Australian Visa Options For IT Occupations

As part of our series which looks at the Australian visa options available to selected occupations, here we consider IT occupations. We identify occupations that are eligible to be nominated for a skilled ICT visa, how each is classified and defined in Australia for migration purposes and the potential skilled visa options that may be available. A key aspect of eligibility for a skilled ICT visa is based on the skilled occupation list Australia. Note that each skilled visa subclass is subject to its own prescribed skilled occupation list Australia. In this article, we refer to the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

We also recommend that you refer to our first article in this series, where we outline the potential skilled visa options that may be available to prospective applicants who have the required skills for the IT occupations as discussed. There you will also find links to more detailed information about each skilled visa subclass, including English language requirements that apply to skilled visas, and some key points that prospective applicants should be aware of when embarking on this process.

A skills assessment may also be required as part of eligibility requirements for a skilled ICT visa. The prescribed skills assessing body for most IT professionals is the Australian Computer Society (ACS), although for certain occupations, a different body is specified.

Some ICT support technician occupations and Radiocommunications Technicians are assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), and the prescribed skill assessing body for Telecommunications Engineering professional occupations, as well as for some Telecommunications technical specialists is The Institution of Engineers Australia (Engineers Australia).

For IT Sales professionals, Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS) conducts skills assessments for migration purposes.

As we discuss each of the selected IT occupations in this article, we also identify the prescribed skill assessing body for each, and provide further information about the ACS migration skills assessment, including the ACS skill assessment requirements later in this article.

A Note About Skilled Occupations

Please be aware that as of 16 November 2019, the Subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa has been replaced by a new Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. The Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa has also been replaced by a new Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. These new visas have a five-year term and provide a pathway to permanent residence with a new Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, which will be introduced from 16 November 2022.

Applications under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa continue to be accepted. To qualify under this stream, you must hold a subclass 475, 487, 495 or 496 visa at time of lodgement of your application. Be aware that these visa subclasses are no longer being granted by the Department of Home Affairs.

The changes also do not affect the Subclass 887 Skilled (Regional) visa permanent residence visa pathway, which continues to be available to eligible subclass 489 visa holders.

These changes only affect the Direct Entry visa stream under the subclass 187 visa programme. Applications remain open to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

For further information about these changes, please see the following articles:

New Skilled Regional Visas to be introduced

Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

Further Regulations released for the new regional sponsored visas to commence from 16 November 2019

Which IT Occupations Are Eligible For A Skilled ICT Visa To Australia?

All occupations in Australia are classified by Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and this is also used for migration purposes. For each occupation, ANZSCO provides a general description, skill level, registration and/or licensing requirements as well as tasks and duties.

ANZSCO categories for IT occupations (classified as minor groups) are set out below:

• ICT managers (minor group 135);
• Human resource and training professionals (minor group 223);
• Sales, marketing and public relations professionals (minor group 225);
• Business and Systems Analysts, and Programmers (minor group 261);
• Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists (minor group 262);
• ICT Network and Support Professionals (minor group 263); and
• ICT and telecommunications technicians (minor group 313).

Each of the above minor groups contain unit groups of occupations. These are then further divided into specific occupations, which are each assigned an ANZSCO code. This code is used as an identification tool in the relevant skilled occupation list Australia which applies to each skilled visa, if the ANZSCO code is included in the skilled occupation list Australia, then it can be nominated as a skilled occupation.

In the below discussion, we examine the minor groups listed above, and then look further at the unit groups that make up each minor group. To conclude, we consider the most important aspect, being the specific occupations, which may be nominated for a skilled ICT visa to Australia.

Minor Group 135 – ICT Managers

We start our analysis with ANZSCO minor group 135 for ICT Managers.

ANZSCO General Description: ICT Managers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the acquisition, development, maintenance and use of computer and telecommunication systems within organisations.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• analysing information needs and specifying technology to meet those needs
• formulating and directing information and communication technology (ICT) strategies, policies and plans
• directing the selection and installation of ICT resources and the provision of user training
• directing ICT operations and setting priorities between system developments, maintenance and operations
• overseeing the security of ICT systems

The 135 minor group consists of a single unit group, as set out below.

Unit Group 1351 – ICT Managers

There are three occupations included in the ICT Managers ANZSCO unit group, which share the following elements:

ANZSCO General Description: ICT Managers plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the acquisition, development, maintenance and use of computer and telecommunication systems within organisations.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• analysing information needs and specifying technology to meet those needs
• formulating and directing information and communication technology (ICT) strategies, policies and plans
• directing the selection and installation of ICT resources and the provision of user training
• directing ICT operations and setting priorities between system developments, maintenance and operations
• overseeing the security of ICT systems

Skill assessing authority: ACS

A description of each occupation in the ICT Managers ANZSCO unit group is listed below. Note that the skilled occupation list Australia and skilled visa options are not the same for these occupations.

*Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

**Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

***Occupations in this group include:

• IT Service Delivery Manager
• Network Manager

Minor Group 223 – Human Resource And Training Professionals

Now we examine ANZSCO minor group 223 for Human resource and training professionals.

ANZSCO General Description: Human resource and training professionals plan, develop, implement and evaluate staff recruitment, retention, training and development programs, assist in resolving disputes by advising on workplace relations policies and problems, and represent industrial, commercial, union, employer and other parties in negotiations.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• arranging for advertising of job vacancies, interviewing and testing of applicants, and selection of staff
• providing advice and information to management on human resource policies and procedures, staff performance and misconduct matters
• undertaking negotiations on terms and conditions of employment, and examining and resolving disputes and grievances
• studying and interpreting legislation, awards and agreements, wage payment systems, and dispute settlement procedures
• developing, planning and formulating workplace relations policies and programs, and procedures for their implementation
• identifying and determining the need for training, through identifying competencies and defining training requirements in the work environment
• designing, developing and assessing staff training and development

The ANZSCO minor group 223 for Human resource and training professionals includes one relevant unit group for IT occupations, namely, 2232 ICT Trainers.

Unit Group 2232 – ICT Trainers

This unit group consists of the single occupation of ICT Trainer, with the following elements:

ANZSCO code: 223211

Alternative Title: ICT Educator

ANZSCO General Description: ICT trainers analyse and evaluate information-based system training needs and objectives, and develop, schedule and conduct ICT-based system training programs and courses.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• identifying technical training needs and requirements of individuals and organisations
• setting human resource development objectives and evaluating learning outcomes
• preparing and developing instructional training material and aids such as handbooks, visual aids, online tutorials, demonstration models, and supporting training reference documentation
• designing, coordinating, scheduling and conducting ICT training and development programs that can be delivered in the form of individual and group instruction, and facilitating workshops, meetings, demonstrations and conferences
• liaising with external training providers to arrange delivery of specific training and development programs
• promoting internal and external training and development, and evaluating these promotional activities
• monitoring and performing ongoing evaluation and assessment of training quality and effectiveness, and reviewing and modifying training objectives, methods and course deliverables
• gathering, investigating and researching background materials to gain a full understanding of the ICT subject matter and systems
• keeping up-to-date with new product version releases, advances in programming languages, application development software, and general information technology trends
• writing end user products and materials such as user training, tutorial and instruction manuals, online help, and operating and maintenance instructions

Skill assessing authority: ACS

Skilled Occupation List: Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

Skilled Visa options:

• Skilled (State Sponsored) subclass 190 visa
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (State or Territory Nominated)*
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 visa**
• Training subclass 407 visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa (Short Term Stream)
• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) subclass 494 (Employer sponsored stream)

*Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

**Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

ANZSCO Minor Group 225 – Sales, Marketing And Public Relations Professionals

The ANZSCO minor group 225 for Sales, marketing and public relations professionals are characterised by the following elements.

ANZSCO General Description: Sales, marketing and public relations professionals plan, develop, coordinate and implement programs of information dissemination to promote organisations, goods and services, and represent companies in selling a range of technical, industrial, medical, pharmaceutical and ICT goods and services.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• commissioning and undertaking market research, analysing the findings, and planning advertising, marketing and public relations activities
• supporting business growth and development through the preparation and execution of marketing objectives, policies and programs
• planning and organising publicity campaigns
• appraising and selecting material submitted by writers, Photographers, Illustrators and others to create favourable publicity
• acquiring and updating knowledge of employers’ and competitors’ goods and services, and market conditions
• assessing customers’ needs and explaining and demonstrating goods and services to them
• visiting regular and prospective client businesses to establish and act on marketing opportunities
• quoting and negotiating prices and credit terms, and completing contracts

The 225 minor group contains the unit group 2252 for ICT Sales Professionals.

Unit Group 2252 – ICT Sales Professionals

The ICT Sales professionals unit group includes three occupations with the following common elements.

