The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

SFIA 9 skills directory A–Z

Search for or browse the skills in SFIA 9.

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SFIA 9 change tracker

  • We share the proposed updates and other actions on the website
  • Some proposals are prototypes and may not be in the final release of SFIA 9
  • Before publishing a new version - all proposed changes are made public for further comment using a beta release
Title Tags Skill code Description
Acceptance testing BPTS Investigating systems, products, business processes or services to validate and verify that they deliver the expected business value or outcomes.
Accessibility and inclusion [prototype] New skill ACIN Driving accessibility and inclusion in services and products.
AI and data ethics [prototype] New skill AIDE Implementing and promoting ethical practices in the design, development, deployment, and use of AI and data technologies.
Analytical classification and coding New skill ANCC Interpreting information and assigning classifications or labels based on domain-specific knowledge, standards, and guidelines to enable data analysis and use.
Animation development Large change, New level ADEV Designing and developing animated and interactive systems such as games, simulations and virtual environments.
Application support ASUP Delivering management, technical and administrative services to support and maintain live applications.
Asset management ASMG Managing the full life cycle of assets from acquisition, operation, maintenance to disposal.
Audit New level AUDT Delivering independent, risk-based assessments of the effectiveness of processes, the controls, and the compliance environment of an organisation.
Availability management AVMT Ensuring that services deliver agreed levels of availability to meet the current and future needs of the business.
Benefits management New level BENM Forecasting, planning and monitoring the emergence and effective realisation of anticipated benefits from projects and programmes.
Bid/proposal management New skill BIDM Managing preparation and submission of bids and proposals for contracts, grants, projects, or services.
Brand management New skill BRMG Developing and managing a brand strategy to establish, enhance, and sustain brand identity, positioning, and value aligned with organisational goals.
Budgeting and forecasting [prototype] New skill BUDF Developing and managing financial budgets and forecasts to enable effective decision-making and resource allocation.
Business administration ADMN Managing and performing administrative services and tasks to enable individuals, teams and organisations to succeed in their objectives.
Business intelligence BINT Developing, producing and delivering regular and one-off management information to provide insights and aid decision-making.
Business modelling BSMO Producing abstract or distilled representations of real-world, business or gaming situations.
Business process improvement New level BPRE Creating new and potentially disruptive approaches to performing business activities.
Business situation analysis New level BUSA Investigating business situations to define recommendations for improvement action.
Capacity management New level, Small change CPMG Ensuring that service components have the capacity and performance to meet current and planned business needs.
Certification scheme operation Small change CSOP Designing, developing and operating certification schemes, accreditations and credentials, including digital credentials or badges.
Change control CHMG Assessing risks associated with proposed changes and ensuring changes to products, services or systems are controlled and coordinated.
Competency assessment Small change, New level LEDA Assessing knowledge, skills, competency and behaviours by any means, whether formal or informal, against frameworks such as SFIA.
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.
Content design and authoring Guidance notes only INCA Planning, designing, and creating content that meets user-centred and organisational needs, encompassing textual information, graphical content, and multimedia elements.
Content publishing ICPM Managing and continually improving the processes that collect, assemble and publish content.
Continuity management Small change COPL Developing, implementing and testing a business continuity framework.
Contract management New level ITCM Managing and operating formal contracts, addressing supplier and client needs in product and service provision.
Cost management [prototype] New skill COMG Planning, controlling and analysing costs to enable the effective use of financial resources.
Customer engagement and loyalty New skill CELO Developing and executing strategies to attract, engage, and retain customers through targeted communications, experiences, and loyalty initiatives.
Customer Experience New skill CEXP Ensuring the delivery of high-quality interactions and experiences that meet customer expectations across all touchpoints and channels.
Customer service support CSMG Managing and operating customer service or service desk functions.
Data analytics New skill DAAN Enabling data-driven decision making by extracting, analysing and communicating insights from structured and unstructured data.
Data engineering Small change DENG Designing, building, operationalising, securing and monitoring data pipelines and data stores.
Data management New level, Large change DATM Developing and implementing plans, policies, and practices that control, protect and optimise the value and governance of data assets.
Data modelling and design Guidance notes only DTAN Developing models and diagrams to represent and communicate data requirements and data assets.
Data science DATS Applying mathematics, statistics, data mining and predictive modelling techniques to gain insights, predict behaviours and generate value from data.
Data visualisation New level, Small change VISL Facilitating understanding of data by displaying concepts, ideas, and facts using graphical representations.
Database administration Large change DBAD Installing, configuring, monitoring, maintaining databases and data stores, ensuring performance and security while adapting to evolving technologies.
Database design New level DBDS Specifying, designing and maintaining mechanisms for storing and accessing data.
