Analyst Programmer Skills Assessment for ACS 261311 Skilled Migration
The Analyst Programmer skills assessment is conducted by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) for overseas ICT professionals seeking skilled migration under ANZSCO 261311. A positive ACS outcome is mandatory before anyExpression of Interest can be lodged through SkillSelect for a 189, 190, or 491 visa. This page covers everything you need to know about the Analyst Programmer skills assessment, pathways, RPL structure, documents, fees, and visa options.
What does an Analyst Programmer do under ANZSCO 261311?
An Analyst Programmer interprets user requirements, designs systems and writes, tests, and maintains applications to achieve business goals. Analyst Programmer role is the link betweenIT development and user needs in relation to systems programming and analysis.
Core tasks under ANZSCO 261311 include:
- Analysing user needs and producing requirements documentation and system plans
- Designing, coding, testing, debugging, and maintaining software applications and systems
- Encoding the requirements of the project with the use of programming languages such as Java, Python, C#, JavaScript, PHP.
- Preparing workflow charts and system diagrams using computer capabilities and logic
- Researching and evaluating software and hardware alternatives for system solutions
- Writing and updating user documentation and operational procedures
- Providing technical support before and after system implementation
Alternative titles recognised under ANZSCO 261311 include ICT Programmer, ICT Developer, and Applications Developer. Your employment references must use the actual tasks listed above, not just a job title.
Analyst Programmer Skills Assessment Pathways
ACS assesses Analyst Programmer applications through four pathways. Your pathway depends entirely on your qualification type and ICT relevance of your degree.
Pathway 1: ICT Qualification Closely Related to 261311
A bachelor’s degree or higher with an ICT major closely related to analyst programmer duties. Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience completed within the past 10 years.
Pathway 2: ICT Qualification Not Closely Related
A bachelor’s degree or higher with an ICT major that is partially related. Have at least four years of experience working as any position in your career at any time in the career.
Pathway 3: Non-ICT Qualification
An undergraduate degree or better with a non-ICT major (e.g. Engineering, Mathematics, Science). Minimum 6 years of relevant analyst programmer experience.ACS RPL report required.
Pathway 4: No Tertiary Qualification
No formal qualification. Minimum 8 years of relevant analyst programmer experience. ACS RPL report mandatory. Relevant vendor certifications in programming languages or platforms may support the application.
Qualification and Experience Requirements
Qualification Type | Experience Required | RPL Required? |
Bachelor’s or higher, ICT major closely related to 261311 | 2 years in past 10 years | No |
Bachelor’s or higher, ICT major not closely related | 4 years at any point | No |
Bachelor’s or higher, non-ICT major | 6 years relevant ICT experience | Yes |
Diploma or higher, non-ICT field | 6 years relevant ICT experience | Yes |
No tertiary qualification | 8 years relevant ICT experience | Yes |
Australian ICT bachelor’s degree (Post Australian Study) | 1 year post-qualification or ACS Professional Year | No |
ACS RPL Report Structure for ANZSCO 261311
The RPL pathway is the most common route for Analyst Programmer applicants who hold non-ICT qualifications. TheACS RPL report for 261311 has two components.
Key Areas of Knowledge
KAoK responses must align to ACS CBOK categories relevant to analyst programmer duties. Key aspects comprise programming fundamentals, software development lifecycle, system analysis, databases and testing methods. Work on the technologies mentioned only and strictly: Java, Python, C#, JavaScript, SQL, Git, Agile or Scrum. Returns “Vague responses without tool names are returned for additional evidence” if technology information is not stated.
Two Project Reports
A single report outlines the description of each one of the software development or system analysis projects. State the scope of the project, the actual part you were playing and how it happened, technologies employed, the process of collecting requirements, the development process and testing, the delivered product. Two separate ICT projects required, non-ICT projects do not satisfy 261311 task requirements.
Documents Required for Analyst Programmer Skills Assessment
Submit the following documents for an ANZSCO 261311 ACS skills assessment. Incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delays.
All Applicants
- Certified copy of passport or government-issued photo ID
- Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates, officially translated if not in English
- CV with all the ICT jobs specified including company names, positions and times worked, and job description.
- Employment reference letters on company letterhead, signed by a supervisor, describing actual programming and analysis tasks, not just job title and dates
- English language test result: IELTS minimum 6.0 in each band, PTE Academic minimum 50 per skill with 65 in Speaking, OET minimum B per component. UK, USA, Canada, NZ, and Ireland passport holders are exempt.
