Penetration Tester (ANZSCO 261317)
Updated
What a Penetration Tester does
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.
- Also called
- Ethical Hacker, ICT Vulnerability Tester, White Hat
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 261317
- Skill level
- 1Bachelor degree or higher
- Skilled lists
- Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- National shortage
- No shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored RegionalNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Main 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.
Shortage by state
- NationalNo shortage
- ACTNo shortage
- NSWNo shortage
- NTNo shortage
- QLDNo shortage
- SANo shortage
- TASNo shortage
- VICNo shortage
- WANo shortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Penetration Tester do?
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. Also called: Ethical Hacker, ICT Vulnerability Tester, White Hat. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Penetration Tester on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Penetration Tester (ANZSCO 261317) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) (lists in force from 7 December 2024). It is listed for the 186 and 482 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Penetration Tester?
261317. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Penetration Tester migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Penetration Tester for the Subclass 186 and Subclass 482 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Is Penetration Tester in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "No shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.