A General Overview of the Professional Skills Within the SFIA Framework

 


If there’s an industry standard or framework for those working in the fields of medicine, and engineering, then is there’s a standardized framework for the information technology (IT) field? Well, the answer to that query is yes, as there’s something called the SFIA Framework! The SFIA stands for the Skills Framework for the Information Age, which describes the skills and competencies that are needed or required by professionals who work in IT and communication technology, digital transformation and software engineering. Here’s a general overview of the professional skills within the sfia framework.

 

A Look at a Few of the Many Jobs/Tasks That Use the SFIA Skills Definitions

According to experts, the professional skills within the sfia framework lists or defines the specific “skills”, with each of them belonging to a very specific and defined granular skill. These skills are then separated into categories and sub-categories.

 

Within each of the professional skills within the sfia framework, there’s a definition for all the relevant levels of responsibility. However, while the subjective SFIA definitions paint a picture of the expectations of someone who operates at certain levels of the Framework, it should not be used as a checklist, and applicants need not meet all of the requirements that are listed.  

 

Here's a peek at a few of the jobs or tasks that use the SFIA Skills Definitions:

 

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 3CTech)

Develops specialist knowledge of database concepts, object and data modelling techniques and design principles. Translates object and data models into appropriate database schemas within design constraints. Interprets installation standards to meet project needs and produces database components as required. Evaluates potential solutions, demonstrating, installing and commissioning selected products.

 

 

 Programming/Software Development

Category: Solution development and implementation ≥ Systems development

The design, creation, testing and documenting of new and amended programs for supplied specifications in accordance with agreed standards.

 

·         Programming/software development: Level 3 (CTech)

Develops, codes, tests, corrects and documents moderately complex programs and program modifications from supplied specifications, using agreed standards and tools. Conducts reviews of supplied specification, with others as appropriate.

 

As I mentioned earlier, the  specific IT skills which fall under the professional skills within the sfia framework covers the entire spectrum of IT professional roles, and it defines each of these within the same 7 levels of responsibility.

 

The net result is a matrix of skills on one axis, and competencies on the other. Thus, an IT professional can easily identify the skills which relate to their specialty or line of work, and it enables them to identify or relate as to which competency they’re operating at.

 

For a better understanding or reference, you can also view all the SFIA Level definitions on the SFIA Framework Reference pdf online.

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