The Three Dimensions of SFIA
SFIA Skills describe the 'professional' IT Business Skills required to perform a task at the given level of responsibility. They DO NOT describe the technologies, products or processes.
The Generic Levels of Responsibility provide a background for which a specific Professional Skill can be measured.
SFIA aims to provide a framework that can include Professional Skills, Behavioural Skills, Experience, Knowledge and qualifications.
Generic Attributes
The levels of responsibility are characterised by a number of generic attributes:
Autonomy - Influence - Complexity - Knowledge - Business Skills.
The definitions of these levels describe the behaviours, values, knowledge and characteristics that an individual should have in order to be identified as competent at the level.
Behaviours & Values
These are the skills that help you conduct yourself and work with others in a respectful and impactful manner. They are shaped by the values and the culture of an organisation and are essential for good performance. They focus on how the job is done and its effect on colleagues and fellow co-workers.
Knowledge
This is the technical basis of a skill and it includes technology, products, processes, methods and aspects of governance.
Responsibility Levels
Levels 1, 2, 3:
People perform tasks under increased supervision, with well defined processes and outcomes.
Levels 4 & 5:
Characterised by providing advice and enabling others to perform the work.
Levels 6 & 7:
The most senior levels. A person typically sets strategies, inspires and motivates others.
Combining Professional Skills & Generic Attributes
The levels of responsibility, and specifically their generic attributes, are used together with the professional skills to describe competence.
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The animation below (based on SFIA 7) illustrates how a single Job (Competency Profile) can be constructed from the SFIA Cube. Click or Swipe Left to step through the animation.
To view on mobile phone, hold sideways