Skills assessment · ANZSCO 261314
Software Tester Skills Assessment & RPL Pathway
How Software Tester (ANZSCO 261314) is assessed for skilled migration — and where Recognition of Prior Learning fits
By Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536) since 2015 · WIDEN, Sydney
Keshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536 · Registered since 2015 - ANZSCO code
- 261314
- Skill level
- Skill Level 1
- Assessing authority
- Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- RPL relevant
- Yes
MARN 1576536 · Verifiable at mara.gov.au
- RPL relevant: Yes — see below (The ACS RPL application (two project reports) is available to applicants without a recognised ICT tertiary qualification; this is the ACS process, distinct from VET RPL through an RTO.)
Software Tester (ANZSCO 261314) is a Skill Level 1 ICT occupation covering the specification, development and execution of software tests to identify defects and ensure quality. For skilled migration the assessing authority is the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Widen Migration (MARN 1576536) helps software testers prepare an ACS application.
The skills assessment & RPL pathway for Software Tester
For a Software Tester (ANZSCO 261314), the ACS assesses whether your qualification and ICT employment are at a professional level and closely related to the occupation. A recognised ICT degree with relevant test-and-quality experience is the most direct route. Without a recognised ICT qualification, the ACS RPL application allows you to evidence ICT knowledge through two project reports.
The ACS RPL is the migration assessment process, not an Australian VET qualification. As with other ICT occupations, ACS applies a "skills met" date that can defer when your points-tested experience begins to count.
Evidence typically required
- ICT qualification with academic transcripts (or evidence supporting an ACS RPL application)
- Employment references detailing software testing duties, dates and hours
- Evidence of test design, execution and defect management aligned to Software Tester (261314)
- Payslips, contracts or tax records corroborating employment
- Passport and identity documents
- For RPL: two project reports demonstrating ICT knowledge areas
Is RPL part of your Software Tester pathway?
Book a consultation to confirm the right assessing authority and whether RPL fits your visa goal for this occupation.
Looking at the whole journey rather than just the assessment? See the full pathway guide: Migrate to Australia as a Software Tester →
Which skilled visa uses this occupation?
Once Software Tester is positively assessed, the assessment supports a points-tested or employer-sponsored skilled visa. The right one depends on your points, age, state nomination and whether an employer will sponsor you.
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent (points-tested, no sponsor)
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated (state nomination)
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (regional nomination)
- Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand (employer sponsorship)
- 482 → 186 permanent residency pathway
- Check your points for 189/190/491
Speak with WIDEN
Related occupations
- Analyst Programmer
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Developer Programmer
- ICT Business Analyst
- ICT Project Manager
- ICT Security Specialist
- Multimedia Specialist
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.
Questions we get asked first
Is Software Tester on the skilled occupation lists?
Software Tester (ANZSCO 261314) has historically appeared on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, and ACS is its assessing authority. Occupation lists are updated periodically, so confirm the current status and eligible visa subclasses for your situation before you rely on it.
Can I qualify without an ICT degree?
Possibly, through the ACS RPL application, where you evidence ICT knowledge with two project reports plus your work history. It is more evidence-intensive than the qualification pathway, so preparation matters. Book a consultation to assess whether RPL suits your background.
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