FAQ

Before you Submit your ICT Skills Assessment
Applicants must have a clear understanding of their personal visa requirements as set by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) or need to obtain professional assistance from a registered Migration Agent (MARA) before applying for an ICT skills assessment. It is important for the applicant to nominate the most appropriate ANZSCO code which is closely related to their individual qualifications and skilled employment to ensure a suitable skills assessment outcome. It is highly recommended for applicants to research and evaluate the relevance of their qualifications and skilled employment in relation to the ANZSCO code requirements before choosing a nominated occupation ANZSCO code. Please use the following ANZSCO information to evaluate your suitability: • ANZSCO Code Descriptions • ANZSCO Description Search Option • SOL Occupation Summary Sheets • Australian Skills Recognition Information After the skills assessment is completed the ACS will issue the applicant with a result letter via email, which can be submitted to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for migration purposes.
I will meet the criteria in the guidelines shortly. Can I apply now?
You should wait until you meet the criteria. We can only recognise what you have achieved before the application date (That is the date we receive the file in National Office). If you are just short of experience or if you are about to complete a qualification, you run the risk of an unsuitable assessment, and having to lodge again.
Which ANZSCO Code should I apply under?
Your individual qualifications and skilled employment will be assessed in relation to the nominated occupation ANZSCO code. It is important for you to nominate the most appropriate ANZSCO code, which is closely related to your individual qualifications and skilled employment to ensure a suitable outcome. It is highly recommended to research and evaluate the relevance of your qualifications and skilled employment in relation to the ANZSCO code requirements before choosing a nominated occupation ANZSCO code. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has information on each occupation and the requirements for migration on their Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) page
How long does an assessment take?
The assessment takes approximately twelve (12) weeks from the time of receipt of the application if no further information or clarification is required. Please note when further documentation is requested, the time lost is not considered part of the processing time.
Do you have a priority/fast track service?
We do not offer a priority service nor can we guarantee an exact processing time. It is the applicant's obligation to lodge the documents in full with enough time for the ACS to process it.
Can I contact the office regarding the progress of my application?
Please do not contact state branch offices. All skills assessment applications are processed out of the National Office in Sydney and state branch office staff members are not able to assist you with your enquiries
Can I use a Migration Agent?
If you choose to go through an agent you must provide written authority that they may act on your behalf. The ACS will not recommend appointment of any particular agent
Will you return my documents once the assessment is complete?
No, we will not. This is why we advise you to provide certified copies; not original documents. It is therefore a good idea that when certifying documents you obtain more than one (1) copy.
Can I e-mail/fax my application to you?
No. Documents must be original certified copies.
How much is the fee?
Please refer to the fee information under Cost and Charges
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept Mastercard, Visa and American Express. Please note we do not accept EFTPOS saving / debit cards.
What happens if my credit card is declined?
We will try one more time but if it is declined twice you will be asked for an alternative payment. If you are overseas, you should contact your bank first to see if there are any international restrictions on your card.
I am overseas and I want to transfer the funds. What is your SWIFT Code?
The SWIFT Code is CTBAAU2S
Do I need to include any details in a transfer?
Yes. You must include your surname and first name to allow us to identify you.
Do you accept cash over the counter?
No. We will not accept cash under any circumstances
Does the ACS recognise Vendor Certifications for Skills Assessment purposes?
Yes we do, please refer to Section 7 of the Skill Assessment Guidelines for Applicants for full details of accepted certifications.
What is a highly relevant field of study?
