The assessor for ICT, data science, and cyber-security migrants. Outcomes set a "skilled employment date" that decides when your years actually count toward points.
ACS is the Australian Computer Society, the designated assessing authority for ICT migration. It covers the 261xxx, 262xxx, and 263xxx ICT bands, 135xxx ICT managers, plus the data-science and cyber-security ANZSCO codes including Software Engineer (261313), Developer Programmer (261312), Data Scientist (224115), and Cyber Security Engineer (261315). ACS runs four application types and applies a deduction-of-years rule to total ICT employment based on how closely the qualification matches the nominated occupation. The outcome letter sets a "skilled employment date" that controls when years count toward the visa points test.
ACS does not count every year of ICT work on your CV. Before counting, it deducts a fixed number of years based on how closely your qualification matches the nominated ANZSCO occupation. An ICT Major closely aligned to the occupation has the smallest deduction; an ICT Minor, a non-ICT qualification, or no qualification at all (RPL path) carry progressively larger deductions. The years remaining are what count as "suitable employment". Check the ACS Skills Assessment Guidelines for Applicants for the exact deduction for your qualification.
The ACS outcome letter does not just say "suitable". It states a skilled employment date that is the earliest date Home Affairs counts ICT work for points. Years worked before that date do not count. This catches applicants who assume their full CV counts; the deduction rule pushes the start date forward by however many years ACS deducts, so the points-claimable employment window is narrower than total years worked.
Unlike most other Australian skills authorities, an ACS outcome is treated as valid for 2 years from the assessment date when lodging a visa or Expression of Interest. If your invitation comes after the 2-year window closes, a reassessment at the full fee is required. Plan the EOI date so the window stays open through any expected delay in invitation rounds.
Recognition of Prior Learning is the ACS route for applicants without an ICT qualification, or with a non-ICT qualification and substantial ICT experience. It is not a quick path. Two RPL Project Reports describe two distinct ICT projects, each demonstrating the ACS Core Body of Knowledge. The current ACS RPL page states a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience, with the most recent work experience required to be active or within the last 2 years prior to submission. Different deduction rules per qualification type live in the ACS Skills Assessment Guidelines for Applicants.
Unlike Engineers Australia or ANMAC, ACS does not check English language at the skills assessment. English requirements are set by Home Affairs at the visa stage. The score required depends on the visa subclass, the points being claimed, and any state nomination conditions. ACS will not refuse an application for low English; the visa stage is where any English gap surfaces.
Source · acs.org.au
Passport identity page.
Qualification certificates and academic transcripts.
Employment Reference Letters from each employer being assessed, with detailed duties, position title, dates of employment, and hours per week.
CV listing all ICT employment relevant to the nominated ANZSCO occupation.
Minimum 2 years of post-qualification ICT employment in the nominated occupation.General Skills
Australian Bachelor degree or higher in ICT, plus 1 year of post-qualification ICT employment OR completion of the ACS Professional Year program.Post Australian Study
Two RPL Application Forms describing two distinct ICT projects, demonstrating the ACS Core Body of Knowledge.Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Minimum 6 years of ICT employment if no ICT-related qualification, or 5 years with a non-ICT qualification.Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List. Eligible for the skilled visas (189, 190, 491, etc.).
Short-Term Skilled Occupation List or Regional Occupation List. Visa eligibility differs from MLTSSL.
This page is general information about Australian Computer Society Incorporated and its publicly listed fees, processing times, and document requirements. It isn't immigration advice for your situation. Only a registered migration agent (MARA) or Australian legal practitioner can advise on whether you meet this authority's criteria or which visa pathway fits your circumstances. Find a registered agent at mara.gov.au.
