ACS Expands Assessment Scope: New Occupations Added for 2025

Australia’s demand for highly skilled technology professionals continues to grow, with a forecasted need for 1.3 million experts by 2030. In alignment with this vision, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) has significantly expanded its assessment scope, reflecting updates from the Department of Home Affairs' Skills in Demand visa and Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL).

ACS has increased its range of assessable occupations from 25 ANZSCO codes to 35. This includes the addition of 10 new roles, primarily focusing on the evolving field of cyber security and data analysis. The newly included occupations are:

• 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 marks the most substantial update to ACS’s assessment scope in over a decade, supporting Australia’s critical skills needs and technological advancements.

With these changes taking effect in December, ACS is diligently updating its systems and processes to support applicants and agents. Key updates include:

• Go-Live Date: Enhancements to the website and assessment portals are set to launch on Wednesday, 15 January 2025.

• Pathways for Assessment: Applicants can continue using existing pathways such as Post-Australian Studies (PAS), General Skills, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

• Optional Certifications: To enhance assessments, optional vendor certifications (e.g., in cyber security or DevOps) will be considered in some specialized fields.

To assist agents and applicants, ACS is providing multiple resources:

• ACS MSA Info Hub: Updated content will be available from January 2025.

• Live Q&A Webinars: The popular “Find Your Path to Migration” series will resume on 5 February 2025.

ACS offices will close at noon AEDT on Friday, 20 December 2024, and reopen on Monday, 6 January 2025. Applicants should anticipate extended processing times in the new year, potentially up to an additional four weeks.

ACS extends its gratitude to the community for its continued collaboration and support. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.