ANZSCO General Description: ICT Sales professionals manage client accounts and represent companies in selling a range of computer hardware, software and other ICT goods and services to industrial, business, professional and other organisations.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• compiling lists of prospective client businesses using trade directories and other sources
• acquiring and updating knowledge of employer’s and competitors’ goods and services, and market conditions
• visiting regular and prospective client businesses to establish and act on selling opportunities
• assessing customers’ needs and explaining the goods and services which meet their needs
• promoting employers’ ICT goods and services to existing and prospective clients
• quoting and negotiating prices and credit terms, and completing contracts and recording orders
• arranging delivery of goods, installation of equipment and the provision of services
• reporting to sales management on sales made and the marketability of ICT goods and services
• following up with clients to ensure satisfaction with ICT goods and services purchased, arranging modifications and resolving any problems arising
• preparing sales reports, and maintaining and submitting records of business expenses incurred

Skill assessing authority: VETASSESS

Skilled Occupation List: Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

Skilled Visa options:

• Skilled (State Sponsored) subclass 190 visa
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (State or Territory Nominated)*
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 visa**
• Training subclass 407 visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa (Short Term Stream)
• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) subclass 494 (Employer sponsored stream)

*Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

**Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

ANZSCO Minor Group 261 – Business And Systems Analysts And Programmers

Next, we look at ANZSCO minor group 261 for Business and systems analysts, and programmers.

ANZSCO General Description: Business and systems analysts, and programmers work with users to formulate system requirements, develop system plans and documentation, review and evaluate existing systems, and design and modify systems to meet users’ business needs, create audiovisual applications, and develop, test and maintain code for computer applications and websites.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• identifying, formulating and documenting user ICT requirements
• providing advice, guidance, expertise and assistance in the system project decision making process and in the development of system proposals and strategies
• identifying and evaluating inefficiencies, deficiencies and limitations in existing systems and associated processes, procedures and methods, and recommending optimal business practices, and system functionality and behaviour
• testing, debugging, diagnosing and correcting problems to ensure acceptable quality and integrity of the system, and that programs and applications perform to specification
• designing and developing digital animations, imaging, presentations, games, video clips, and Internet applications using multimedia software, tools and utilities, interactive graphics and programming language

The 261 minor group comprises the following unit groups:

• Unit Group 2611 ICT Business and Systems Analysts
• Unit Group 2612 Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers
• Unit Group 2613 Software and Applications Programmers

Next, we discuss the specific IT occupations that may be nominated in each of the above unit groups.

Unit Group 2611 – ICT Business And Systems Analysts

There are two occupations included in the ICT Business and systems analysts ANZSCO unit group, which share the following elements:

ANZSCO General Description: ICT Business and systems analysts work with users to formulate system requirements, develop system plans and documentation, review and evaluate existing systems, and design and modify systems to meet users’ business needs.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• working with users to formulate and document business requirements
• identifying, investigating, and analysing business processes, procedures and work practices
• identifying and evaluating inefficiencies and recommending optimal business practices, and system functionality and behaviour
• using project management methodologies, principles and techniques to develop project plans and to cost, resource and manage projects
• taking responsibility for deploying functional solutions, such as creating, adopting and implementing system test plans, which ensure acceptable quality and integrity of the system
• creating user and training documentation, and conducting formal training classes
• developing functional specifications for use by system developers
• using data and process modelling techniques to create clear system specifications for the design and development of system software
• acting as a central reference and information source, providing guidance and assistance in the system project decision making process

Skilled Occupation List: Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Skilled Visa options:

• Skilled (Independent) subclass 189 visa
• Skilled (State Sponsored) subclass 190 visa
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (State or Territory Nominated)*
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (Family Sponsored)*
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 visa**
• Training subclass 407 visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa (Medium Term Stream)
• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) subclass 494 (Employer sponsored stream)
• Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa (Graduate Work Stream)***

*Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

**Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

*** Potential applicants may also qualify under the Post-Study Work Stream, which does not apply a Skilled Occupation List

A description of the occupations in this ANZSCO unit group is listed below.

ANZSCO Minor Group 262 – Database And Systems Administrators, And ICT Security Specialists

The ANZSCO minor group 262 for Database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists is characterised by the following elements.

ANZSCO General Description: Database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists plan, develop, maintain, manage and administer organisations’ database management systems, operating systems and security policies and procedures to ensure optimal database and system integrity, security, backup, reliability and performance.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• designing and maintaining database architecture, data structures, tables, dictionaries and naming conventions to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all data master files
• performing the operational establishment and preventive maintenance of backups, recovery procedures, and enforcing security and integrity controls
• implementing and administering database documentation, guidelines, policies and procedures
• testing database systems and upgrades, such as debugging, tracking, reproduction, logging and resolving all identified problems, according to approved quality testing scripts, procedures and processes
• accepting responsibility for the processes, procedures and operational management associated with system security and disaster recovery planning
• liaising with security vendors, suppliers, service providers and external resources; analysing, recommending, installing and maintaining software security applications; and monitoring contractual obligations, performance delivery and service level agreements
• troubleshooting and providing service support in diagnosing, resolving and repairing server-related hardware and software malfunctions, encompassing workstations and communication infrastructure
• preparing and maintaining documentation, policies and instructions, and recording and detailing operational procedures and system logs
• ensuring that the design of computer sites allows all components to fit together and work properly, and monitoring and adjusting the performance of networks
• continually surveying the current computer site to determine future network needs and making recommendations for enhancements in the implementation of future servers and networks

The 262 minor group consists of a single unit group, as set out below.

