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ANZSCO 261317

Penetration Tester

CSOLSkill level 1Assessed by ACSShortage

General information, not immigration advice. Data as at 2026-10-22.

About this occupation

ANZSCO 2022

Creates test cases using in-depth technical analysis of risks and typical vulnerabilities and produces test scripts, materials and packs to test new and existing software or services, plans, coordinates and conducts cyber threat emulation activities in support of certification, accreditation, and operational priorities to verify deficiencies in technical security controls.

Skill level 1

Also called

  • Ethical Hacker
  • ICT Vulnerability Tester
  • White Hat

Unit group 2613

Software and Applications Programmers

Software and Applications Programmers design, develop, test, maintain and document program code in accordance with user requirements, and system and technical specifications.

Indicative skill level

In Australia and New Zealand

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience and/or relevant vendor certification may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks include

  • Researching, consulting, analysing and evaluating system program needs
  • Identifying technology limitations and deficiencies in existing systems and associated processes, procedures and methods
  • Testing, debugging, diagnosing and correcting errors and faults in an applications programming language within established testing protocols, guidelines and quality standards to ensure programs and applications including technical security controls perform to specification
  • Writing and maintaining program code to meet system requirements, system designs and technical specifications in accordance with quality accredited standards
  • Writing, updating and maintaining technical program, end user documentation and operational procedures
  • Providing advice, guidance and expertise in developing proposals and strategies for software design activities such as financial evaluation and costings for recommending software purchases and upgrades
Show all 13 tasks
  • Managing testing and automation of software and application deployments
  • Collecting and analysing operational metrics
  • Developing continuous improvement and continuous delivery strategies across system design and software development
  • The creation and development of the tools required to support software and its management and security
  • Performing forensic analysis to identify anomalies or threats
  • Encryption and decryption
  • Identification and mitigation of risks that may affect the performance and security throughout the lifecycle of the product.

Occupations in this unit group

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO 2022. CC BY 4.0.

ANZSCO 2022 (the edition the CSOL uses for the 482 and 186 visas)

Title in this edition: Penetration Tester, skill level 1

Major group
2 Professionals
Sub-major group
26 ICT Professionals
Minor group
261 Business and Systems Analysts, and Programmers
Unit group
2613 Software and Applications Programmers

Occupation Shortage List (2026)

National rating
Shortage
Confidence
On-balance
Rated on
ANZSCO 2022

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List - 6 digit ANZSCO and OSCA, released 21 October 2026. CC BY 4.0.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO (CC BY 4.0). Source: Department of Home Affairs, Skilled occupation list (CC BY 4.0). Source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026 Occupation Shortage List. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Employee Earnings and Hours, Australia, May 2025. © Commonwealth of Australia, CC BY 4.0. Search another occupation