Delivery management [prototype] New skill DEMG Ensuring successful delivery of new or updated products and services through effective leadership and collaboration within defined delivery cycles.
Demand management New level DEMM Analysing and proactively managing business demand for new services or modifications to existing service features or volumes.
Deployment New skill, Split DEPL Transitioning software from development to live usage, managing risks and ensuring it works as intended.
Digital forensics New level DGFS Recovering and investigating material found in digital devices.
Emerging technology monitoring EMRG Identifying and assessing new and emerging technologies, products, services, methods and techniques.
Employee experience EEXP Enhancing employee engagement and ways of working, empowering employees and supporting their health and wellbeing.
Enterprise and business architecture Small change STPL Aligning an organisation's technology strategy with its business mission, strategy, and processes and documenting this using architectural models.
Facilities management New level DCMA Planning, designing and managing the buildings, space and facilities which, collectively, make up the IT estate.
Feasibility assessment New level FEAS Defining, evaluating and describing business change options for financial, technical and business feasibility, and strategic alignment.
Financial analysis [prototype] New skill FIAN Conducting in-depth analysis of financial data to derive insights and support decision-making.
Financial management Structural change FMIT Supporting the effective use and control of financial resources.
Formal research Re-named RSCH Systematically creating new knowledge by data gathering, innovation, experimentation, evaluation and dissemination.
Functional testing TEST Investigating products, systems and services to assess behaviour and whether this meets specified or unspecified functional requirements and characteristics.
Governance GOVN Defining and operating a framework for making decisions, managing stakeholder relationships, and identifying legitimate authority.
Hardware design New level, Small change HWDE Specifying and designing hardware systems and components to meet defined requirements by following agreed design principles and standards.
High-performance computing HPCC Using advanced computer systems and special programming techniques to solve complex computational problems.
Identity and access management New skill IAMT Manages identity verification and access permissions within organizational systems and environments.
Incident management USUP Coordinating responses to incident reports, minimising negative impacts and restoring service as quickly as possible.
Information and data compliance Small change, New level PEDP Implementing and promoting compliance with information and data management legislation.
Information assurance Small change, Guidance notes only, New level INAS Protecting against and managing risks related to the use, storage and transmission of data and information systems.
Information management Large change IRMG Enabling the effective management and use of information assets.
Information security New level SCTY Defining and operating a framework of security controls and security management strategies.
Information systems coordination ISCO Coordinating information and technology strategies where the adoption of a common approach would benefit the organisation.
Innovation INOV Identifying, prioritising, incubating and exploiting opportunities provided by information, communication and digital technologies.
Investment appraisal INVA Assessing the attractiveness of possible investments or projects.
IT infrastructure operations Large change ITOP Provisioning, deploying, configuring, operating, and optimising technology infrastructure across physical, virtual, and cloud-based environments.
Job analysis and design [prototype] New skill JADN Planning, analysing, and designing job roles and structures to align with organisational goals and culture.
Knowledge management KNOW Managing vital knowledge to create value for the organisation.
Learning and development management New level ETMG Delivering management, advisory and administrative services to support the development of knowledge, skills and competencies.
Learning delivery ETDL Transferring knowledge, developing skills and changing behaviours using a range of techniques, resources and media.
Learning design and development New level TMCR Designing and developing resources to transfer knowledge, develop skills and change behaviours.
Machine learning Guidance notes only MLNG Developing systems that learn from data and experience, with the capability to improve performance over time.
Market research New skill MRCH Gathering, analysing, and interpreting data about markets, customers, and competitors to inform business decisions and strategies.
Marketing campaign management New skill MKCM Executing, monitoring, and optimising marketing campaigns across various channels to engage target audiences and achieve desired outcomes.
Marketing management Large change, Structural change MKTG Developing, implementing, and managing marketing strategies and plans to achieve organisational objectives and optimise marketing effectiveness.
Measurement Guidance notes only, New level MEAS Developing and operating a measurement capability to support agreed organisational information needs.
Methods and tools New level METL Ensuring methods and tools are adopted and used effectively throughout the organisation.
Network design Small change, New level NTDS Designing communication networks to support strategic and operational requirements and producing network strategies, architectures, policies and related documentation.
Network support Large change NTAS Providing maintenance and support services for communications networks.
Non-functional testing NFTS Investigating products, systems and services to assess behaviour and whether this meets specified or unspecified non-functional requirements and characteristics
Numerical analysis NUAN Creating, analysing, implementing, testing and improving algorithms for numerically solving mathematical problems.
Organisation design and implementation ORDI Planning, designing and implementing an integrated organisation structure and culture.
Organisational capability development OCDV Providing leadership, advice and implementation support to assess organisational capabilities and to identify, prioritise and implement improvements.
Organisational change management New level CIPM Planning, designing and implementing activities to transition the organisation and people to the required future state.
