ACS – Skills Assessment for IT Professionals (Australian Computer Society)
Migration Skills Assessment for ICT Professionals in Australia
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the official assessing authority for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) occupations under Australia’s Skilled Migration Program.
A positive ACS skills assessment is required for ICT professionals applying for visas such as 189, 190, 491, 482, and 485 Graduate Work.
ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides clear guidance and structured support to help applicants understand ACS requirements and prepare a compliant skills assessment submission.
Who Needs an ACS Skills Assessment?
ACS assesses ICT qualifications and experience for a wide range of roles, including:
- Software Engineers
- Software Developers
- ICT Business Analysts
- Systems Analysts
- Network Administrators
- Database Administrators
- Cyber Security Specialists
- Web Developers
- ICT Support Technicians
- System Administrators
Whether you hold an ICT degree, a degree with partial ICT content, or no ICT qualification at all, ACS has pathways suitable for different backgrounds.
ACS Assessment Pathways
ACS offers several pathways, depending on how closely your qualification aligns with ICT standards.
1. ICT Major Qualification
For degrees where at least 50% of the content is ICT-related and relevant to the nominated field.
2. ICT Minor Qualification
For degrees with less ICT content.
Additional years of work experience may be required.
3. Non-ICT or Partially Relevant Qualification
Applicants with unrelated qualifications may still qualify if they can demonstrate additional years of relevant ICT experience.
4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Pathway
For applicants with:
- No formal ICT qualification, or
- Very limited ICT study
Applicants must prepare two RPL Project Reports demonstrating real-world ICT knowledge gained through professional experience.
(We provide guidance on structure, expectations, and required evidence.)
Documents Required for ACS Skills Assessment
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Recent photograph
- Name change evidence (if applicable)
Education Documents
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcript
- Subject descriptions (if requested)
Employment Evidence
ACS requires detailed proof of paid ICT employment, which may include:
- Reference letters from employers
- Detailed job descriptions
- Payslips
- Bank statements showing salary deposits
- Tax documents (such as ITR, PF, Form 16)
- Employment contracts
For RPL Applicants
- Two detailed project reports
- Evidence of your ICT work history
ACS Skills Assessment Process
Step 1: Determine the Correct ACS Pathway
Understanding whether your qualification is considered a major, minor, non-ICT, or RPL case is essential.
We provide guidance so you select the correct pathway from the beginning.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants must prepare academic and employment documents, including detailed evidence showing ICT duties and responsibilities.
We explain how to structure and organise your documents to meet ACS expectations.
Step 3: Review of ICT Content
ACS checks the ICT content of your transcripts to determine whether your qualification is relevant and at what level.
We advise you on potential gaps and required experience.
Step 4: Prepare Employment Evidence
Employment reference letters must include:
- Job title
- Exact period of employment
- Duties performed
- Hours worked per week
- Workplace details
We provide guidance on preparing reference letters that reflect ICT responsibilities accurately.
Step 5: RPL Project Reports (if required)
For RPL applicants, we explain:
- How to structure project reports
- The competency areas to cover
- The level of technical detail required
- How to maintain originality and clarity
Step 6: Lodge the ACS Application
We support applicants in completing the ACS portal application and preparing a complete and accurate submission.
Step 7: Respond to ACS Requests (If Required)
If ACS asks for clarification or additional information, we provide guidance on how to respond appropriately.
Step 8: Receive Your Skills Assessment Outcome
Your outcome will indicate:
- Whether your qualification meets ACS standards
- Whether your employment is considered skilled
- Your eligibility to proceed with skilled migration pathways
Common Reasons for ACS Rejection
❌ Employment duties not related to ICT
❌ Insufficient salary evidence
❌ Incorrect reference letter format
❌ Missing documentation
❌ RPL reports that lack detail or contain copied content
❌ Selecting the wrong Assessment Pathway
❌ ICT content in the qualification too low
These errors often delay migration plans — understanding ACS guidelines early is crucial.
How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports You
✔ Pathway Guidance
We explain ACS pathways clearly so you can choose the correct one based on your qualification and experience.
✔ Support in Preparing Employment Reference Letters
We provide guidance on preparing reference letters that meet ACS requirements and reflect your ICT duties accurately.
✔ RPL Report Guidance (If Applicable)
We explain the structure, expectations, and competency areas needed for a strong RPL submission.
✔ Document Preparation Guidance
We help you understand which documents to collect and how to prepare them correctly.
✔ Application Lodgement Support
We provide support for completing the ACS portal application and preparing your submission.
✔ RFI Guidance
We help you understand how to respond to ACS requests for additional information.
✔ Post-Assessment Migration Advice
Once your assessment is positive, we provide guidance on skilled visa options such as 189, 190, 491, 485, and employer-sponsored pathways.
Begin Your ACS Skills Assessment with Confidence
A high-quality ACS application is the first major step for ICT professionals planning to migrate to Australia.
ABEE’S Consultancy provides structured guidance to support your migration goals.
📞 Contact ABEE’S Consultancy Today
Start your journey towards an IT career and permanent residency in Australia.