How to Apply for the ACS Skill Assessment Process 2025? Guide for IT Professionals

The ACS Skill assessment is a crucial step for IT professionals seeking Australian migration under skilled visa categories like Subclass 189, 190, and 491. It evaluates whether an applicant's qualifications and work experience align with the Australian standards. As per ACS reports over 25,000 applications are processed annually with a high approval rate of well documented cases. 

Key factors influencing assessment success include relevant ICT qualifications, work experience and RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) submissions for non ICT degree holders. With Australia's growing demand for IT professionals which is projected to reach 1.2 million tech workers by 2030 securing a positive ACS skill assessment significantly boosts your migration prospects. 

In this article we will explore details to ACS Australia skill assessment, ACS guidelines,

how to check ACS skill assessment status, and more. Lets get started

What is ACS Skills Assessment Australia?

The ACS Skills Assessment is a process conducted by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) to assess the qualifications and work experience of individuals who wish to migrate to Australia for employment in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field. In simple terms, it is a way for the ACS to determine if your skills and qualifications meet the standards required to work in the ICT industry in Australia.

The significance of the ACS Assessment is:

1. Mandatory Requirement: The ACS Skills assessment is a prerequisite for applying for a Skilled Visa in Australia. It is a compulsory step that needs to be completed to proceed with your visa application.
2. Validation of ICT Skills: The assessment validates that you are a legitimate ICT professional possessing the necessary skills and qualifications required for your nominated occupation. It adds credibility to your profile and enhances your chances of visa approval.
3. Supporting Visa Application: Once you receive the ACS approval letter, it becomes an essential document accompanying your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. It serves as evidence of your skills and qualifications in the ICT field.
4. Potential Points Boost: Successfully completing the ACS Skills assessment may provide you with additional points in the points-based immigration system. The number of years of work experience you possess in the ICT domain can contribute towards earning extra points, further enhancing your eligibility for a skilled visa.

Who is Eligible for ACS Skills Assessment?

The ACS evaluates various IT and Data Science professionals, including but not limited to the following professionals:

• Software Engineer
• Systems Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Network Administrator

To qualify, applicants must submit proof of their educational background, relevant work experience, and identity document. 

Types of ACS Skill Assessment Application

The ACS skill assessment offers four application types based on qualification and experience Each pathway caters to different applicant profiles, such as recent graduates, international students or professionals without formal ICT qualifications. These include:

1. Temporary Graduate 485 Skills Assessment

This type of application is for international students who have completed their studies in Australia, with a major in ICT, and wish to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).

Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Graduate 485 Skills Assessment

• Obtain a Bachelor's degree or higher from an Australian educational institution.
• The degree should be in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and closely aligned with your nominated occupation.
• Work experience in the field is not mandatory for this requirement.

2. Post-Australian Study Skills Assessment

The "Post-Australian Study" (PSW) is a specific type of skills assessment application that requires an Australian qualification, work experience, or completion of an ACS professional year program.

Eligibility Criteria for Post-Australian Study Skills Assessment

• You need to have an Australian Bachelor's Degree or higher.
• You must have at least one year of relevant post-study work experience or complete the ACS Professional Year program.

Explore this article to learn How to Write The Best SOP for an Australian Student Visa?

3. Skills-Based Application

If you possess an overseas ICT qualification and ICT work experience but lack a professional year certificate from an Australian provider, you can opt for the "Skills-Based Application" type to have your qualification and work experience assessed.

Eligibility Criteria for Skills-Based Application

The below table represents the eligibility criteria for skills-based applications

4. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you lack ICT-relevant qualifications but possess work experience in the ICT sector, you can undergo a skills assessment through the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) application. This type of assessment requires an ACS project report form to be submitted.

Eligibility Criteria for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Non-ICT Diploma or higher: 6 years of relevant work experience and successful RPL application required.
• No tertiary qualification: 8 years of relevant work experience and successful RPL application required.

ACS Skills Assessment: Occupation & ANZSCO Codes

For Australian migration purposes, the ACS skills assessment assesses whether your education and work experience are relevant to the nominated occupation.

ACS Skill Assessment Document Checklist

Before applying for the Australia Skills Assessment, it is a prerequisite that you evaluate the ACS document checklist. Please find below a handy document checklist.