Unit Group 2621 – Database And Systems Administrators, And ICT Security Specialists

There are three occupations included in the database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists ANZSCO unit group, which share the following elements:

ANZSCO General Description: Database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists plan, develop, maintain, manage and administer organisations’ database management systems, operating systems and security policies and procedures to ensure optimal database and system integrity, security, backup, reliability and performance.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• designing and maintaining database architecture, data structures, tables, dictionaries and naming conventions to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all data master files
• performing the operational establishment and preventive maintenance of backups, recovery procedures, and enforcing security and integrity controls
• implementing and administering database documentation, guidelines, policies and procedures
• testing database systems and upgrades, such as debugging, tracking, reproduction, logging and resolving all identified problems, according to approved quality testing scripts, procedures and processes
• accepting responsibility for the processes, procedures and operational management associated with system security and disaster recovery planning
• liaising with security vendors, suppliers, service providers and external resources; analysing, recommending, installing and maintaining software security applications; and monitoring contractual obligations, performance delivery and service level agreements
• troubleshooting and providing service support in diagnosing, resolving and repairing server-related hardware and software malfunctions, encompassing workstations and communication infrastructure
• preparing and maintaining documentation, policies and instructions, and recording and detailing operational procedures and system logs
• ensuring that the design of computer sites allows all components to fit together and work properly, and monitoring and adjusting the performance of networks
• continually surveying the current computer site to determine future network needs and making recommendations for enhancements in the implementation of future servers and networks

Skill assessing authority: ACS

A description of each occupation in the database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists ANZSCO unit group is listed below. Note that the skilled occupation list Australia and skilled visa options are not the same for these occupations.

*Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

**Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

ANZSCO Minor Group 263 – ICT Network And Support Professionals

Next is ANZSCO minor group 263 for ICT Network and support professionals.

ANZSCO General Description: ICT network and support professionals research, analyse, plan, design, install, monitor and maintain ICT systems to support the business needs of organisations and individuals.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• planning, designing, developing, configuring and commissioning networks and systems
• analysing, evaluating and monitoring network infrastructure to ensure networks are configured to operate at optimal performance
• troubleshooting and diagnosing network and system problems, and determining the most appropriate means of resolving problems and issues to improve system performance
• monitoring the overall performance of systems to assess the need for updates, upgrades, enhancements, preventive maintenance and new systems, and recommending options for upgrading and improving the performance of systems
• scheduling and conducting quality audit inspections

The ANZSCO minor group 263 comprises the following unit groups:

•   2631 Computer Network Professionals
•   2632 ICT Support and Test Engineers
•   2633 Telecommunications Engineering Professionals

Now we’ll look at the specific professional occupations that may be nominated in the above unit groups.

Unit Group 2631 – Computer Network Professionals

There are three occupations included in the computer network professionals ANZSCO unit group, with the following common elements:

ANZSCO General Description: Computer network professionals research, analyse and recommend strategies for network architecture and development, implement, manage, maintain and configure network hardware and software, and monitor and optimise performance, and troubleshoot and provide user support.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• analysing, developing, interpreting and evaluating complex system design and architecture specifications, data models and diagrams in the development, configuration and integration of computer systems
• researching, analysing, evaluating and monitoring network infrastructure to ensure networks are configured to operate at optimal performance
• assessing and recommending improvements to network operations and integrated hardware, software, communications and operating systems
• providing specialist skills in supporting and troubleshooting network problems and emergencies
• installing, configuring, testing, maintaining and administering new and upgraded networks, software database applications, servers and workstations
• providing network programming in support of specific business needs and requirements
• preparing and maintaining procedures and documentation for network inventory, and recording diagnosis and resolution of network faults, enhancements and modifications to networks, and maintenance instructions
• monitoring network traffic, and activity, capacity and usage to ensure continued integrity and optimal network performance

Skill assessing authority: ACS

A description of each occupation in the computer network professionals ANZSCO unit group is listed below. Note that the skilled occupation list Australia and skilled visa options are not the same for these occupations.

*Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

**Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

*** Potential applicants may also qualify under the Post-Study Work Stream, which does not apply a Skilled Occupation List

Unit Group 2632 – ICT Support And Test Engineers

There are four occupations included in the ICT Support and test engineers ANZSCO unit group, with the following common elements:

ANZSCO General Description: ICT Support and test engineers develop procedures and strategies to support, create, maintain and manage technical quality assurance processes and guidelines and systems infrastructure, investigate, analyse and resolve system problems and performance issues, and test the behaviour, functionality and integrity of systems.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• scheduling and conducting quality audit inspections, and analysing and reviewing systems, data and documentation
• identifying variations and potential high risk areas in securing adherence to standards and procedures
• recommending corrective action plans and improvements in the resolution of non-compliance with standards detected through monitoring and auditing of processes and procedures
• communicating, educating and liaising with users and management to ensure awareness and adherence to standards, procedures and quality control issues and activities
• assisting in troubleshooting, diagnosing, testing and resolving system problems and issues
• developing, conducting and providing technical guidance and training in application software and operational procedures
• analysing, evaluating and diagnosing technical problems and issues such as installation, maintenance, repair, upgrade and configuration and troubleshooting of desktops, software, hardware, printers, Internet, email, databases, operating systems and security systems
• testing, identifying and diagnosing functionality errors and faults in systems, and programming code within established testing protocols, guidelines and quality standards to ensure systems perform to specification
• performing organisational systems architecture reviews and assessments, and recommending current and future hardware and software strategies and directions
• creating and reviewing technical documentation such as procedural, instructional and operational guides and manuals, technical reports and specifications and maintenance inventory systems

Skill assessing authority: ACS

Skilled Occupation List: Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

Skilled Visa options:

• Skilled (State Sponsored) subclass 190 visa
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (State or Territory Nominated)*
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 visa**
• Training subclass 407 visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa (Short Term Stream)
• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) subclass 494 (Employer sponsored stream)

*Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

**Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

A description of the occupations in the ICT Support and test engineers ANZSCO unit group are listed below.

* Occupations in this group include:

• Usability Architect

Unit Group 2633 – Telecommunications Engineering Professionals

There are two occupations included in the telecommunications engineering professionals ANZSCO unit group, with the following common elements:

ANZSCO General Description: Telecommunications engineering professionals design, construct, install, service and support telecommunications equipment, systems and facilities.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include:

• planning, designing, building, configuring and commissioning telecommunications devices, networks and systems, such as voice, radio, two-way, data, microwave, satellite and digital data systems, and ensuring telecommunications systems interconnect with equipment from different manufacturers, service providers and users
• compiling engineering project proposals to define goals, identify scope, background and need, and ascertain cost of equipment, parts and services
• evaluating and procuring new products and services from vendors
• ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures in the provision of telecommunications systems
• selecting and developing new telecommunications sites by locating sites, filing documents, drawing up documents for approval, drafting construction drawings and following through to approval
• determining appropriate configurations of telecommunications hardware and software, ensuring desired performance of telecommunications equipment
• preparing and interpreting specifications, drawings and regulations for the use of telecommunications equipment
• determining the type and arrangement of circuits, transformers, circuit-breakers, transmission lines and equipment
• identifying and analysing problems and needs of existing telecommunications systems, such as interference, intelligibility and clarity, to determine the most appropriate means of reducing, eliminating and avoiding current and future problems and improve communications
• monitoring telecommunications systems to assess need for updates, upgrades, enhancements, preventive maintenance and new systems
• assessing performance levels of system hardware and software to project future needs, and developing short- and long-terms plans for updating equipment, adding capabilities, enhancing existing systems and providing improved telecommunications

Skill assessing authority: Engineers Australia

Skilled Occupation List: Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Skilled Visa options:

• Skilled (Independent) subclass 189 visa
• Skilled (State Sponsored) subclass 190 visa
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (State or Territory Nominated)*
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (Family Sponsored)*
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 visa**
• Training subclass 407 visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa (Medium Term Stream)
• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) subclass 494 (Employer sponsored stream)
• Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa (Graduate Work Stream)***

*Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

**Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

*** Potential applicants may also qualify under the Post-Study Work Stream, which does not apply a Skilled Occupation List

ANZSCO Minor Group 313 – ICT And Telecommunications Technicians

We now turn to the ANZSCO minor group 313 for ICT and telecommunications technicians.

