The application process
To apply for ACS microCredential cybersecurity package, select the microCredential specialism and level of recognition via Browse microCredentials.
If you are a first-time applicant, you will be directed to a description of that microCredential. Click ‘Apply’ to be directed to the application form.
If you have an existing application or wish to apply for additional microCredentials, please lodge your expression of interest to microCredentials@acs.org.au, indicating the microCredential(s) and level(s) of recognition. A member of the ACS Workforce Development team will contact you within 48 hours to confirm your additional application and arrange payment.
Please note: the Information Security microCredential is a mandatory credential and pre-requisite for the specialisms.
When determining the specialism type and level of recognition, refer to the summary in Browse microCredentials and the instructions below.
During the application process, you are required to submit supportive evidence (CV/Resume, copies of Qualifications/Certificates) OR evidence can be submitted at the time of the microCredential assessment process via the ACS assessment portal.
How to select the right level of recognition
ACS microCredentials is underpinned by Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). This structure ensures that the definitions of standard and knowledge requirements are defined in a way that makes their different levels recognisable, distinct and aligned. The levels not only enable recognition of career progression, but also provides a means by which to map against the internationally recognised SFIA.
To choose the right level of recognition, ACS recommends that you:
select the mandatory microCredential (Information Security) as the anchor level
select specialism microCredential(s) on the same level or one level (+/-) above or below the mandatory microCredential level.
Example: If Information Security is chosen at Gold level, choose specialism microCredentials at either Silver, Gold or Platinum levels.
Levels of recognition
|
Level
|
Role
|
SFIA level
|
Abilities
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bronze
|
Apply
|
3
|
You are able to work under general direction, interact with and influence colleagues, and perform sometimes complex and non-routine work. You have sound generic domain knowledge, can apply business skills to your own work, and contribute fully to a work team.
|
|
Silver
|
Enable
|
4
|
You are able to work under general direction with accountability, influence customers and partners at account level and perform complex work. You have a thorough understanding of recognised bodies of knowledge and can facilitate collaboration between stakeholders.
|
|
Gold
|
Ensure + Advise
|
5
|
You able to work under broad direction and are self-initiated, influencing your organisation customers and partners through your own specialism. You are able to perform an extensive range of complex technical work and are versed in bodies of knowledge across your own and generic specialisms. You demonstrate leadership and the ability to advise.
|
|
Platinum
|
Initiate + Influence
|
6
|
You have defined authority and accountability. You influence policy and strategy formation. You have a broad business understanding of specialisms and perform highly complex work. You promote the application of bodies of knowledge within your organisation and initiate and influence business skills through clear leadership.
|
|
Diamond
|
Strategise + Direct
|
7
|
You are at the highest level of an organisation and have authority over all aspects of work. You make decisions critical to organisational success, leading the formulation and implementation of strategy. You have broad and deep knowledge, and direct business skills through strategic management and leadership.
|
Once ACS has received your application, you will be given access to ACS microCredential Assessment Platform, where you can start the assessment process.
We encourage you to read through the Standard and Knowledge Requirements documents for the microCredential(s) for which you have applied. This will give you an outline of the expectations and knowledge requirements to be assessed as part of your application.
The assessment process
Various forms of assessment are used to determine competence against each microCredential. These may include a blend of:
Multiple choice questions – to confirm prior knowledge acquired through formal or informal education or training
Short answer questions – these provide you with opportunity to give context and reflect on examples of your work experiences (e.g. projects, initiatives, roles)
Submission of CV/Resume and other supporting evidence of your career pathway and cybersecurity experience (e.g. qualifications, certificates, portfolio of work)
Other evidence requirements as directed by the ACS Assessment Team
microCredentials assessment consists of in five easy steps:
1. Submit your application and choose your microCredentials
2. Prepare your evidence – CV/Resume, Qualifications, Certifications, work samples
3. Undertake your assessment via the ACS microCredential Assessment Platform
4. Complete your assessment and ensure responses are complete. Upload your evidence
5. ACS assesses and notifies results
The assessment of evidence and completion of application requirements will be undertaken by industry-based ACS Assessors.
Upon successful achievement of the microCredential, a digital badge will be issued – one badge for each microCredential achieved.
