The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

SFIA 9 skills directory A–Z

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    Title Skill code Description Tags
    Accessibility and inclusion ACIN Driving accessibility and inclusion in services and products. New skill
    Analytical classification and coding ANCC Interpreting information and assigning classifications or labels based on domain-specific knowledge, standards and guidelines to enable data analysis and use. New skill
    Animation development ADEV Designing and developing animated and interactive systems such as games, simulations and virtual environments. Large change, New level
    Application support ASUP Delivering management, technical and administrative services to support and maintain live applications. Small change
    Artificial intelligence (AI) and data ethics AIDE Implementing and promoting ethical practices in the design, development, deployment and use of AI and data technologies. New skill
    Asset management ASMG Managing the full lifecycle of assets from acquisition, operation, maintenance to disposal. Small change
    Audit AUDT Delivering independent, risk-based assessments of the effectiveness of processes, the controls and the compliance environment of an organisation. New level, Guidance notes
    Availability management AVMT Ensuring services deliver agreed levels of availability to meet the current and future needs of the business. New level
    Benefits management BENM Forecasting, planning and monitoring the emergence and effective realisation of anticipated benefits from projects and programmes. New level
    Bid/proposal management BIDM Managing preparation and submission of bids and proposals for contracts, grants, projects, or services. New skill
    Brand management BRMG Managing brand strategy to establish and enhance brand identity and value aligned with organisational goals. New skill
    Budgeting and forecasting BUDF Developing and managing financial budgets and forecasts to enable effective decision-making and resource allocation. New skill
    Business administration ADMN Managing and performing administrative services and tasks to enable individuals, teams and organisations to succeed in their objectives. Small change, Guidance notes
    Business intelligence BINT Developing, producing and delivering regular and one-off management information to provide insights and aid decision-making.
    Business modelling BSMO Creating abstract or distilled models of business scenarios, representing processes, data and roles to support decision-making and analysis. Guidance notes, Small change
    Business process improvement BPRE Creating new and potentially disruptive approaches to performing business activities. New level
    Business situation analysis BUSA Investigating business situations to define recommendations for improvement action. New level
    Capacity management CPMG Ensuring service components have the capacity and performance to meet current and planned business needs. New level, Small change
    Certification scheme operation CSOP Designing, developing and operating certification schemes, accreditations and credentials, including digital credentials or badges. Small change
    Change control CHMG Assessing risks associated with proposed changes and ensuring changes to products, services or systems are controlled and coordinated. Small change
    Competency assessment LEDA Assessing knowledge, skills, competency and behaviours by any means, whether formal or informal, against frameworks such as SFIA. Small change, New level
    Configuration management CFMG Planning, identifying, controlling, accounting for and auditing of configuration items (CIs) and their interrelationships.
    Consultancy CNSL Providing advice and recommendations, based on expertise and experience, to address client needs. Guidance notes, Small change
    Content design and authoring INCA Planning, designing and creating content that meets user-centred and organisational needs, encompassing textual information, graphical content and multimedia elements. Re-named, Guidance notes
    Content publishing ICPM Managing processes to collect, assemble and publish content across various channels to meet organisational and audience needs. Small change
    Continuity management COPL Developing, implementing and testing a business continuity framework. Small change
    Contract management ITCM Managing and operating formal contracts, addressing supplier and client needs in product and service provision. New level, Small change
    Cost management COMG Planning, controlling and analysing costs to enable the effective use of financial resources. New skill
    Customer engagement and loyalty CELO Developing and executing strategies to attract, engage and retain customers through targeted communications and loyalty initiatives. New skill
    Customer experience CEXP Ensuring the delivery of high-quality interactions and experiences that meet customer expectations across all touchpoints and channels. New skill
    Customer service support CSMG Managing and operating customer service or service desk functions. Large change
    Cybercrime investigation CRIM Investigates cybercrimes, collects evidence, determines incident impacts and collaborates with legal teams to protect digital assets. New skill
    Data analytics DAAN Enabling data-driven decision making by extracting, analysing and communicating insights from structured and unstructured data. New skill
    Data engineering DENG Designing, building, operationalising, securing and monitoring data pipelines, stores and real-time processing systems for scalable and reliable data management. Small change
    Data management DATM Developing and implementing plans, policies and practices that control, protect and optimise the value and governance of data assets. New level, Large change
    Data modelling and design DTAN Developing models and diagrams to represent, communicate and manage data requirements and data assets. Guidance notes
    Data science DATS Applying mathematics, statistics, data mining and predictive modelling techniques to gain insights, predict behaviours and generate value from data. Split, Level removed
    Data visualisation VISL Facilitating understanding of data by displaying concepts, ideas and facts using graphical representations. New level, Small change
    Database administration DBAD Installing, configuring, monitoring, maintaining databases and data stores, ensuring performance and security and adapting to evolving technologies. Large change
    Database design DBDS Specifying, designing and maintaining mechanisms for storing and accessing data across various environments and platforms. New level
    Delivery management DEMG Ensuring successful delivery of new or updated products and services through effective leadership and collaboration within defined delivery cycles. New skill
    Demand management DEMM Analysing and proactively managing business demand for new services or modifications to existing service features or volumes. New level
    Deployment DEPL Transitioning software from development to live usage, managing risks and ensuring it works as intended. New skill, Split
    Digital forensics DGFS Recovering and investigating material found in digital devices. New level, Guidance notes
    Digital marketing DIGM Planning and executing activities to promote products, services and brands through digital channels and technologies. New skill
    Emerging technology monitoring EMRG Identifying and assessing new and emerging technologies, products, services, methods and techniques. Guidance notes
    Employee experience EEXP Enhancing employee engagement and ways of working, empowering employees and supporting their health and wellbeing.
