Skilled occupation profile

Penetration Tester

ANZSCO 261317

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.

CSOL

Assessing authority: ACS | Professional

Occupation guide

Occupation details and migration pathways

This guide brings together the key occupation tasks, possible visa pathways and skills assessment information for Penetration Tester ANZSCO 261317.

Typical tasks and duties

Penetration Tester may perform the following tasks:

  • 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
  • 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.

Skills assessment

For skilled migration purposes, Penetration Tester usually requires a suitable skills assessment. Relevant assessing authorities may include:

  • ACS

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If Penetration Tester is your nominated occupation, complete our skilled visa assessment form so we can review your possible migration pathways.

Mohammad Reza Azimi

Reviewed by Principal Migration Consultant

Reviewed by Mohammad Reza Azimi

This occupation page has been reviewed for migration context by Shada Migration Services. Mohammad has assisted clients with Australian migration matters since 2009 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from the Australian National University.

Last reviewed: July 2026