How closely a qualification is aligned to the nominated ANZSCO code is assessed on the basis of the percentage of the minimum number of units needed to comprise an ICT major for that qualification. The minimum acceptable quantum is 65% of that minimum number of units. For example : Applicant A has a 24-unit bachelor degree. In order to qualify for an ICT major, one third of those units must be of an ICT nature, i.e. 8 units. In order for the qualification to be considered closely aligned to the nominated ANZSCO code, at least 65% of those 8 units must be within the scope of the nominated occupation, i.e. 5 units. Applicant B has an 8-unit post-graduate master degree following an ICT under-graduate degree. In order to qualify for an ICT major, one third of those units must be of an ICT nature, i.e. 3 units. In order for the qualification to be considered closely aligned to the nominated ANZSCO code, at least 65% of those 3 units must be within the scope of the nominated occupation, i.e. 2 units. If the applicant’s qualification fits this criterion, the applicant will be eligible for a Group A assessment with 2 years relevant work experience rather than the 4 years otherwise required, provided that those 2 years were within the most recent 7-year period. If the relevance criterion is not satisfied, the 4 years relevant experience requirement will remain with no time limit imposed. Applicant C has a 30-unit diploma. In order to qualify for an ICT major, one half of those units must be of an ICT nature, i.e. 15 units. In order for the qualification to be considered closely aligned to the nominated ANZSCO code, at least 65% of those 15 units must be within the scope of the nominated occupation, i.e. 9 units. If the applicant’s qualification fits this criterion, the applicant will be eligible for a Group B assessment with 5 years relevant work experience rather than the 6 years otherwise required, provided that those 5 years were within the most recent 10-year period. If the relevance criterion is not satisfied, the 6 years relevant experience requirement will remain with no time limit imposed.
Is my course recognised?
Applicants who have successfully completed an ACS accredited Professional Level IT education program in Australia, or those who have obtained professional IT degrees accredited and delivered in the countries of Seoul Accord Signatory bodies are advised to check the accreditation status of the qualification with the appropriate institution and/or signatory body before applying. The evidence is verified against published information available from the issuing institution and from the ACS list of accredited programs. The NOOSR Country Education Profiles (CEP's) may assist in determining the level of the qualification.
I have recently completed a Diploma in IT here in Australia, am I eligible?
Unless you have at least 5 years work experience you would not be eligible for assessment, the work exemption regulation applies only to persons holding an Australian Bachelor degree/Graduate Diploma/Masters degree in IT.
I have more than one qualification do I need to submit them all?
Yes. In order to accurately assess your skills level, we require you to submit all qualifications for consideration especially if any of the courses were the reason for exemptions being granted, or undergraduate qualifications.
I have recently completed a study in Australia. I have been granted exemptions in my Graduate Diploma/Masters program based on study from overseas, is this acceptable?
No, a grant of advanced standing, credit or exemption based on overseas qualifications will no longer be considered in relation to a Graduate Diploma, Masters or higher degree qualification under these guidelines.
Assessing the relevance of work experience to a nominated ANZSCO code
As stated above regarding qualifications, since July 2010 applicants have the ability to nominate an ANZSCO code within the group allocated to the ACS against which they wish their work experience to be assessed. The difference in this case, however, is that only work experience closely related to the nominated code will be counted in the assessment. This may mean that applicants who have had a change of career or whose career has progressed through a series of advancements may have only part of their total experience regarded as relevant for the purposes of the assessment. A guideline of 65% relevance may also be used in determining whether or not a given episode of experience should be regarded as relevant.
What information needs to be contained within the employer reference?
Skilled employment can only be assessed according to the information provided in the employment documentation submitted by the applicant. The following list indicates the details required to assess skilled employment. If these requirements are not met in the documentation, the employment episode may not be able to be assessed. Each skilled employment reference must contain: • Start & Finish Dates of Employment • Description of Duties Performed • Hours worked - Full time or Part time • Country of Employment • Company Letterhead and signed by the author The duration of employment requires specific start and finish dates, stating month and year, and a declaration whether the work was full-time or part-time in nature. Full-time work is considered to be 20 hours or more per week. It is important that all references are specific as to the nature of duties performed by the applicant and skills applied on the job. The country in which the employment was performed must be clearly stated in the employment reference. Skilled employment documentation or references should describe the duties and responsibilities of the applicant as stated by the employer. Statements must be dated and signed by the employer or a person authorised by the employer. The name, position and contact details of the person making the statement must be clearly indicated.
Does the letter need specific information that may be against disclosure agreements?
We don’t need to know anything sensitive. We just need to know what you did. Companies are welcome not to include client/project names in these circumstances.
My company has merged or changed names. Is this going to be a problem?
Please ensure the company name change is noted in the employment reference to avoid any confusion.
Will you contact my employer?
Employers may be contacted at the discretion of the assessment team
Does my work experience need to be post qualification?
No, IT experience at professional level gained prior to a qualification will be considered. Pro-rate experience will also be included where appropriate.