    Enterprise and business architecture STPL Aligning an organisation's technology strategy with its business mission, strategy and processes and documenting this using architectural models. Small change
    Facilities management DCMA Planning, designing and managing the buildings, space and facilities which, collectively, make up the IT estate. New level
    Feasibility assessment FEAS Defining, evaluating and describing business change options for financial, technical and business feasibility and strategic alignment. New level
    Financial analysis FIAN Conducting in-depth analysis of financial data to derive insights and support decision-making. New skill
    Financial management FMIT Managing the effective use and control of financial resources to support business strategies, compliance and risk mitigation. Structural change, Split, Large change
    Formal research RSCH Systematically creating new knowledge by data gathering, innovation, experimentation, evaluation and dissemination. Re-named
    Functional testing TEST Assessing specified or unspecified functional requirements and characteristics of products, systems and services through investigation and testing. Structural change, Large change, Re-named
    Governance GOVN Defining and operating frameworks for decision-making, risk management, stakeholder relationships and compliance with organisational and regulatory obligations.
    Graphic design GRDN Creating and applying visual concepts to communicate ideas, enhance aesthetics and improve user experience across digital and print media. New skill
    Hardware design HWDE Specifying and designing hardware systems and components to meet defined requirements by following agreed design principles and standards. New level, Small change
    High-performance computing HPCC Using advanced computer systems and special programming techniques to solve complex computational problems. Guidance notes
    Identity and access management IAMT Manages identity verification and access permissions within organisational systems and environments. New skill, Split
    Incident management USUP Coordinating responses to a diverse range of incidents to minimise negative impacts and quickly restore services. Large change, New level, Guidance notes
    Information and data compliance PEDP Implementing and promoting compliance with information and data management legislation. Small change, New level, Re-named
    Information assurance INAS Protecting against and managing risks related to the use, storage and transmission of data and information systems. Small change, New level, Guidance notes
    Information management IRMG Enabling the effective management and use of information assets. Large change
    Information security SCTY Defining and operating a framework of security controls and security management strategies. New level, Guidance notes
    Information systems coordination ISCO Coordinating information and technology strategies where the adoption of a common approach would benefit the organisation. Guidance notes
    Infrastructure design IFDN Designing technology infrastructure to meet business requirements, ensuring scalability, reliability, security and alignment with strategic objectives. New skill
    Infrastructure operations ITOP Provisioning, deploying, configuring, operating and optimising technology infrastructure across physical, virtual and cloud-based environments. Large change, Re-named
    Innovation management INOV Identifying, prioritising, incubating and exploiting opportunities provided by information, communication and digital technologies. Re-named, Guidance notes
    Investment appraisal INVA Assessing the attractiveness of possible investments or projects.
    Job analysis and design JADN Planning, analysing and designing job roles and structures to align with organisational requirements, goals and culture. New skill
    Knowledge management KNOW Systematically capturing, developing and leveraging vital knowledge to create value and enhance organisational performance.
