ITCP In Detail
SFIA Skills and Competencies
SFIA, the Skills Framework for the Information Age, is the technical competency and skills framework underlying several of the assessment and standards areas.
SFIA was created to provide a method of mapping an individual’s professional skill level to a set of internationally-relevant standard definitions.
The SFIA Framework is the skills framework underlying most international ICT certification programmes being implemented around the world by the Society’s kindred partners. This also provides a standard benchmark to ensure true international recognition of a country’s certification programme.
Full details of all Skills can be found on the SFIA Website.
SFIA Structure
The two parts of SFIA used in ITCP are:
The Generic levels define levels of responsibility and competence for ICT professionals (from 1 to 7).
The Specific Skills include definitions of 64 specific ICT "skills", covering all aspects of the entire spectrum of ICT professional roles, and defines each of these within the same 7 levels of responsibility.
The net result - a matrix of skills on one axis, competencies on the other. An ICT professional can then identify the skills that relate to their specialties and work out at which competency level they are operating at.
SFIA Levels of Responsibility
SFIA defines 7 levels of Responsibility, each defined within the context of Autonomy, Influence, Complexity and Business Skills.
These 7 levels describe the progression of a practitioner from "Follow", being someone in an entry-level position with no discretion and working under close supervision, through to "Set strategy/inspire/mobilise", being someone with overall responsibility for all aspects of a significant area of work.
ITCP is set at Level 5, "Ensure/Advise", being a professional fully accountable and responsible for the outcomes of their work.
Hence, ITCP is concerned with both the Generic Level 5 definition, as well as the specific skill Level 5 definitions.
You can view all SFIA Level definition on the SFIA Site Levels Page.
SFIA Levels of Responsibility - Level 5
The generic SFIA Level 5 definition is as follows.
Note that the subjective SFIA definitions below paint a picture of the sorts of expectations of someone operating at Level 5 of the Framework. This should NOT be used as a checklist - applicants do NOT need to meet all of the requirements listed, just those relevant to their position.
Autonomy
Works under broad direction. Is fully accountable for own technical work and/or project/supervisory responsibilities. Receives assignments in the form of objectives. Establishes own milestones and team objectives, and delegates responsibilities. Work is often self-initiated.
Influence
Influences organisation, customers, suppliers and peers within industry on the contribution of own specialism. Has significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources. Makes decisions which impact on the success of assigned projects i.e. results, deadlines and budget. Develops business relationships with customers.
Complexity
Performs a challenging range and variety of complex technical or professional work activities. Undertakes work which requires the application of fundamental principles in a wide and often unpredictable range of contexts. Understands the relationship between own specialism and wider customer/organisational requirements.
Business skills
Advises on the available standards, methods, tools and applications relevant to own specialism and can make correct choices from alternatives. Analyses, diagnoses, designs, plans, executes and evaluates work to time, cost and quality targets. Communicates effectively, formally and informally, with colleagues, subordinates and customers. Demonstrates leadership.
Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders who have diverse objectives. Understands the relevance of own area of responsibility/specialism to the employing organisation. Takes customer requirements into account when making proposals. Takes initiative to keep skills up to date. Mentors more junior colleagues. Maintains an awareness of developments in the industry. Analyses requirements and advises on scope and options for operational improvement. Demonstrates creativity and innovation in applying solutions for the benefit of the customer.
You can view all SFIA Level definition on the SFIA Site Skills Page .
SFIA Skills
The SFIA Framework defines 86 specific "skills", each being a very specific and defined granular skill. These skills are separated into Categories and Sub-Categories.
Within each skill exists a definition for all relevant Levels of Responsibility. ITCP is concerned with SFIA Level 5 or above, hence applicants must meet the requirements of Level 5 for 2 specific SFIA skills.
Note that the subjective SFIA definitions paint a picture of the sorts of expectations of someone operating at Level 5 of the Framework. This should NOT be used as a checklist - applicants do NOT need to meet all of the requirements listed, just those relevant to their position.
NZCS will provide a tool to help select relevant skills, however in the meantime all skills can be viewed on the SFIA site Skills page. Categories are selected on the left of that page, followed by Sub-Categories, followed by the specific skills.
Some examples, using the SFIA Skills Definitions:
DBDS Database/repository design
Category: Solution development and implementation → Systems development
The specification, design and maintenance of mechanisms for storage and access to both structured and unstructured information, in support of business information needs.
Database/repository design: Level 5
Maintains and applies up to date, specialist knowledge of database concepts, object and data modelling techniques and design principles, and a detailed knowledge of the full range of database architectures, software and facilities available. Analyses data requirements, to establish, modify or maintain a data model. Takes account of specialist requirements (e.g. geocoding, for geographic information systems). Interprets the model into an appropriate database schema within set policies. Demonstrates, installs and commissions selected products.
(Further info and other Level Definitions at the SFIA Website - Database/Repository design page)
PROG Programming/software development
Category: Solution development and implementation → Systems development
The design, creation, testing and documenting of new and amended programs from supplied specifications in accordance with agreed standards.
Programming/software development: Level 5
Sets standards for programming tools and techniques, advises on their application and ensures compliance. Takes technical responsibility for all stages in the software development process. Prepares project and quality plans and advises systems development teams. Assigns work to programming staff and monitors performance, providing advice, guidance and assistance to less experienced colleagues as required.
(Further info and other Level Definitions at the SFIA Website - Programming/software development page)
TEST Testing
Category: Solution development and implementation → Systems development
The concurrent lifecycle process of engineering, using and maintaining testware (test cases, test scripts, test reports, test plans, etc) to measure and improve the quality of the software being tested. Testing embraces the planning, design, management, execution and reporting of tests, using appropriate testing tools and techniques and conforming to agreed standards (such as ISO 29119), to ensure that new and amended systems, configurations, packages, or services, together with any interfaces, perform as specified.
Testing: Level 5
Coordinates and manages planning of the system and acceptance tests within a development or integration project or programme. Takes responsibility for integrity of testing and acceptance activities and coordinates the execution of these activities. Provides authoritative advice and guidance on any aspect of test planning and execution. Defines and communicates the test strategy for the project. Manages all phases of testing, including plans, resources, costs, timescales, test deliverables and auditability. Assesses suppliers' development and testing capabilities. Selects project testing standards for all phases, influencing all parties to conform to those standards. Manages the client relationship with respect to all testing matters. Identifies process improvements, contributes to corporate testing standards and definition of best practice
(Further info and other Level Definitions at the SFIA Website - Testing page)
Full details of all SFIA Skills can be found on the SFIA site Skills page.