Can I find out the result over the telephone?
No, the ACS will not give the outcome of a case over the telephone. The result will be posted to you or the person acting on your behalf.
Can you fax or e-mail me the results?
No, the ACS will not be able to do this. The result will be posted to you or the person acting on your behalf.
How many points will I be awarded?
The ACS can not comment on this issue, this enquiry should to be directed to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
How long is my result letter valid for?
All result letters are valid for 24 months from date of issue
What are certified documents?
These are copies of original documents that have been sighted by an independent person authorised to certify documents. Documents that require certifying copies of all identification documents documents relating to training and education (e.g. Statement of Results) professional memberships certificates
Who can certify documents?
The person who certifies your documents must be contactable by telephone during normal working hours. This person may be: a justice of the peace or a bail justice an Australian lawyer a member of the police force the sheriff or a deputy sheriff a councillor of a municipality a senior officer of a council a medical practitioner a dentist a veterinary practitioner a pharmacist a principal in the teaching service the manager of an authorised deposit-taking institution a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia or the Australian Society of Accountants or the National Institute of Accountants the secretary of a building society a minister of religion authorised to celebrate marriages a fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (Victoria) a public notary a member or former member of either House of the Parliament of Victoria a member or former member of either House of the Parliament of the Commonwealth How each document should be certified Each copy of every page of the original document must be certified separately and must show clearly: the words 'certified true copy of the original' the original signature of the certifying officer the name and address or provider/registration number (where appropriate) of the certifying officer legibly printed below the signature. If the copy is to be certified in a place outside Australia - a person who is the equivalent of a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations in that place. Please ask your local courts or Embassy for who is eligible from overseas. The ACS does not accept: photocopies of certified copies certification by a company rather than the individual within the company who is authorised to certify documents certification where the identity of the certifying officer is unclear or the certifier’s contact details are illegible.
May I supply original documents instead of certified copies?
You may. However, all documents submitted for assessment including the originals will not be returned to the applicant.
I had 3 years and 6 months experience at the time of application, but now I have over 4 years in total to satisfy Group A experience requirement. Can I lodge an assessment review application?
No. You should not apply for a Review of your assessment, because work experience can only be considered up to the date of initial application received. What you should do in this instance is to apply for a new assessment application with a current employer reference
Is review fee refundable?
No. However, in some cases, the Review fee may be refunded at the sole discretion of the Skills Assessment Manager, after considering the exceptional circumstances of the case. Applicants are not permitted to demand a refund, under any circumstances. If you are eligible for a refund, you will be informed of this in the decision letter that will be sent following a Review application.
Is appeal fee refundable?
This fee is refundable if you receive the outcome you are seeking. It is not refundable if the outcome remains as originally assessed.
How long does an appeal application take?
This will take approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks, but it may take longer than this at the Appeal Committee’s discretion.
When applying for a review, do I have to submit documents I previously supplied as part of my initial skills assessment?
No. We will use documents at hand. You only need to provide evidence to support your review application.
When applying for appeal, am I allowed to submit additional documentation?
No. You may include reasons as to why you believe the outcome is not appropriate in your case. You cannot however present any new information/evidence. If you wish to add new material to your submission you must apply for a review of your PASA.
Does the ACS recognise Vendor Certifications for skills Assessment purposes?
Certain vendor certification courses either individually or in combination and supported by substantial relevant experience may be sufficient to meet the ACS Skills Assessment Requirements for Group B. (Applicants with vendor qualifications MCSE, MCSD, CLP and CNE gained from 1997, and CDE , Master CNE , CNI , CCE , and OCM gained from 2004, and MCPD and MCITP gained from 2007, CISA and CISM gained from June 2007, CISSP from May 2008, MCTS gained from August 2009 ).
Do I still need to provide certified documents to the office?
Yes. We require documents to be sent to us as certified copies even if you have attached them as electronic copies to your application. The ACS is required by the Department of Immigration to obtain certified documents from all applicants.
How would ACS notify the outcome of the application
Effective from Monday August 15, 2011, skills assessment result letters will be issued as a secure PDF file via email to applicants which can be submitted to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). All applications finalised before this date will continue to be sent as a hard-copy result letter
Can you tell me if I will be suitable before I submit my application?