    Learning and development management ETMG Delivering management, advisory and administrative services to support the development of knowledge, skills and competencies. New level
    Learning delivery ETDL Transferring knowledge, developing skills and changing behaviours using a range of techniques, resources and media. Guidance notes, Small change
    Learning design and development TMCR Designing and developing resources to transfer knowledge, develop skills and change behaviours. New level
    Machine learning MLNG Developing systems that learn from data and experience, improving performance, accuracy and adaptability in dynamic environments. Large change, Guidance notes
    Market research MRCH Gathering, analysing and interpreting data about markets, customers and competitors to inform business decisions and strategies. New skill
    Marketing campaign management MKCM Executing, monitoring and optimising marketing campaigns across various channels to engage target audiences and achieve desired outcomes. New skill
    Marketing management MKTG Developing, implementing and managing marketing strategies and plans to achieve organisational objectives and drive business growth. Large change, Structural change, New level
    Measurement MEAS Developing and operating a measurement capability to support agreed organisational information needs. New level, Guidance notes
    Methods and tools METL Leads the adoption, management and optimisation of methods and tools, ensuring effective use and alignment with organisational objectives. New level, Guidance notes
    Network design NTDS Designing communication networks to meet business requirements, ensuring scalability, reliability, security and alignment with strategic objectives. Small change, New level
    Network support NTAS Providing maintenance and support services for communications networks. Large change, New level
    Non-functional testing NFTS Assessing systems and services to evaluate performance, security, scalability and other non-functional qualities against requirements or expected standards. Structural change, New skill
    Numerical analysis NUAN Creating, analysing, implementing, testing and improving algorithms for numerically solving mathematical problems. Guidance notes
    Offensive cyber operations OCOP Plans, executes and manages offensive cybersecurity operations, including target selection, electronic target folders and post-operation analysis. New skill
    Organisation design and implementation ORDI Planning, designing and implementing an integrated organisation structure and culture. Guidance notes, New level
    Organisational capability development OCDV Providing leadership, advice and implementation support to assess organisational capabilities and to identify, prioritise and implement improvements.
    Organisational change enablement OCEN Facilitates cultural and behavioural change by enabling individuals and teams to embed new ways of working and adapt to changes. New skill
    Organisational change management CIPM Planning, designing and implementing activities to transition the organisation and people to the required future state. New level
    Organisational facilitation OFCL Supporting workgroups to implement principles and practices for effective teamwork across organisational boundaries and professional specialisms.
    Penetration testing PENT Testing the effectiveness of security controls by emulating the tools and techniques of likely attackers. Small change, New level, Guidance notes
    Performance management PEMT Improving organisational performance by developing the performance of individuals and workgroups to meet agreed objectives with measurable results. Small change
    Portfolio management POMG Developing and applying a management framework to define and deliver a portfolio of programmes, projects and/or ongoing services.
    Portfolio, programme and project support PROF Providing support and guidance on portfolio, programme and project management processes, procedures, tools and techniques. Small change
    Problem management PBMG Managing the lifecycle of all problems that have occurred or could occur in delivering a service. New level
    Process testing PRTS Assessing documented and undocumented process flows within a product, system or service against business needs through investigation and testing. New skill, Structural change
    Product management PROD Managing and developing products or services throughout their full lifecycle, from inception through growth, maturity, and decline, to retirement. New level, Structural change
    Professional development PDSV Facilitating the professional development of individuals in line with their career goals and organisational requirements.
    Programme management PGMG Identifying, planning and coordinating a set of related projects and activities in support of specific business strategies and objectives. Guidance notes
    Programming/software development PROG Developing software components to deliver value to stakeholders.
    Project management PRMG Delivering agreed project outcomes by aligning appropriate management techniques, collaboration, leadership and governance to specific project and organisational contexts. Small change
    Quality assurance QUAS Assuring, through ongoing and periodic assessments and reviews, that the organisation’s quality objectives are being met. New level, Guidance notes
    Quality management QUMG Defining and operating a management framework of processes and working practices to deliver the organisation's quality objectives. New level, Guidance notes
    Radio frequency engineering RFEN Designing, installing and maintaining radio frequency based devices and software.
    Real-time/embedded systems development RESD Designing and developing reliable real-time software typically within embedded systems. Guidance notes, Small change
    Records management RMGT Planning, implementing and managing the full lifecycle of organisational records. New skill
    Release management RELM Managing the release of new and updated services into production, ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance standards. Large change, Split, New level, Re-named
    Requirements definition and management REQM Managing requirements through the entire delivery and operational lifecycle.