Organisational facilitation OFCL Supporting workgroups to implement principles and practices for effective teamwork across organisational boundaries and professional specialisms.
Penetration testing Small change, Guidance notes only, New level PENT Testing the effectiveness of security controls by emulating the tools and techniques of likely attackers.
Performance management PEMT Improving organisational performance by developing the performance of individuals and workgroups to meet agreed objectives with measurable results.
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.
Problem management New level PBMG Managing the life cycle of all problems that have occurred or could occur in delivering a service.
Product management New level, Structural change PROD Managing and developing products or services through their full life cycle from inception, growth, maturity, decline to retirement.
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.
Programming/software development PROG Developing software components to deliver value to stakeholders.
Project management PRMG Delivering agreed outcomes from projects using appropriate management techniques, collaboration, leadership and governance.
Quality assurance New level QUAS Assuring, through ongoing and periodic assessments and reviews, that the organisation’s quality objectives are being met.
Quality management New level QUMG Defining and operating a management framework of processes and working practices to deliver the organisation's quality objectives.
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.
Records management New skill RMGT Planning, implementing and managing the full life cycle of organisational records.
Release management Large change, Split, New level RELM Managing the release of new and updated services into production, ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance standards.
Requirements definition and management REQM Managing requirements through the entire delivery and operational life cycle.
Resourcing New level RESC Acquiring, deploying and onboarding resources.
Risk management New level BURM Planning and implementing organisation-wide processes and procedures for the management of risk to the success or integrity of the enterprise.
Safety assessment SFAS Assessing safety-related software and hardware systems to determine compliance with standards and required levels of safety integrity.
Safety engineering New level SFEN Applying appropriate methods to assure safety during all life cycle phases of safety-related systems developments.
Sales support SSUP Providing advice and support to the sales force, customers and sales partners.
Scientific modelling SCMO Applying computer simulation and other forms of computation to solve real-world problems in scientific disciplines.
Security operations Large change, Split SCAD Manages and administers security measures, leveraging tools and intelligence to protect assets, ensuring compliance and operational integrity.
Selling SALE Finding prospective customers and working with them to identify needs, influence purchase decisions and enhance future business opportunities.
Service acceptance New level SEAC Managing the process to obtain formal confirmation that service acceptance criteria have been met.
Service catalogue management New level SCMG Providing a source of consistent information about available services and products to customers and users.
Service level management SLMO Agreeing targets for service levels and assessing, monitoring, and managing the delivery of services against the targets.
Software configuration New level PORT Designing and deploying software product configurations into software environments or platforms.
Software design SWDN Specifying, architecting and designing software to meet defined requirements by following agreed standards and principles.
Solution architecture ARCH Developing and communicating a multi-dimensional solution architecture to deliver agreed business outcomes.
Sourcing SORC Managing, or providing advice on, the procurement or commissioning of products and services.
Specialist advice Small change TECH Providing authoritative, professional advice and direction in a specialist area.
Stakeholder relationship management RLMT Influencing stakeholder attitudes, decisions, and actions for mutual benefit.
Storage management Small change, New level STMG Provisioning, configuring, and optimising on-premises and cloud-based storage solutions, ensuring data availability, security, and alignment with business objectives.
Strategic planning ITSP Creating and maintaining organisational-level strategies to align overall business plans, actions, and resources with high-level business objectives.
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.
Sustainability SUST Providing advice, assistance and leadership to enable the organisation to minimise negative environmental impact.
System software administration Small change, New level SYSP Installing, managing, and maintaining operating systems, data management, office automation, and utility software across various infrastructure environments.
Systems and software life cycle engineering SLEN Establishing and deploying an environment for developing, continually improving, and securely operating software and systems products and services.
Systems design Small change, New level DESN Designing systems to meet specified requirements and agreed systems architectures.
Systems development management New level DLMG Planning, estimating and executing systems development work to time, budget and quality targets.
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.
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.
Threat intelligence THIN Developing and sharing actionable insights on current and potential security threats to the success or integrity of an organisation.
User experience analysis New level UNAN Understanding the context of use for systems, products and services and specifying user experience requirements and design goals.
User experience design New level HCEV Producing design concepts and prototypes for user interactions with and experiences of a product, system or service.
User experience evaluation USEV Validating systems, products or services against user experience goals, metrics and targets.
User research New level URCH Identifying users' behaviours, needs and motivations using observational research methods.
Vulnerability assessment VUAS Identifying and classifying security vulnerabilities in networks, systems and applications and mitigating or eliminating their impact.
Vulnerability research Small change, Guidance notes only, New level VURE Conducting applied research to discover, evaluate and mitigate new or unknown security vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
Workforce planning WFPL Strategically projecting the demand for people and skills and proactively planning the workforce supply to meet organisational needs.