Skip to content

Skills assessment · ANZSCO 261313

Software Engineer Skills Assessment & RPL Pathway

How Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313) is assessed for skilled migration — and where Recognition of Prior Learning fits

MARN 1576536 · Verifiable at mara.gov.au

  • Occupation: Software Engineer
  • ANZSCO code: 261313
  • Skill level: ANZSCO Skill Level 1
  • Assessing authority: Australian Computer Society (ACS)
  • RPL relevant: Yes — see below (The Australian Computer Society (ACS) offers an RPL-style pathway for applicants who do not hold an ICT-major qualification closely related to software engineering. ACS sets its own criteria (typically Key Areas of Knowledge responses plus two project reports) and these change over time. This is the ACS migration skills assessment process and is distinct from a VET RPL qualification issued by a registered training organisation.)

Software Engineers (ANZSCO 261313) design, develop, test and maintain software applications and systems across the full software lifecycle. For most skilled migration purposes a positive skills assessment is required, and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the relevant assessing authority for this occupation. We help you map your background to ACS requirements before you lodge.

The skills assessment & RPL pathway for Software Engineer

The skills assessment for a Software Engineer is conducted by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), not by a VET provider. The standard ACS pathway compares your tertiary qualifications and employment history against the ICT requirements for ANZSCO 261313, and the amount of relevant experience required generally depends on how closely your degree relates to ICT. You will typically need to evidence both a relevant qualification and a period of skilled software engineering employment.

If you do not hold an ICT-major qualification, ACS operates its own RPL-style application that lets you demonstrate equivalent knowledge through documented work experience and project reports assessed against ACS criteria. This ACS RPL is separate from, and should not be confused with, a VET RPL qualification awarded by a registered training organisation. We do not assert that this occupation sits on any particular skilled list at the time you read this, because occupation lists are revised periodically; we confirm current list status as part of your assessment of options.

Evidence typically required

Is RPL part of your Software Engineer pathway?

Start with a free RPL eligibility check, or book a consultation to confirm the right assessing authority and whether RPL fits your visa goal for this occupation.

Free RPL eligibility check → Book a consultation ($200 + GST)

Frequently asked questions

Who assesses a Software Engineer skills assessment?

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the assessing authority for Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313) for migration skills assessment purposes. ACS reviews your qualifications and employment evidence against its current criteria and issues an outcome letter. We help you prepare and structure that application, but the assessment decision rests with ACS.

Can I get assessed without an ICT degree?

Possibly. ACS runs an RPL-style application allowing applicants without a closely related ICT qualification to demonstrate equivalent knowledge through project reports and Key Areas of Knowledge responses. The criteria are set by ACS and change over time. This ACS process is separate from a VET RPL qualification, and a positive outcome is never guaranteed.

Is Software Engineer on the skilled occupation list?

Occupation lists are reviewed and updated periodically by the Australian Government, so we do not state current list status as a fixed fact here. As part of assessing your options we confirm whether ANZSCO 261313 is currently available for your intended visa, and which state or territory pathways may apply.

Related

General information only, not migration advice. ANZSCO codes and assessing-authority arrangements change (ANZSCO is transitioning to OSCA) and skilled occupation lists are updated periodically — confirm the current code, authority and requirements for your situation. Skills assessments are conducted by the relevant assessing authority and RPL qualifications are issued by Registered Training Organisations, not by WIDEN. No qualification or assessment guarantees a visa. Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid consultation under a written service agreement.