Due to the extensive and complex nature of a skills assessment, it is not possible to advise the outcome with any certainty until a full skills assessment is assessed.
Will my degree be suitable and which subjects should I choose?
The ACS is unable to guarantee suitability of any education program that would result in a successful skill assessment or migration outcome. Assessment of education qualifications are subject to the following factors that result in different outcomes: • Student choice of subjects can alter the assessment result • Entry requirements such as advanced standing or recognition of prior learning • Educational institutions frequently modify content and subject choice of program Government changes to migration and SOL affect assessment results which relate to education programs completed within Australia or overseas. In addition, all migration points associated with education programs are awarded by DIAC.
Will you suggest a different ANZSCO if the one I nominated is not suitable?
In certain cases a different ANZSCO maybe suggested if there is a clear alternative. Applicants are given the option to change the ANZSCO code, via email before the assessment is finalised. Applicants can also apply for a review to be assessed under a different ANZSCO code after the original assessment is finalised.
Can I lodge 2 applications at once with 2 different ANZSCO nominations?
You can only have 1 active application at a time. After your original application is finalised, you will be able to submit a Review application to be assessed under a different ANZSCO code.
Can I get an ANZSCO Code for an ASCO 2231-79 skills assessment?
If you have a previous skills assessment under ASCO 2231-79, you may be eligible to apply for an ANZSCO code via a new skills assessment application. We require a new online application with the same application type that was selected in your previous application and you should not include any additional qualifications or work experience that was not included in your previous application.
I have more than one qualification. Do I need to submit more than one?
All tertiary qualifications are eligible to be assessed, especially for exemptions granted or undergraduate qualifications. Secondary or high school certificates are not assessable
Will you mention all my qualifications on my result letter?
All your qualifications will be assessed according to the documentation submitted and reported in your skill assessment result letter
Can I apply for the skills assessment before my university degree is completed?
Unfortunately not, only completed degrees can be assessed.
I have completed my university degree, but it has not been awarded yet. Can I get my Australian qualification assessed?
Yes, we will require certified copies of your official academic transcript and course completion letter from your university. The letter must clearly state that you have satisfied all of the course requirements and you are eligible to be awarded the degree. We are not able to accept completion letters that state you will be satisfying the course requirements at a future date.
I have recently graduated from an Australian course, when should I apply for a Recent Graduate application?
The ACS does not place any requirements on when you should apply for a Recent Graduate application. If you believe that you would satisfy the criteria for a Recent Graduate assessment and you wish to apply for this, the ACS will assess you on this basis. Please note: Applicants applying for a Recent Graduate application need to understand their visa requirements with DIAC for the skilled employment exemption under the Australian study requirement.
I have recently completed a Diploma in ICT here in Australia, am I eligible?
Unless you have at least 5 years work experience you would not be eligible for assessment. The work exemption regulation applies only to persons holding an Australian Bachelor degree, Graduate Diploma or Master degree in ICT.
I have recently completed study in Australia and have been granted exemptions in my Master program based on study from overseas, is this acceptable?
For a Recent Graduate application, a grant of advanced standing, credit or exemption given on the basis of overseas qualifications in a Master or Graduate Diploma will not be considered as ICT related subjects. This will not count towards the total ICT content of the degree or relevancy to the nominated ANZSCO occupation. It may be acceptable if the Master or Graduate Diploma contains enough ICT content and relevancy to the nominated ANZSCO occupation.
I have recently completed my Bachelor Degree in Australia and I have been granted exemptions based on my study from overseas, is this acceptable?
Yes, a grant of advanced standing, credit or exemption granted on the basis of qualifications from overseas in a Bachelors qualification will be considered in your assessment.
If I apply to have my Australian Qualification assessed, do I need to provide documents regarding my overseas qualification?
Yes, it is advisable to provide the degree certificate and academic transcript for all undergraduate qualifications being Diploma or higher, especially if you have advance standing or exemptions in any of your qualifications. This will allow us to accurately assess your skills level
I cannot provide a reference from my employer. Will you accept anything else?
