If you are planning to apply for an Australian skilled migration visa, one of the most important steps is the ACS (Australian Computer Society) Skills Assessment. This assessment is a key requirement for ICT professionals aiming for Permanent Residency (PR) pathways in Australia.

At Aives Australia we help skilled professionals navigate the ACS process to maximize their chances of a positive outcome. This guide will walk you through the essentials, eligibility, required documents, and tips to succeed in your ACS assessment.

 

What is the Purpose of the ACS Skills Assessment?

The ACS Skills Assessment verifies whether your qualifications and work experience meet Australian ICT standards. Essentially, it ensures your education and experience align with the requirements of the Australian job market.

A positive ACS assessment allows you to apply for:

Getting a positive assessment is a critical first step in your PR journey, so preparation and accuracy are key.

 

Who is Eligible for ACS Skills Assessment?

Eligibility depends on your ICT background:

  1. ICT Major

    • A bachelor’s or higher degree with at least 33% ICT content. 
    • Requires four years of relevant work experience. 
  2. ICT Minor

    • Degree with less than 33% ICT content. 
    • Requires more work experience to compensate for the reduced ICT content. 
  3. Work Experience Only (RPL Route)

    • For applicants without formal ICT qualifications but significant experience in the ICT sector. 
    • Requires 6–8 years of professional experience along with two detailed RPL project reports demonstrating your skills in real-world ICT scenarios.

ACS Skills Assessment Guidelines

1. Gaining Relevant Work Experience

To ensure your work experience counts:

  • Only skilled employment is considered. 
  • Must be paid work, typically 20+ hours per week. 
  • Work must align with your nominated ANZSCO occupation. 
  • Pre-qualification work may not count unless you are applying through RPL. 
  • ACS deducts a few years depending on your qualification level and ICT content — these are called qualifying periods. 

2. Required Documents

For a successful ACS assessment, you’ll need:

  • Qualification Documents: Degree certificates and transcripts. 
  • Employment Evidence: Reference letters (with duties, hours, salary, dates), pay slips, tax records, or bank statements. 
  • Identity Documents: Passport bio page, proof of name changes if applicable. 
  • RPL Reports: For RPL applicants, two detailed projects demonstrating ICT skills in real scenarios. 
  • Employer References: Letters must include company name, contact details, employment dates, position, hours worked per week, and must be signed on official company letterhead.

Tip: Generic or vague documents are a common reason for rejection. Always provide detailed and accurate evidence.

3. ACS Skills Assessment Fees

  • Standard Fee: Around AUD 530 
  • Additional Services: Adding extra qualifications or experience may cost AUD 200–300. Reassessments or reviews require separate payment. 
  • Processing Time: Usually 8–12 weeks, but priority processing (extra ~AUD 200) delivers results in 10 working days. 

4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Duties in reference letters don’t match your ANZSCO occupation. 
  • Providing generic HR certificates without detailed roles. 
  • Missing supporting evidence for self-employment. 
  • Overlapping work and study periods without proper explanation. 
  • Ignoring the ICT content of your course (Bachelor of Science with minimal programming may not qualify without RPL). 

By addressing these points carefully, your chances of a positive ACS assessment significantly improve.

Why Choose Aives Australia?

At Aives Australia, we specialize in helping ICT professionals navigate the ACS Skills Assessment process with expert precision. From document preparation to RPL report writing and application guidance, we ensure your submission is accurate, complete, and tailored to maximize your approval chances. 

Our services are led by Hiyas M Backer (B.Sc, RMA, MMIA) — a Registered Migration Practitioner and Member of the Migration Alliance, Migration Institute of Australia, and the Australian Computer Society. With his strong expertise in Australian migration law and years of experience handling ACS and skilled migration cases, Aives Australia provides professional, transparent, and result-driven guidance to help ICT professionals achieve their migration goals successfully.

Final Thoughts

The ACS Skills Assessment is a crucial milestone for ICT professionals seeking Australian PR. Proper preparation, thorough documentation, and attention to detail are key to success.

If you want to maximize your chances of a positive outcome, our experts at Aives Australia are here to guide you every step of the way.