Or register your interest now and a member of the member of the ACS Workforce development team will be in touch.
To apply for ACS microCredential cybersecurity package, select the microCredential specialism and level of recognition via Browse microCredentials.
If you are a first-time applicant, you will be directed to a description of that microCredential. Click ‘Apply’ to be directed to the application form.
If you have an existing application or wish to apply for additional microCredentials,
please lodge your expression of interest to microCredentials@acs.org.au, indicating the microCredential(s) and level(s) of recognition. A member of the ACS Workforce Development team will contact you within 48 hours to confirm your additional application and arrange payment.
Please note: the Information Security microCredential is a mandatory credential and pre-requisite for the specialisms.
When determining the specialism type and level of recognition, refer to the summary in Browse microCredentials and the instructions below.
During the application process, you are required to submit supportive evidence (CV/Resume, copies of Qualifications/Certificates) OR evidence can be submitted at the time of the microCredential assessment process via the ACS assessment portal.
ACS microCredentials is underpinned by Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). This structure ensures that the definitions of standard and knowledge requirements are defined in a way that makes their different levels recognisable, distinct and aligned. The levels not only enable recognition of career progression, but also provides a means by which to map against the internationally recognised SFIA.
To choose the right level of recognition, ACS recommends that you:
select the mandatory microCredential (Information Security) as the anchor level
select specialism microCredential(s) on the same level or one level (+/-) above or below the mandatory microCredential level.
Example: If Information Security is chosen at Gold level, choose specialism microCredentials at either Silver, Gold or Platinum levels.
Levels of recognition
| Level | Role | SFIA level | Abilities |
| Bronze | Apply | 3 | You are able to work under general direction, interact with and influence colleagues, and perform sometimes complex and non-routine work. You have sound generic domain knowledge, can apply business skills to your own work, and contribute fully to a work team. |
| Silver | Enable | 4 | You are able to work under general direction with accountability, influence customers and partners at account level and perform complex work. You have a thorough understanding of recognised bodies of knowledge and can facilitate collaboration between stakeholders. |
| Gold | Ensure + Advise | 5 | You able to work under broad direction and are self-initiated, influencing your organisation customers and partners through your own specialism. You are able to perform an extensive range of complex technical work and are versed in bodies of knowledge across your own and generic specialisms. You demonstrate leadership and the ability to advise. |
| Platinum | Initiate + Influence | 6 | You have defined authority and accountability. You influence policy and strategy formation. You have a broad business understanding of specialisms and perform highly complex work. You promote the application of bodies of knowledge within your organisation and initiate and influence business skills through clear leadership. |
| Diamond | Strategise + Direct | 7 | You are at the highest level of an organisation and have authority over all aspects of work. You make decisions critical to organisational success, leading the formulation and implementation of strategy. You have broad and deep knowledge, and direct business skills through strategic management and leadership. |
Once ACS has received your application, you will be given access to ACS microCredential Assessment Platform, where you can start the assessment process.
We encourage you to read through the Standard and Knowledge Requirements documents for the microCredential(s) for which you have applied. This will give you an outline of the expectations and knowledge requirements to be assessed as part of your application.
The assessment process
Various forms of assessment are used to determine competence against each microCredential. These may include a blend of:
Multiple choice questions – to confirm prior knowledge acquired through formal or informal education or training
Short answer questions – these provide you with opportunity to give context and reflect on examples of your work experiences (e.g. projects, initiatives, roles)
Submission of CV/Resume and other supporting evidence of your career pathway and cybersecurity experience (e.g. qualifications, certificates, portfolio of work)
Other evidence requirements as directed by the ACS Assessment Team
microCredentials assessment consists of in five easy steps:
1. Submit your application and choose your microCredentials
2. Prepare your evidence – CV/Resume, Qualifications, Certifications, work samples
3. Undertake your assessment via the ACS microCredential Assessment Platform
4. Complete your assessment and ensure responses are complete. Upload your evidence
5. ACS assesses and notifies results
The assessment of evidence and completion of application requirements will be undertaken by industry-based ACS Assessors.
Upon successful achievement of the microCredential, a digital badge will be issued – one badge for each microCredential achieved.
Or register your interest now and a member of the ACS Workforce Development Team will be in touch.