    Resourcing RESC Acquiring, deploying and onboarding resources. New level, Guidance notes
    Risk management BURM Planning and implementing processes for managing risk across the enterprise, aligned with organisational strategy and governance frameworks. New level, Guidance notes
    Safety assessment SFAS Assessing safety-related software and hardware systems to determine compliance with standards and required levels of safety integrity.
    Safety engineering SFEN Applying appropriate methods to assure safety during all lifecycle phases of safety-related systems developments. New level
    Sales support SSUP Providing advice and support to the sales force, customers and sales partners. Guidance notes
    Scientific modelling SCMO Applying computer simulation and other forms of computation to solve real-world problems in scientific disciplines. Guidance notes
    Security operations SCAD Manages and administers security measures, using tools and intelligence to protect assets, ensuring compliance and operational integrity. Large change, Split
    Selling SALE Finding prospective customers and working with them to identify needs, influence purchase decisions and enhance future business opportunities. Small change
    Service acceptance SEAC Managing the process to obtain formal confirmation that service acceptance criteria have been met. New level, Guidance notes, Large change
    Service catalogue management SCMG Providing a source of consistent information about available services and products to customers and users. New level
    Service level management SLMO Agreeing targets for service levels and assessing, monitoring and managing the delivery of services against the targets.
    Software configuration PORT Designing and deploying software product configurations into software environments or platforms. New level, Guidance notes
    Software design SWDN Architecting and designing software to meet specified requirements, ensuring adherence to established standards and principles. Small change
    Solution architecture ARCH Developing and communicating a multi-dimensional solution architecture to deliver agreed business outcomes. Small change
    Sourcing SORC Managing, or providing advice on, the procurement or commissioning of products and services. Large change
    Specialist advice TECH Providing authoritative, professional advice and direction in a specialist area. Small change
    Stakeholder relationship management RLMT Systematically analysing, managing and influencing stakeholder relationships to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes through structured engagement. Small change
    Storage management STMG Provisioning, configuring and optimising on-premises and cloud-based storage solutions, ensuring data availability, security and alignment with business objectives. Small change, New level, Guidance notes
    Strategic planning ITSP Creating and maintaining organisational-level strategies to align overall business plans, actions and resources with high-level business objectives. New level, Small change
    Subject formation SUBF Specifying, designing and developing curricula within a structured and systematic education environment.
    Supplier management SUPP Aligning the organisation’s supplier performance objectives and activities with sourcing strategies and plans, balancing costs, efficiencies and service quality. Small change
    Sustainability SUST Advising and leading sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact and ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations. Guidance notes, Small change
    System software administration SYSP Installing, managing and maintaining operating systems, data management, office automation and utility software across various infrastructure environments. New level, Re-named, Large change
    Systems and software lifecycle engineering SLEN Establishing and deploying an environment for developing, continually improving and securely operating software and systems products and services. Guidance notes, New level
    Systems design DESN Designing systems to meet specified requirements and agreed systems architectures. Small change, New level
    Systems development management DLMG Planning, estimating and executing systems development work to time, budget and quality targets. New level
    Systems installation and removal HSIN Installing and testing, or decommissioning and removing, systems or system components.
    Systems integration and build SINT Planning, implementing and controlling activities to integrate system elements, subsystems and interfaces to create operational systems, products or services. Small change
    Teaching TEAC Delivering and assessing curricula in a structured and systematic education environment.
    Technology service management ITMG Managing the provision of technology-based services to meet defined organisational needs. Small change
    Threat intelligence THIN Developing and sharing actionable insights on current and potential security threats to the success or integrity of an organisation. Guidance notes
    User acceptance testing BPTS Validating systems, products, business processes or services to determine whether the acceptance criteria have been satisfied. Small change, Re-named
    User experience analysis UNAN Understanding the context of use for systems, products and services and specifying user experience requirements and design goals. New level
    User experience design HCEV Producing design concepts and prototypes for user interactions and experiences of a product, system or service. New level
    User experience evaluation USEV Validating systems, products or services against user experience goals, metrics and targets.
    User research URCH Identifying users' behaviours, needs and motivations using observational research methods. New level, Small change
    Vulnerability assessment VUAS Identifying and classifying security vulnerabilities in networks, systems and applications and mitigating or eliminating their impact.
    Vulnerability research VURE Conducting applied research to discover, evaluate and mitigate new or unknown security vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Small change, New level, Guidance notes
    Workforce planning WFPL Strategically projecting the demand for people and skills and proactively planning the workforce supply to meet organisational needs. Small change, Guidance notes