Australia is facing a pressing need for highly skilled tech professionals, with projections indicating a demand for 1.3 million by 2030. In response, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Skills in Demand visa and Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL), expanding the scope of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) assessment process. This includes a significant increase in the number of occupations eligible for ACS assessments, particularly in cybersecurity and data-related fields.
Key Updates in ACS Assessment Scope
With the release of the new Skills in Demand visa, ACS’s scope of assessment has expanded from 25 to 35 ANZSCO codes, adding 10 new occupations to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. The newly added roles include:
- 224114 Data Analyst
- 224115 Data Scientist
- 261315 Cyber Security Engineer
- 261316 DevOps Engineer
- 261317 Penetration Tester
- 262114 Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist
- 262115 Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist
- 262116 Cyber Security Analyst
- 262117 Cyber Security Architect
- 262118 Cyber Security Operations Coordinator
This expansion represents the most significant change in over a decade, with a focus on cyber security roles and the demand for highly skilled professionals in data analysis, cyber governance, and related fields.
New Visa Pathways for Skilled Tech Workers
Starting in December, new visa categories and opportunities were introduced for applicants in these occupations. ACS has been actively preparing for this transformation by upgrading its systems, processes, and team to support both applicants and migration agents. This includes improvements to the website and assessment portals, with a planned Go Live date of January 15, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for ACS Assessment
Applicants seeking ACS assessment for the new occupations must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the general requirements:
| Occupation | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst (224114) | Relevant qualification in data analysis or related field. Minimum 2 years of work experience in the role. |
| Data Scientist (224115) | Qualification in data science or an associated field. 2+ years of work experience in data-driven roles. |
| Cyber Security Engineer (261315) | Degree in IT or related fields, specializing in cyber security. Industry experience in cyber security. |
| DevOps Engineer (261316) | Relevant qualification in software engineering or IT. Proven work experience in DevOps practices. |
| Penetration Tester (261317) | Relevant qualification in security or IT. Experience in penetration testing or security auditing. |
| Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist (262114) | Background in IT security and governance. Experience in compliance and risk management. |
| Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist (262115) | Qualifications in cyber security or related fields. Practical experience in advising and assessing security. |
| Cyber Security Analyst (262116) | Degree in cyber security or similar IT qualification. Experience in security threat analysis and mitigation. |
| Cyber Security Architect (262117) | Specialized qualifications in security architecture. Experience in designing and implementing security systems. |
| Cyber Security Operations Coordinator (262118) | Qualification in IT or cyber security. Industry experience in coordinating security operations. |
Supporting Documents for ACS Assessment
To complete the ACS assessment process, applicants will need to provide the following:
- Academic qualifications (degree or diploma certificates).
- Detailed employment references (to verify work experience).
- Vendor certifications (optional, especially for specialized roles like DevOps and cyber security).
- Proof of relevant skills and knowledge (to demonstrate industry currency).
Planned Changes and Future Support
ACS is committed to supporting applicants through this expansion, with changes to the ACS website and assessment portals set to take effect on January 15, 2025. Applicants can continue using existing pathways such as:
- Post-Australian Studies (PAS)
- General Skills Assessment
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
These pathways ensure flexibility for applicants, helping them align their qualifications and experience with the new roles.
Upcoming Webinars and Updates
To provide more insights into these changes, ACS will host monthly Live Q&A webinars, including one on 5th February 2025, titled Find Your Path to Migration. This is an excellent opportunity for agents and applicants to clarify any doubts about the new pathways and eligibility requirements.
For the most current updates, visit the ACS MSA Info starting in January 2025.
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