ACS skills assessment requirements in 2026
What the Australian Computer Society currently asks for. Updated October 2026
- ACS application fees: General Skills AU$1,498, Post Australian Study AU$1,136, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) AU$625, Qualification Only AU$625. Appeals: Level 1 AU$516, Level 2 AU$620.
- General Skills: with a bachelor degree or higher and an ICT major closely related to your occupation, you need 2 years of experience in the last 10 years, or 4 years in total. With a closely related ICT minor, 5 years in the last 10 years, or 6 years in total.
- RPL (no ICT qualification): 6 years of relevant experience, with the most recent within the last 2 years, and two project reports: one from the last 2 years and one from the last 4 years.
- Experience counts only if it is professional IT employment of at least 20 hours a week. Work that was part of your qualification does not count.
- Evidence: employer documents and payment evidence for your employment, plus at least two forms of evidence of your skills and currency in your nominated occupation.
- Timing: allow 4 to 6 weeks. A suitable outcome is valid for 2 years. Priority processing is free if your visa deadline is less than 12 weeks away and you give at least 2 weeks of notice.
- Christmas closure: the ACS office is closed from 21 December 2026 and reopens on 4 January 2027. Allow up to four extra weeks after it reopens.
- Occupations: the ACS assesses IT, data science and cyber security occupations.
- The ACS may check RPL reports with similarity software, so every report must be original.
Official sources: ACS: information for applicants · ACS: fees and payment · ACS: General Skills pathway · ACS: RPL pathway · ACS: assessment process
How our ACS writing works
Send us your CV and qualifications. We check your pathway, ANZSCO code and years of experience and reply within 24 hours.
You answer our questions about two of your ICT projects.
We write your two RPL project reports and the knowledge sections from your real experience.
You review every draft, approve it, and upload it to the ACS portal.
ACS questions
What is the ACS RPL report?
The RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) form is for ICT professionals without an ICT qualification. It contains two project reports and a Key Areas of Knowledge section on ICT professionalism and core ICT knowledge.
How many years of experience do I need?
It depends on your qualification. With a closely related ICT major, 2 years in the last 10 years or 4 years in total. With a closely related ICT minor, 5 years in the last 10 years or 6 years in total. Through RPL, 6 years.
Who decides if my degree is an ICT major or minor?
The ACS decides from the units of your qualification. Your reports cannot change it, so we check it first.
How much does ACS RPL writing cost?
Silver package AU$495, completed within 4 weeks, or Gold package AU$695, completed within 2 weeks. The payment can be split into two parts.
Do you check reports I wrote myself?
Yes. We point out gaps against the ACS requirements and correct grammar and spelling. Contact us for a quote.
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