If an applicant is unable to obtain an employment reference on a Company letterhead from an employer, an applicant may submit a third party Statutory Declaration from a work colleague. Acceptance of statutory declarations in place of employment references will be subject to the verification and discretion of the skills assessor and noted to DIAC for authentication against fraud and plagiarism. Important Note: Self-written statements submitted as a statutory declaration cannot be assessed. Selfreferences from applicants in the form of a statutory declaration cannot be accepted as evidence of employment. Statutory Declarations must be from a third party work colleague and signed by an authorised witness to be accepted for assessment. A Statutory Declaration from a work colleague needs to describe the working relationship with the applicant and supply details of the applicant’s duties performed with relevant dates of employment. It is preferable that the work colleague providing the statutory declaration be at a supervisory level.
I have an old reference letter from my previous company; do I need to provide a more recent version for a skills assessment?
Only the dates noted on the employment reference will count towards your assessment result. If there is a period employment not mentioned on your old employment reference, it would be advisable to update the reference.
Does the employment letter need specific information that may be against disclosure agreements?
We require essential details concerning to your position title, start and finish dates, and role description. Companies are welcome not to include client or project names or any sensitive information.
Should I include all my work experience in the application?
Please include all the relevant work experience you would like to be assessed and included in your result letter.
How do you calculate work experience?
Your work experience is calculated based on the start and finish dates stated on your employment reference. If no finish date is stated on your reference, the date on which the reference was written will be taken as the finish date. Employment can only be calculated until the date of your application submission
How do you assess Part-Time and full time Experience?
Full-time experience is defined as 20 hours or more per week. Employment under 20 hours per week cannot be assessed.
What is considered a valid priority request?
Visa Expiry A DIAC Request State Sponsorship Deadline
Do I need to provide documentation as evidence of a priority request?
For the priority to be considered, applicants must provide sufficient documented evidence which supports there claim. Example: Copy of visa or e-visa, which clearly shows the deadline Email or letter from DIAC or State sponsorship Insufficient documented evidence will result in the priority request being rejected.
How quickly is a priority application processed?
If a priority request is lodged with sufficient evidence and is accepted, the application will commence processing once it is deemed decision ready, meaning all the required documentation is ready to assess. Applications are prioritised in order of urgency; however, please allow as much time as possible, at least 2 weeks, between lodging the application and the deadline.
How do I lodge a priority and is there an extra fee involved?
A priority request can be lodged on the first screen of the online application form, when completing your online application. There is no extra fee involved.
Does my qualification contain enough ICT content to apply for a General Skills application or do I need to apply for an RPL?
Due to the extensive and complex nature of the skills assessment process, it is not possible for us to provide an opinion on your qualifications ICT content until the time of assessment. Please note that if you apply under General skills and your qualification is assessed as having insufficient ICT and you meet the experience requirement of an RPL application then a recommendation will be sent via email to change your application to RPL. In these circumstances you will only need to pay the additional $ 50 fee a
How many years of skilled employment do I need for an RPL?
There are 2 categories of RPL applications. 1. Applicants with a degree qualification that does not contain ICT content, require a minimum of 6 years of full time professional ICT skilled employment in a field closely related to the nominated occupation ANZSCO Code. 2. Applicants with no tertiary qualifications require an additional 2 years of ICT skilled employment (8 years in total) but in this instance the additional 2 years are not required to be relevant to the ANZSCO code.
Why do I need to complete the RPL project reports?
opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired an equivalent level of knowledge by addressing as many of the areas referred to in the document, “ACS Key Areas of Knowledge” they consider are covered by their acquired knowledge. Applicants are required to provide two project reports as evidence of their level of knowledge.
How do I check the status of my application?
he progress of your application can be tracked via the Application Status online using your application number and password.
How do I change my address and contact details?
You can change your address or contact details via the Application Status online using your application number and password.
How long does the assessment take?
Skills assessment completion time is approximately 8-12 weeks for decision ready applications that do not require additional documents or information.
Can I change my ANZSCO nomination once my application is in process?
Please email your reference number and enquiry details to - [email protected]. Your case officer will endeavor to make the change for you, depending on the stage of your application. Once your application is at stage 4 of the assessment process as shown on the Application Status webpage, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to change your ANZSCO code as your application will already be in the process of assessment.
My application is at stage 4 but I want to include additional documents, will you consider these?
