Successful ACS skills assessment - however awarded a different ASCO code

[mcl07]

Yesterday we were informed that we had passed the ACS skills assessment. However, I have been given a different ASCO code. My IT work experience is 2 years being a Technical Support Consultant and 7 years as a Software tester (Test Analyst). I have 2x industry standard test qualifications. Therefore, I thought that I would be assessed under ASCO 2231-79 ICT Professionals (nec) as Computing Tester is listed under that category.

However the ACS letter states that I have been successful under ASCO 2231-19 (Systems Programmer). Under the PIM subsection for this category it states 'Writes, maintains and updates programs which control the overall functioning of computers'. My skills assessment shows nothing in relation to these skills. The project reports I did comprised of testbed configuration and testing techniques used during certain projects.

Could it be a simple typo? I was wondering if anyone knew if this dubious ASCO code could adversely affect any visa (PR175), or future state sponsorship applications? I am happy to use it, it is just that my CV bears no relation to the code they have assessed me under.

Any advice\information would be appreciated.

Regards,

Mark

[Graemsay]

Does it make an awful lot of difference?

Both the Systems Programmer and Test Analyst (under ASCO code 2231-79) bring in the same number of points. Neither was on the old MODL list (and so not eligible for the extra 15 points), nor were they on the CSL as a result. So that won't affect your processing time.

(The CSL specialisations are a subset of the 2231-79 occupations: CISSP, C/C++/C#, Data Warehousing, Java/J2EE, .Net, Internet/Network Security, Oracle, Peoplesoft, SAP, Siebel, and various flavours of UNIX/Linux/Solaris.)

As for state sponsorship, I've only seen the CSL occupations on the official lists. (NSW is a bit different, as they go in for alternative ASCO codes.) I haven't seen test analyst listed anywhere, so it wouldn't make any difference.

In fact, I'd argue that Systems Programmer is probably perceived as being higher up the food chain than Test Analyst, and so you're more likely to secure an off list nomination from that.

[mcl07]

Thanks for the response Graemsay, I think that you are right in that the code I have been given is higher up the food chain. I certainly wouldn't have a problem using it as it may give us a better chance of getting visa approval. I suppose I am just wondering whether the difference in my work experience and the ACS assessment could be picked up at a later stage and used against us?

[Graemsay]

Given that it's the ACS who've done the assessment, surely they'd be the ones held responsible.

If you want to cover yourself then it might be worth sending them an enquiry and asking them why you were given this job title. It might be that test analyst refers to someone who's purely doing manual testing, whereas writing test harnesses overlaps on coding. Then attach copies of any emails with your application.

To be honest, given how the ASCO codes are pretty finely sliced (I felt that I could fall into two or three of them), and it's unlikely that your CO will have much of a clue as to how the IT industry operates, then I suspect that it won't matter.

[claireg]

Hi Mark
The same thing happened to us which resulted in no longer on CSL. Partner is .net technologies occupation but ACS assessed under different ASCO code (application programmer / analyst). Even though he submitted all the project reports on .net and that is his job!!

For us though this meant no longer on the CSL and no longer in demand for WA which is where we wanted to go. We were gutted to be honest but looked into our options and the occupation he has been assessed under is wanted in ACT so we have applied to ACT instead for SS.

We could have asked for a review / appeal but this would cost more money & time and we just felt our chances were slipping away and so wanted to get our app in before the mid year changes.

Well done on the positive result anyway, hope it all works out for you.

Claire