1. Personal Documents:
   1. Passport bio-page scan
   2. CV/Resume
   3. Change of Name evidence (if applicable)
   4. Priority Request application evidence (if applicable)
2. Qualification Documents:
   1. Degree/Award certificate
   2. Title of the qualification
   3. Name of the University or Institution
   4. Date of completion
   5. Academic Transcripts:
   6. Title of the qualification
   7. Name of the University or Institution
   8. Date of completion
   9. Subject names and grades/marks achieved
3. Employment Documents for ACS Skills Assessment:
   1. 3A. Employer reference letter:
      1. Start and Finish Dates of Employment
      2. Details of Duties Performed
      3. Number of hours worked per week
      4. Employment Type (Full-time or Part-time)
      5. Country of employment
      6. Must be on employer's letterhead and signed by the authorized signatory along with their name, job title, and contact information
   2. 3B. Employment Evidence:
      1. Payslips
      2. Bank Statements
      3. Taxation Records
      4. Insurance or superannuation records, etc.

Ensure that all ACS document checklists are accurate, complete, and meet the specific guidelines provided by ACS for a successful skills assessment.

Also Read: Best Country For Software Engineer To Immigrate From India

How to Apply for the ACS Skills Assessment?

Now that you have learnt about the ACS Skill Assessment requirements let us look at the process to apply for an ACS skills assessment. The steps include the following:

Step 1: Determine your occupation: Check if your occupation is listed on the ACS Skills Occupation List for the relevant visa type you intend to apply for. Ensure that your occupation matches the requirements.

Step 2: Gather necessary documents: Collect all the required documents for the skills assessment application. These typically include your educational qualifications, employment reference letters (an employment reference letter sample is given below), CV/resume, and identity/personal documents such as your passport.

Step 3: Create an online account and submit the form: Visit the ACS website and create an online account through their application portal. Fill in the required details and submit the application form.

Step 4: Upload supporting documents: Upload all the required supporting documents as per the guidelines provided by the ACS. Ensure that the documents are clear, legible, and meet the specified requirements.

Step 5: Pay the assessment fee: Process the payment of the skills assessment fee through the online portal. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of skills assessment you are applying for.

Step 6: Receive the ACS Skills Assessment outcome: The assessment process typically takes around 8-10 weeks. You will receive the assessment outcome in the form of a letter or notification through the online portal.

Also Explore: Australia PR Points Calculator for 189 & 190 Skilled Immigration Visas

What Happens After Submission?

Once your application is submitted, the ACS Australia will assess your documents and qualifications. The assessment outcome would be sent via email.

• Positive Outcome: A successful assessment results in an official letter confirming that your qualification and experience meet the standards for your chosen occupation 
• Negative Outcome: If unsuccessful, the ACS provides feedback outlining the reasons for rejection, helping applicants understand areas needing improvement or additional documentation.

ACS Australia Skill Assessment Processing Time and Cost

The processing time for the skills assessment is typically 8-10 weeks. However, in cases where the ACS requires additional documents, the processing time may exceed the standard timeframe.

Below are the general ACS skills assessment fees and processing time

Also Explore: 

• Understanding Skill Assessment Australia Fees
• Navigating Australia Visa Processing Time
• Australia PR Processing Time: How Many Years to Get PR in Australia in 2025?

ACS Skill Assessment Employment Reference Letter: ACS Reference Letter Sample

The ACS skills assessment employment reference letter is a crucial document required for your skills assessment application with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

This letter from your current or past employer verifies your employment history, job responsibilities, and ICT-related skills and competencies.

It is essential to adhere to the ACS skill assessment guidelines , ensuring that the letter is written on official company letterhead, signed by the employer, and includes their contact details.

Below is the ACS Skill Assessment Employment Reference Letter sample for a software engineer in Australia

Source: https://www.acs.org.au/msa/information-for-applica...

How Can GetGIS Help You in Receiving ACS Skills Assessment?

The ACS Skills Assessment is a vital step for IT professionals aiming for Australian skilled migration. Choosing the right assessment type and submitting accurate documentation significantly improves approval chances with Australia's increasing demand for tech talent. A successful ACS assessment enhances migration prospects

How can you stay updated with ACS guidelines to ensure a smooth application process? Reach out to GetGIS, a reputable immigration consultant where we offer end-to-end solutions, providing expert guidance from selecting the right ICT profession for skills assessment to identifying areas with high demand and approval chances.

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