SFIA – A Brief Intro

 

By definition, EU sfia levels (Skills Framework for the Information Age) is the technical competency and skills framework that underlies many of the assessment and standard areas in CTPNZ and CTech.

 

In fact, the EU sfia levels framework is the skills framework underlying most international IT accreditation programs. This had been implemented all over the world by the Institute’s kindred partners.

 

EU sfia levels was created in order to provide a mapping method on an individual’s professional skill level to a set of internationally-relevant standard definitions. This also provides a standard benchmark to ensure true international recognition of a country’s certification program.

 

Structure

 There are two parts of the SFIA structure that is used in ITP certifications. There is the generic “Levels of Responsibility” and the specific “Skill Level Definition”.

 

The generic levels define the levels of responsibility and competence for IT professionals (1 to 7). The specific skills include definitions of 96 specific IT skills. This covers all aspects of the entire spectrum of IT professional roles.

 

Responsibility levels

It also defines each of these within the same 7 levels of responsibility, each defined within the context of Autonomy, Influence, Complexity and Business Skills. This ends in a net result. This is the matrix of skills on one axis, competencies on the other.

 

After which, an IT professional can identify the skills that relate to their specialties. They will then work out at which competency level they are operating at.

 

Levels of progression

These 7 levels describe the progression of a practitioner from “follow” (being someone in an entry-level position with no discretion) to “set strategy/inspire/mobilize” (which is being someone with overall responsibility for all aspects of a significant area of work.

 

A certified technologist is set at level 3 (“apply”) which is being a professional with sufficient experience and training to be responsible for their under general supervision.

 

A chartered IT professional NZ is set at level 5 (“ensure/advise”) which is being a professional fully accountable and responsible for the outcomes of their work and able to give professional advice.

 

The CITPNZ is concerned with both generic level 5 definition as well as the specific skill level 5 definitions.

 

SFIA levels of responsibility - level 3

The definition for this is that the subjective SFIA definitions draw a picture about expectations of someone operating at level 3 of the framework.

 

This is prohibited from being used as a checklist - applicants do NOT need to meet all of the requirements listed, just those relevant to their position.

 

Autonomy

He works under general direction and uses discretions in the identification and resolution of complex problems and assignments.

 

He usually receives specific instructions and has his work reviewed at frequent milestones. He decides when issues should be escalated to a higher level.

 

Influence

He interacts with and influences department/project team members. He has a working level contact with customers and suppliers.

 

He may supervise others in predictable and structured areas. He makes decisions which may impact on the work that are assigned to individuals or phases of projects.

 

He also performs a broad range of work in a variety of environments.