Aligning Competencies and Skills to Improve Efficiency
Information Technology has always been a profession based on innovation and exploration. Since the mid-20th century, pioneers have been pushing the boundaries of computing. But an industry cannot operate on innovation alone. What follows after the initial discovery and development is the equally important work of study, adoption, and standardization.
This is the sign of a profession maturing – the construction of a common skills framework.
What is a Skills Framework?
A skills framework is an agreement between multiple bodies regarding what a job is, the competencies and skills it requires, and who is qualified to do it. It can also be referred to as a ‘competence architecture’.
It can be divided into four key parts:
- JOB: Systematically designed and usually standardized
- ROLE: Functional areas of work and competence
- SKILLS: Skills, knowledge, experience
- BEHAVIOUR: Real world experiences
Which Skill Frameworks Does CIPS Use?
Nationwide, CIPS uses the SFIA (Skills Framework for the Information Age) international standards. We favour SFIA because it is a clear, functional, and comprehensive skills framework for many of the world’s most in-demand IT occupations, such as information and communications technology, software engineering, education, and cybersecurity.
In particular, SFIA groups every IT professional into seven easy-to-understand levels of responsibility:
- Level 1 – Follow
- Level 2 – Assist
- Level 3 – Apply
- Level 4 – Enable
- Level 5 – Ensure, Advise
- Level 6 – Initiate, Influence
- Level 7 – Set Strategy, Inspire, Mobilize
Thus, you can easily see the career path from learner (‘follow’) to teacher (‘inspire’) as experience is gained. When your skills have been accurately assessed, you too will understand your relative position in the profession.
How Do I Assess My Current IT Skills?
CIPS has made it easy to see where you stand on the SFIA framework! Every CIPS member can use an online assessment tool that quickly and accurately assesses your knowledge, experience, and capabilities, and ranks you appropriately. Once your level has been established, we can then work together to set career goals and focus on developing targeted skills.
How Does This Affect My Application For A CIPS Certification?
At CIPS, we offer three separate designations for IT practitioners: AITP, I.S.P., and ITCP. We use your SFIA skill level to determine the designation that most closely matches your education and experience.