ACS - References, Assessment etc

[sa2auz]

Hi there

Anyone recently had their skills assessed by the Australian Computer Society? I am trying to research the content and length of the required references when having ones skills assessed. I am not looking for the references etc that proof you worked for a company etc but rather the one that proves ones skills. Do you have to elabroate on projects, outcomes etc. How much detail is required.

Anyone recently apply for an assesement with CISSP or CISA? How long did the initial assessment take?

Any advce would be appreciated.

[Tim & Abby]

Hi there

I'm currently doing an ACS application and have the benefit of being helped by an immigration specialist.

First let me recap for anyone who is reading this and doesn't know why one would need to apply to the ACS (Australian Computer Society):

What it boils down to for me is that because I don't have a computer science degree, I have to prove that my experience equals the computer science degree. They need to ensure that my skills are marketable. They refer to this as CBOK (Core Body Of Knowledge). The actual application involves submitting my CV/resumé, two detailed project letters, detailed references from companies that I have worked for over the last ten years, and then how all of this relates to the CBOK.

I completed my application and sent it up to my immigration specialist to review before sending it off to the ACS. It was about an inch thick and contained references from heavyweight people in the IT industry that I have worked for over the years, and outlined in detail large IT projects that I have worked on in the financial industry . What surprised me (and will probably interest you), is that they came back to me and said that there wasn't enough detail. The ACS would require more. Here are the sticking points:

Each reference from a company must contain a detailed almost blow-by-blow breakdown of everything I did while working at that company. It must be on that company's stationery and it must be signed by someone who was my superior when working there. If that superior no longer works for the company, I need to get a letter from the company (on company stationery) that says that he/she worked there and was my superior.

These references must span at least eight years and cover all periods of employment during those years (I only went back 6 years in mine, so need to add the extra ones).

I mentioned that a large amount of the information that they were requesting was already covered in summary form in my CV/resumé, but I was told that it needs to be replicated where necessary.

Possibly most important is the form that maps my skills to the CBOK. This form contains what amounts to chapters from a university-level IT textbook covering all areas of computer, database and networking systems. For each section, I need to fill in detail (often replicated from project letters, resumés and references already done) how my knowledge in each company I worked for over the eight year period maps to the CBOK area of knowledge.

For example, one of the areas of knowledge is "Discrete Mathematics". For that section, I have to outline what I know about discrete mathematics and how it was applied through the course of the eight years experience covered elsewhere (CV/resumé/project letters/references). There are 14 areas of knowledge... It's a huge duplication of work. I'd imagine that when I get my ACS application finalised it's going to look more like a book than a few forms!

Anyway, for your info, here's the list of CBOK areas of knowledge...

1. Computer Organisation and Architecture

2. Conceptual Modeling

3. Database Management

4. Data Communications and Networks

5. Data Structures and Algorithms

6. Discrete Mathematics

7. Ethical/Social Implications/Professional Practice

8. Interpersonal Communications

9. Program Design and Implementation

10. Project Management

11. Security

12. Software Engineering and Methodologies

13. Systems Analysis and Design

14. Systems Software

And yes, you have to map out in detail your skills and abilities in each and every one of these categories!

So, that's about it really. I apologise if it's a bit of a long-winded post, but I suppose it was neccessary to illustrate that it's a long-winded application process also! I hope this information helps you.

Cheers for now,

Tim (of Tim & Abby)

[G72]

Hi there

I'm currently doing an ACS application and have the benefit of being helped by an immigration specialist.

First let me recap for anyone who is reading this and doesn't know why one would need to apply to the ACS (Australian Computer Society):

What it boils down to for me is that because I don't have a computer science degree, I have to prove that my experience equals the computer science degree. They need to ensure that my skills are marketable. They refer to this as CBOK (Core Body Of Knowledge). The actual application involves submitting my CV/resumé, two detailed project letters, detailed references from companies that I have worked for over the last ten years, and then how all of this relates to the CBOK.

I completed my application and sent it up to my immigration specialist to review before sending it off to the ACS. It was about an inch thick and contained references from heavyweight people in the IT industry that I have worked for over the years, and outlined in detail large IT projects that I have worked on in the financial industry . What surprised me (and will probably interest you), is that they came back to me and said that there wasn't enough detail. The ACS would require more. Here are the sticking points:

Each reference from a company must contain a detailed almost blow-by-blow breakdown of everything I did while working at that company. It must be on that company's stationery and it must be signed by someone who was my superior when working there. If that superior no longer works for the company, I need to get a letter from the company (on company stationery) that says that he/she worked there and was my superior.

These references must span at least eight years and cover all periods of employment during those years (I only went back 6 years in mine, so need to add the extra ones).

