated through various accepted tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

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