ANZSCO General Description: ICT and telecommunications technicians provide support to the development and maintenance of computer infrastructure, web technology and telecommunications networks, and the diagnosis and resolution of technical problems.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

At least three years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks include:

• determining software and hardware requirements to provide solutions for problems
• responding to inquiries about software and hardware problems
• repairing and replacing peripheral equipment such as terminals, printers and modems
• installing and downloading appropriate software, and adapting existing programs to meet users’ requirements
• implementing computer networks, and ensuring efficient use of applications and equipment
• designing and maintaining websites
• installing and maintaining microwave, telemetry, multiplexing, satellite and other radio and electromagnetic wave communication systems
• configuring and integrating network and telecommunications technology with computer software, hardware, peripherals and operating systems
• planning the development of customer access telecommunications network infrastructure

The ANZSCO minor group 313 comprises the following unit groups:

• 3131 ICT Support Technicians
• 3132 Telecommunications Technical Specialists

Next, we look at the specific IT occupations that may be nominated in each of the above unit groups.

Unit Group 3131 – ICT Support Technicians

There are four occupations included in the ICT Support technicians ANZSCO unit group, which share the following elements:

ANZSCO General Description: ICT Support technicians provide support for the deployment and maintenance of computer infrastructure and web technology and the diagnosis and resolution of technical problems.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2).

At least three years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks include:

• determining software and hardware requirements to provide solutions to problems
• responding to inquiries about software and hardware problems
• adapting existing programs to meet users’ requirements
• installing and downloading appropriate software
• ensuring efficient use of applications and equipment
• implementing computer networks
• designing and maintaining websites
• repairing and replacing peripheral equipment such as terminals, printers and modems
• may work in a call centre

Skill assessing authority: TRA for all occupations in this unit group, with the exception of Web Administrator (ANZSCO 313113), for which the prescribed skill assessing body is ACS.

A description of each occupation in the ICT Support technicians ANZSCO unit group is listed below. Note that the skilled occupation list Australia and skilled visa options are not the same for these occupations.

Skilled Occupation List: Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

Skilled Visa options:

• Skilled (State Sponsored) subclass 190 visa
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (State or Territory Nominated)*
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 visa**
• Training subclass 407 visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa (Short Term Stream)
• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) subclass 494 (Employer sponsored stream)

*Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

**Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

A description of each occupation in the ICT Support technicians ANZSCO unit group is listed below.

* Occupations in this group include:

• Applications Packager
• Computer Systems Technician
• Telecommunications Computer Systems Technician

Unit Group 3132 – Telecommunications Technical Specialists

There are four occupations included in the Telecommunications technical specialists ANZSCO unit group, which share the following elements:

ANZSCO General Description: Telecommunications technical specialists develop, monitor and carry out technical support functions for telecommunications networks and install computer equipment, computer systems and microwave, telemetry, multiplexing, satellite and other radio and electromagnetic wave communication systems.

ANZSCO Skill level: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with an AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2).

At least three years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks:

• installing, maintaining, repairing and diagnosing malfunctions of microwave, telemetry, multiplexing, satellite and other radio and electromagnetic wave communication systems
• configuring and integrating network and telecommunications technology with computer software, hardware, desktops, peripherals, databases and operating systems
• developing and recording logs of the details, locations and status of inventories, parts, equipment and instruments and maintaining the documentation of communication policies, procedures, guidelines and regulations, and quality standards
• providing technical advice and information, and monitoring the performance of complex telecommunications networks and equipment
• planning the development of customer access telecommunications network infrastructure
• liaising with vendors, suppliers, service providers and external resources and monitoring contractual obligations and performance delivery
• providing ongoing operational support in designing, optimising, troubleshooting, diagnosing, repairing and resolving of telecommunications network performance malfunctions, defects and faults

Skill assessing authority: Engineers Australia for all occupations in this unit group, with the exception of Radiocommunications Technician (ANZSCO 313211), for which the prescribed skill assessing body is TRA.

A description of each occupation in the Telecommunications technical specialists ANZSCO unit group is listed below.

Skilled Occupation List: Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Skilled Visa options:

• Skilled (Independent) subclass 189 visa
• Skilled (State Sponsored) subclass 190 visa
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (State or Territory Nominated)*
• Skilled (Regional) subclass 489 visa (Family Sponsored)*
• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187 visa**
• Training subclass 407 visa
• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa (Medium Term Stream)
• Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) subclass 494 (Employer sponsored stream)
• Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa (Graduate Work Stream)***

*Only available to eligible applicants under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa.

**Only available to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).

*** Potential applicants may also qualify under the Post-Study Work Stream, which does not apply a Skilled Occupation List

A description of each occupation in the Telecommunications technical specialists ANZSCO unit group is listed below.

Skill Assessments For IT Occupations

As noted in our introduction, the prescribed skills assessing body for most IT occupations is the Australian Computer Society (ACS). For the remainder of our discussion, we provide further details about the ACS migration skills assessment process and ACS skill assessment requirements, with links to further detailed information on how to apply.

For more information about the other skill assessing bodies, please contact us.

