The ACS skills assessment, explained
ACS assesses specified IT, Data Science and Cyber Security occupations for migration. Choose the occupation and assessment pathway together: the evidence and the purpose of a qualification-only assessment differ from a full assessment of professional skills and employment.
Aarish Haider · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2619656
Updated 2026-10-22 · General information · Official-source check 2026-10-22
Key facts
| Post Australian Study | For eligible Australian-qualified applicants with the required experience or ACS Professional Year |
|---|---|
| General Skills | Assesses recognised tertiary qualifications and relevant professional experience |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | For eligible experienced applicants without the required formal technology qualifications |
| Qualification Only | Has a defined graduate or qualification-content purpose; do not substitute it for a full skilled assessment |
Who this is relevant to
Technology professionals and Australian graduates checking an ACS occupation, pathway and supporting evidence.
Requirements
ACS considers qualification level, technology content, relationship to the nominated occupation and the skill level and relevance of employment, as applicable to the route. Use that route’s checklist; RPL has its own project and professional-currency evidence. ACS does not require an English language test for the skills assessment; visa English requirements are separate.
Process
- Compare actual work with the full official occupation description.
- Select a pathway using the qualification and experience criteria.
- Prepare the complete pathway document set and check every employment episode.
- Read the outcome’s assessed code, relevant qualifications and employment findings before using it for migration claims.
Evidence
The outcome can show a Skill Level Requirement Met Date where applicable. Do not assume all experience on the CV, or all experience used to meet assessment suitability, can be counted for visa employment points.
Common issues
Check ACS’s current year-end service notice when planning late-2026 submissions: its published office closure runs from 21 December 2026, reopening 4 January 2027. Use the authority’s current deadline guidance and allow for requests for information; this site does not promise a completion date.
Official sources
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