I mentioned that a large amount of the information that they were requesting was already covered in summary form in my CV/resumé, but I was told that it needs to be replicated where necessary.

Possibly most important is the form that maps my skills to the CBOK. This form contains what amounts to chapters from a university-level IT textbook covering all areas of computer, database and networking systems. For each section, I need to fill in detail (often replicated from project letters, resumés and references already done) how my knowledge in each company I worked for over the eight year period maps to the CBOK area of knowledge.

For example, one of the areas of knowledge is "Discrete Mathematics". For that section, I have to outline what I know about discrete mathematics and how it was applied through the course of the eight years experience covered elsewhere (CV/resumé/project letters/references). There are 14 areas of knowledge... It's a huge duplication of work. I'd imagine that when I get my ACS application finalised it's going to look more like a book than a few forms!

Anyway, for your info, here's the list of CBOK areas of knowledge...

1. Computer Organisation and Architecture

2. Conceptual Modeling

3. Database Management

4. Data Communications and Networks

5. Data Structures and Algorithms

6. Discrete Mathematics

7. Ethical/Social Implications/Professional Practice

8. Interpersonal Communications

9. Program Design and Implementation

10. Project Management

11. Security

12. Software Engineering and Methodologies

13. Systems Analysis and Design

14. Systems Software

And yes, you have to map out in detail your skills and abilities in each and every one of these categories!

So, that's about it really. I apologise if it's a bit of a long-winded post, but I suppose it was neccessary to illustrate that it's a long-winded application process also! I hope this information helps you.

Cheers for now,

Tim (of Tim & Abby)

Hi All

I did my RPL in December last year and it was a huge effort - it felt like writing a thesis on the last 8 years of my life - I included so much supporting information (old emails, presentations, articles that I wrote, etc) that the final product weighed 1.5kg - thank god it was accepted and I got the maximum 60 points. I also joined the ACS - hopefully this will provide some reqognition and networking opportunities when I get there.

Cheers

G72

[Linda]

Gee, you are scaring me! I am about to send my stuff to ACS but wonder if I've got enough information in! Luckily I've got a Computer Science degree, but still!

[jonathanb]

Hi

I am only just starting mine after getting most of the info together and it is one huge task ahead. The problem is knowing where to start.

Just one correction on what Tim wrote. You dont have to complete all 14 area's of the CBOK. There are a couple of compulsary ones (7. Ethical/Social Implications/Professional Practice & 8. Interpersonal Communications if I remember) and for the rest, you just complete the relevant ones. Obviously the more the better but I have heard of people getting their ACS RPL only completing 6 sections.

By the way there is a site called RPLHelp that sell examples although these are more for programmers. If anyone wants to make a few extra bucks, there is a big market for examples of sucessful applications espicially the 60 pointers.

Cheers

[G72]

Hi

I am only just starting mine after getting most of the info together and it is one huge task ahead. The problem is knowing where to start.

Just one correction on what Tim wrote. You dont have to complete all 14 area's of the CBOK. There are a couple of compulsary ones (7. Ethical/Social Implications/Professional Practice & 8. Interpersonal Communications if I remember) and for the rest, you just complete the relevant ones. Obviously the more the better but I have heard of people getting their ACS RPL only completing 6 sections.

By the way there is a site called RPLHelp that sell examples although these are more for programmers. If anyone wants to make a few extra bucks, there is a big market for examples of sucessful applications espicially the 60 pointers.

Cheers

Hi

I agree - I only covered about 7 areas in the CBOK - and mine got accepted - geez and I am helping people for free!

Cheers

[Jakes]

Hi all,

Please can someone help.

I have a Australian degree that 'n got from Monash South Africa. I only have 2,5 years experience as a Oracle Developer. The ACS skills assesment states a minimum of 4 years. But the independant skills visa states that one only needs 3 years working experience.

Should i be worried? ACS website is not 2 much help

Hi all,

Please can someone help.

I have a Australian degree that 'n got from Monash South Africa. I only have 2,5 years experience as a Oracle Developer. The ACS skills assesment states a minimum of 4 years. But the independant skills visa states that one only needs 3 years working experience.

Should i be worried? ACS website is not 2 much help

Dont want to wait another 2 years

[timbo]

Hi.

You have to pass the ACS assesement first, so you will need the 4 yrs work experience, regardless of the 138 requirements.

sorry for the bad news

[Jakes]

Hi timbo,

I understand, but do you think because I have an Australian degree, my skills will be accepted, regardless of my work experience?

[jonathanb]

Hi

Have a look at the ( ACS website for all the details.

Basically for skills assesment, it does not matter much which Uni the degree was from in terms of how much experience is required. If you have a degree with a major in ICT from an Aus Uni or an approved overseas Uni you still need 4 yrs.