No, we ask all applicants to ensure their application is decision ready before submitting it to us. If the assessor believes that additional documents are clearly required before finalising the application, then you will be sent an email requesting the missing documents.
Can I change my migration agent?
No, we ask all applicants to ensure their application is decision ready before submitting it to us. If the assessor believes that additional documents are clearly required before finalising the application, then you will be sent an email requesting the missing documents.
I submitted my skill assessment application in March, and then submitted my employer references dated June, but my work experience has only been considered up until March.
Your experience can only be calculated up until the date of submission of your skill assessment application. The ‘to date’ will either be obtained from your employer reference or the submission date of your application – whichever comes first
I have been issued a suitable result letter, but some of my work experience is stated as not assessable. Why was I was never requested to send any further documentation?
A suitable result letter will be issued if it is possible to finalise the result letter without requesting any further documentation. If you would like the additional work experience to be included, you will need to lodge a Review Application within 60 days of the result letter being issued and provide the required documentation – see the Review section for more details.
Does the Review or Appeal application go to a different assessor?
Your Review or Appeal application will be sent to a Senior Assessor. To ensure quality control, it will be sent to a different assessor to the original application.
Can I apply for a Review or Appeal online?
Yes, however for these application types to be selected you must ‘link to an earlier application’ and enter your previous application number and password.
When applying for a Review, do I have to submit documents I previously supplied, as part of my initial skills assessment?
No, we will be able to use documentation from your previous file.
What documentation do I need to provide for appeal?
You will need to upload a certified copy of your passport or birth certificate into the online application form as a PDF file and any additional documented evidence to support your review application
What do I do if my Review or Appeal application was not lodged within the 60 day restriction?
Unfortunately, you will not be eligible to apply for a review or appeal application. You need to lodge a new skills assessment application. We do ask all applicants to check their result letter as soon as it is issued, to ensure all the information they require for migration purposes has been assessed.
There is a spelling mistake in my name or the name of my employer on my result letter. Do I need to lodge a Review or Appeal application?
No. Even though there are steps in place to prevent this from happening, please make your case officer aware of the situation or email [email protected] as soon as possible. We will look into the problem and re-issue the letter if necessary.
What is the purpose of an Appeal?
If you have had a suitable/unsuitable assessment within the last 60 days and you disagree with the outcome or content of the result letter, then you can appeal for the application to be re-examined by a Senior Assessor.
I have lodged an Appeal application and received a negative decision. Can I appeal the Appeal decision?
The outcome of an Appeal process is final.
When applying for Appeal, am I allowed to submit additional documentation?
Yes, an Appeal overrules your previous application.
What is the purpose of a Review application?
If you have had an application that has been issued within the last 60 days and you wish to include additional evidence, work experience or change your ANZSCO nomination. Example scenarios: You have a suitable/unsuitable assessment but a period of your employment was not assessable due to insufficient detail in your employer reference. You are eligible to Review this and include the required documentation/information to make the work experience assessable. Please refer to the Assessment of Skilled Employment section of the Skills Assessment Guidelines for Applicants. (Please note: Additional evidence can only be considered until the date the original application was submitted.) You have a suitable assessment under a particular ANZSCO and you would like to be assessed under a different ANZSCO. You can review your previous application within 60 days.
Can I Review an application that has already been reviewed?
Yes, a Review application can be submitted as many times as the applicant requires. We recommend that you provide all the required documentation in the first instance, to avoid this situation.
Do I lodge a Review application to change my ASCO 2231-79 to an ANZSCO nomination?
No, If you have a previous skills assessment under ASCO 2231-79, you may be eligible to apply for an ANZSCO code via a new skills assessment application. We require a completed online then signed application form with application fee, certified copies of your passport identification pages or birth certificate, and a copy of your previous assessment letter to be sent to the ACS Offices. In this case, you should choose the same application type that was selected in your previous application, and you should not include any additional qualifications and/or work experience that was not included in your previous application
If I Review, will this cancel or overturn my previous application?
No, both assessment will still be valid.
Can I Revalidate my ASCO result letter?
Unfortunately, you would not be eligible for an ASCO revalidation application, as the immigration guidelines have changed since the date of your previous assessment