| SKILLSCERT comprises three key elements. |
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A common language to define job roles |
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A standardised methodology, with both process and product benefits |
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A custom, online software application to streamline and simplify the procedure |
Common language
SKILLSCERT utilises the SFIA – the Skills Framework for the Information Age., which was developed by e-Skills UK, in partnership with industry leaders including the British Computer Society, BT Cellnet, Cisco Systems, Department of Trade and Industry, IBM, ICL (Fujitsu), Nortel, Oracle, Orange, QA Training and Vodafone. It is widely accepted as the definitive classification of job roles in the ICT sector, and the skills required to perform them. The utilisation of the SFIA framework facilitates communication and dialogue about skills and job roles in a commonly understood language. It provides a frame of reference which can be used by job seekers, IT practitioners, employers, project managers, recruitment specialists and training providers alike.
Click to view framework
Standardised Methodology
While the Certification outcome of the SKILLSCERT programme is highly valuable, there is significant benefit and value to be gained from the SKILLSCERT Process for both the individual and organisation.
1. Pre-assessment
Prior to the actual assessment, the individual candidate is encouraged to reflect on their job role and their position within the organisation. The extent to which the individual is responsible for the outcome of their own work and the work of others is considered, along with the degree to which their abilities and skills are exploited and utilised for the benefit of the organisation.
2. Assessment and Confirmation
The Assessment and Confirmation phase of the process involves both the candidate and the manager, and it requires them to enter into an honest and mutually respectful dialogue regarding the job role of the candidate and the skill level demonstrated in their work. The manager identifies certain skills which are likely to be relevant to the candidate, and the candidate assesses these skills, and any other pertinent skills. A dialogue should then take place to help the candidate to arrive at the correct level, one which can be supported by documentary evidence of performance at the assessed level for each skill.
3. Verification and Certification
At this stage in the process, the manager submits the confirmed profile to the organisation’s internal verifier, who checks that the process has been followed correctly, and that the levels arrived at are reasonable in the light of the additional information and supporting evidence supplied by the candidate. This internal verification is followed by an external verification by ICS SKILLS, which follows the same procedure, but which is liable to be accompanied by an on-site audit to ensure the validity of the profile before certification is granted.
4. Post-assessment
When the assessment is complete, the candidate will have gained a clear view of their position in the organisation, and will have a valuable statement of their competence and skills. They will have gained a picture of where they are positioned in the continuum of skills development as outlined by the SKILLSCERT framework, and will be in a strong position to set personal objectives and plan possible further professional development, with a view to advancing themselves in the profession.
SKILLSCERT manager
Unique to the SKILLSCERT programme is the SKILLSCERT Manager – a web-based skills management application, which guides the candidate through the profiling and validating of their skills.
SKILLSCERT Manager offers significant benefits to participating organisations: |
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ICS SKILLS are hosting a series of free SKILLSCERT seminars which are open to organisations who would like to learn about running the programme for staff. Individuals who are interested in achieving SKILLSCERT independently are also welcome to attend.
SKILLSCERT seminar dates
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