You may also like to refer to the following guides:

• Australian Visa options for tradespeople for further details about the TRA skills assessment process; and
• Australian Visa Options for Engineers for further details about the Engineers Australia skills assessment process.

ACS Skill Assessment Pathways

The ACS has the following four ACS skill assessment pathways:

• Temporary Graduate (TG)
• Post Australian Study (PAS)
• General Skills Assessment (Skills)
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Skills pathway noted above, which is a general skills assessment application to assess tertiary ICT qualifications and ICT employment, is the relevant application required for skilled migration purposes.

ACS Migration Skills Assessment Requirements

Set out below are the requirements you will need to meet for a suitable ACS migration skills assessment:

Option 1: Qualification comparable to AQF Bachelor Degree or Higher with an ICT Major

• If your degree is assessed as having an ICT major and is closely related to your nominated occupation, you will require 2 years relevant work experience completed within the past 10 years or 4 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history (whichever provides the earliest skill date) to meet the suitability criteria.
• If your degree is assessed as having an ICT major and is NOT closely related to your nominated occupation, you will require 4 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history to meet the suitability criteria.

Option 2: Qualification comparable to AQF Bachelor Degree or Higher with an ICT Minor

• If your degree is assessed as having an ICT minor and is closely related to your nominated occupation, you will require 5 years relevant work experience completed in the past 10 years or 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history (whichever provides the earliest skill date) to meet the suitability criteria.
• If your degree is assessed as having an ICT minor and is NOT closely related to your nominated occupation, you will require 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history to meet the suitability criteria.

Option 3: Qualification comparable to AQF Diploma

• If your AQF qualification is assessed as having an ICT Major and is closely related to your nominated occupation, you will require 5 years relevant work experience completed within the past 10 years or 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history (whichever provides the earliest skill date) to meet the suitability criteria.
• If your AQF qualification is assessed as having an ICT Major and is NOT closely related to your nominated occupation, you will require 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in your past work history to meet the suitability criteria.

For all of the above, relevant ICT work experience must be professional ICT employment work experience which is closely related to the ANZSCO nominated occupation performed consistently and remuneration reflects the level of skill required, for at least 20 hrs per week. Some further important points to note are:

• If your work experience is completed before the completion date of your qualification, the Skill Level Requirement Met Date will be determined on the earliest date that both the relevant work experience and the qualifications are completed;
• The past 10 years requirement period for work experience is determined by the 10 years that precede the submission date of your online skills application;
• The term “Relevant work experience” means work experience which is closely related to the nominated occupation (ANZSCO) and performed at a professional ICT level; and
• The ICT Major and Minor assessment is based on the number of units with sufficient ICT content and the number of ICT units that are closely related to the nominated occupation.

The above ACS skill assessment information has been adapted from the Australian Computer Society, Migration Skills Assessment Guidelines for Applicants, December 2021 information guide. We recommend that you refer to this document, which contains detailed information on the ACS migration skills assessment process and requirements.

The ACS has also produced a Summary of Criteria, which is a quick reference guide of ACS skill assessment requirements.

The ACS Application Checklist, which contains a list of required documents, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), a quick reference guide to common assessment questions, are also useful documents to refer to.

The ACS skill assessment application is required to be lodged online as decision ready, which means you must submit all required documentation at time of submission of your ACS migration skills assessment application. ACS is not required to request further documents from you, and any missing or incorrect information/documentation will delay the processing of your ACS skill assessment application, and may result in an unsuitable ACS migration skills assessment outcome.

Get More Information

Skilled Regional State Sponsorship Visa

For further information on the subclass 491 and 494 visas, please see the following articles:

Subclass 491 Regional Visa

491 Visa Adelaide

New Skilled Regional Visas to be introduced

Further Regulations released for the new regional sponsored visas to commence from 16 November 2019

Applications for the new provisional regional sponsored visas are now open

Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme

Skilled State Sponsorship Visa

For more information on the subclass 190 visa, please see our articles on the Subclass 190 State Sponsorship Visa and Adelaide 190 Visa.

Also refer to our Australian Permanent Resident Visa Case Study article to read about a real-life case study where PAX Migration Australia assisted a client to apply for a subclass 190 visa and who, after a long migration journey, was finally granted permanent residence in Australia.

You can read a further case study example in our State Sponsorship Visas In Australia article which explains how a client successfully applying for a state sponsorship visa with PAX Migration Australia’s assistance.

Skilled Visas

To learn more about applying for a skilled visa, please see the following articles:

State Sponsorship Visas In Australia

Australian Skilled Migration Visa List

General Skilled Migration Visa Options

General Skilled Migration Visa Points

Employer Sponsored Visas

Employer Nomination Migration Scheme

Labour Agreement Visa

457 Visa Replacement

Employer Sponsor Visa Requirements

Changes To 457 Temporary Work Skilled Visa

Business Requirements For Accredited Sponsorship

Self Sponsor Visa Australia

English Requirements For Skilled Visas

Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates and additional information.

