If you're planning to move to Australia and work in the IT field, the ACS Skill Assessment is one of the most important steps in your journey. This process checks if your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. It’s handled by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and is required before you apply for skilled migration visas like subclass 189, 190, or 491.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the ACS process — from different pathways to how to prepare your documents.
The ACS assessment is for IT professionals who want to live and work in Australia. It checks if your qualifications and work experience are equal to what is expected in Australia. If you pass this assessment, it shows that you are ready to work in the local IT industry.
ACS has different types of assessments depending on your background. You don’t need to have an Australian degree to apply. Even if your education is from another country, or if you have no formal degree but years of experience, there is a suitable option for you.
The ACS skill assessment criteria mainly include three parts: your qualifications, your work experience, and your documents.
1. ICT-Related Qualification
You must have a degree or diploma related to Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It should be from a recognized institution. If your qualification is not closely related to ICT, ACS will assess how much of your work experience makes up for it.
2. Relevant Work Experience
ACS usually looks for at least two years of full-time work experience in an ICT field. Your job must match your claimed occupation and fit the required skill level. It should also be clearly explained in your employment reference letters.
3. Document Proof
Your documents must support what you’re claiming. These include:
Every document must be properly certified before uploading it.