RPL Pathway Only
- Two ACS Project Reports covering separate software development or systems analysis projects
- KAoK responses aligned to ACS CBOK categories forANZSCO 261311
- Supporting project evidence where available: code repositories, deployment records, test plans, project specifications
- Vendor certification evidence if applicable: AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, or other recognised ICT certifications
ACS Assessment Fees and Processing Times 2026
Service | Fee (AUD) | Processing Time |
Standard Skills Assessment | AUD 530 | 12 to 19 weeks from complete application |
Priority Processing (add-on) | Additional AUD 800 | 6 to 10 weeks total |
Reassessment after negative outcome | AUD 300 | 8 to 12 weeks |
Assessment validity | 3 years from issue date | Cannot be extended. Reapply if expired. |
Note: ACS fees are reviewed periodically. Confirm the current fee on the ACS portal before submitting. Theassessment fee is non-refundable once lodged. Incomplete applications pause the processing clock until all documents are received.
Visa Eligibility for Analyst Programmer ANZSCO 261311
ANZSCO 261311 is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and is applicable to:
Visa | Type | Key Requirement | Typical Invitation Score 2026 |
189 Skilled Independent | Permanent, no sponsor | MLTSSL occupation, points invitation | 85 to 100 plus competitive rounds |
190 State Nominated | Permanent, state sponsor | State list includes 261311, nomination | 75 to 85 plus 5 nomination bonus |
491 Skilled Work Regional | Provisional, state or family sponsor | MLTSSL occupation, regional requirement | 65 to 75 plus 15 nomination bonus |
482 Skills in Demand Core Skills | Temporary employer sponsored | CSOL occupation, AUD 76,515 salary floor | No points test |
186 ENS Direct Entry | Permanent employer sponsored | Employer nomination, skills assessment | No points test |
NSW and Victoria consistently invite the highest volume of Analyst Programmers under the 190 state nomination program in 2026. The occupation is also on the CSOL, qualifying for the 482 Skills in Demand visa under the Core Skills stream.
Common Reasons ACS 261311 Applications Are Refused
Mistake | Why It Fails | Fix |
Reference lists job title only | ACS cannot verify duties. Application returned for more evidence. | Name specific tasks: languages used, systems built, testing activities, and outcomes. |
RPL reports describe team work only | ACS assesses individual competency. Team-focused reports fail KAoK alignment. | Write in first person. Name what you personally coded, designed, or tested. |
KAoK lists technologies with no context | Just stating Java or Python means nothing, unless you outline how was the tool used. | Outline what the project was about, what was the problem encountered, the tool used and how was it implemented and the result obtained. |
WrongANZSCO code selected | Applying as 261311 when duties match 261312 or 261313 causes refusal. | If your work is primarily coding with no systems analysis, confirm 261312 or 261313 first. |
Submit Your Analyst Programmer Skills Assessment Right the First Time
TheAnalyst Programmer skills assessment is straightforward when your documents are complete, specific, and evidence-based. The majority reason why the application does not get qualified it is not because of gaps, it is because of documents. References without task detail, project reports without specific technology evidence, and KAoK responses without real-world context are all preventable.
CDR Australia Writer prepares ACS RPL reports for ANZSCO 261311 applicants, including two detailed project reports and KAoK responses written against ACS 2026 standards, with zero plagiarism and a 100% ACS approval record. Every report is reviewed by an ICT professional before submission.
Get your Analyst Programmer skills assessment right on the first submission.Contact CDR Australia Writer before you begin preparing your documents.
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We have mentioned common questions asked by our clients regarding CDR report, ACS RPL report, KA02 report, and skill assessment process.
ANZSCO 261311, assessed by ACS. Skill Level 1, on the MLTSSL and CSOL. Qualifies for 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186 visa pathways.
No. Apply through the RPL pathway with 6 to 8 years of relevant experience depending on your qualification level.
12 to 19 weeks standard. Priority takes 6 to 10 weeks at an additional AUD 800. Incomplete applications pause the clock.
Only languages you have genuinely used: Java, Python, C#, JavaScript, SQL, .NET, PHP. Do not list languages you cannot explain in detail.
Yes. It is qualified for the189 independent visa which doesn’t need employer or state sponsorship.