Contact us to book a no-obligation consultation to obtain tailored advice on your eligibility for a skilled ICT visa and the ACS skill assessment process and requirements.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Australia’s migration laws are complex, and each case is different. We recommend that you seek professional advice if you are interested in applying for a skilled ICT visa, as being fully informed will give you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome on your case. A migration professional can help you to do this. Also be aware that several terms are defined in the migration provisions. It is vital to have a good understanding of these terms and how they apply in practice. Detailed advice about these is beyond the scope of this article and we would therefore recommend that you seek further information in this regard.

For up to date advice on applying for a skilled ICT visa, including the ACS migration skills assessment process and requirements, contact PAX Migration Australia, a leading immigration service providing advice on a range of visas, including visa options for IT occupations. Contact us for a no obligation discussion on how we may be able to assist you in achieving your migration goals in Australia.

References/Links

The Institution of Engineers Australia (Engineers Australia)

https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/

Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS)

https://www.vetassess.com.au/

Australian Computing Society (ACS)

https://www.acs.org.au/

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)

https://www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au/

Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO)

https://www.abs.gov.au/ANZSCO

Minor Group 135 – ICT Managers

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/8FCD4F6974287C4ECA257B9600207ACE?opendocument

UNIT GROUP 1351 – ICT MANAGERS

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/7F69EDFAC48B7D3DCA257B960020A809?opendocument

Minor Group 223 – Human resource and training professionals

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/23FC0C38167AB38ECA257B95001310A1?opendocument

ANZSCO Unit Group 2232 – ICT Trainers

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/2E25CB55C8C05BABCA257B95001310F9?opendocument

ANZSCO Minor Group 225 – Sales, marketing and public relations professionals

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/32ADBFC35F4E6CACCA257B9500131033?opendocument

UNIT GROUP 2252 – ICT SALES PROFESSIONALS

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/AFC1AFF46EBFBF92CA257B95001310B6?opendocument

ANZSCO Minor Group 261 – Business and systems analysts, and programmers

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/BFB6F05D806A8AC5CA257B9500131115?opendocument

UNIT GROUP 2611 – ICT BUSINESS AND SYSTEMS ANALYSTS

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/0DD934711C851E03CA257B950013116B?opendocument

ANZSCO Minor Group 262 – Database and systems administrators, and ICT security specialists

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/F8ED7B68FA0C0DF2CA257B95001310E8?opendocument

UNIT GROUP 2621 – DATABASE AND SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATORS, AND ICT SECURITY SPECIALISTS

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/980B817E74A5280ACA257B95001310E9?opendocument

ANZSCO Minor Group 263 – ICT Network and support professionals

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/1ED0FA66C898973ACA257B9500131095?opendocument

UNIT GROUP 2631 – COMPUTER NETWORK PROFESSIONALS

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/8EF5499204A2FBECCA257B9500131105?opendocument

UNIT GROUP 2632 – ICT SUPPORT AND TEST ENGINEERS

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/910AD59EA0503603CA257B9500131096?opendocument

UNIT GROUP 2633 – TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/569570B1AE0A46E5CA257B950013114E?opendocument

ANZSCO Minor Group 313 – ICT and telecommunications technicians

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/58C899F4CE97D232CA257B9500131164?opendocument

UNIT GROUP 3131 – ICT SUPPORT TECHNICIANS

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/66DC1F45C5F2AA7ACA257B9500131168?opendocument

UNIT GROUP 3132 – TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/Product+Lookup/55C714FCBE173BF2CA257B9500131165?opendocument

ACS – Migration Skills Assessment – Information for Applicants

https://www.acs.org.au/msa/information-for-applicants.html

ACS – Skills Assessment Information – Summary of Criteria – A quick reference of assessment requirements

https://www.acs.org.au/content/dam/acs/acs-skills/Summary%20of%20Criteria%20-%202017.pdf

ACS – Skills Assessment Information – Skills Assessment Guidelines for Applicants – Detailed information on our skills assessment process and requirements

http://www.acs.org.au/msa/skills-assessment-guidelines-for-applicants.html

ACS – Skills Assessment Information – ACS Application Checklist – List of required documents

https://www.acs.org.au/content/dam/acs/acs-skills/Application-Checklist.pdf

ACS – Skills Assessment Information – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – A quick reference guide to common assessment questions

https://www.acs.org.au/msa/skills-faqs.html