CTech Entry requirements
The primary requirement for CTech is that an applicant can show they have been successfully operating at SFIA Level 3 (see below) for at least 1 year. For example:
- Have a NZ Qualifications Framework (NZQF) L4 or above qualification (eg Certificate, Diploma or Bachelors degree) plus one year's experience, or
- Have no qualification but a clear educational focus and usually around 3-4 years' experience.
This is a guideline only - CTech is an evidence-based qualification and the assessment is primarily focused on what you do and how you operate. If you're clearly operating at SFIA Level 3 and have been for over a year, you're eligible for CTech.
Defining SFIA Level 3
The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) is a competency and skills matrix used by the IT industry in over 100 countries to assess and match IT skills. It is overseen and administered by the SFIA Foundation.
As well as defining 96 IT-related skills, SFIA defines 7 levels of responsibility and competency. Level 1 (Follow) outlines practitioners at the start of their career, where they have no responsibility for outcomes and someone else signs off on their work. Level 7 (Strategic) outlines those who are ultimately responsible for a large area of work and operate at a strategic level.
Certified Technologist is defined at Level 3 of SFIA (Ensure/Advise) or above. Those operating at Level 3 have sufficient experience and training to apply themselves to a problem or task be accountable for their own work.
SFIA Level 3 is defined as:
Autonomy
Works under general direction. Uses discretion in identifying and resolving complex problems and assignments. Usually receives specific instructions and has work reviewed at frequent milestones. Determines when issues should be escalated to a higher level.
Influence
Interacts with and influences department/project team members. Has working level contact with customers and suppliers. In predictable and structured areas may supervise others. Makes decisions which may impact on the work assigned to individuals or phases of projects.
Complexity
Performs a broad range of work, sometimes complex and non routine, in a variety of environments. Applies methodical approach to problem definition and resolution.
Business skills
Understands and uses appropriate methods, tools and applications. Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to problem solving. Takes the initiative in identifying and negotiating appropriate personal development opportunities. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Contributes fully to the work of teams. Plans, schedules and monitors own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines and according to relevant legislation and procedures. Absorbs and applies technical information. Works to required standards. Appreciates the wider field of information systems, and how own role relates to other roles and to the business of the employer or client.
More details in the SFIA Section.
Requirements in Brief
CTech is set at the level where an IT Professional has the appropriate level of skills, knowledge, experience and competence to apply themselves to a problem or task be accountable for their work.
This requires the following (shown in detail below):
- A level of competence and responsibility that results in accountability for your work (SFIA Level 3)
- A broad (but not necessarily detailed) knowledge of IT across-the-board
- A detailed (or "specialist") knowledge of IT within an area of expertise
- Knowledge of non-technical areas that influence and impact upon IT (such as relevant ethical, legal, compliance, professional and organisational considerations)
- A suitable character to be regarded as a professional
CTech is targeted towards IT professionals in the first few years of their career. Senior IT Professionals may find Chartered IT Professional NZ more suitable.
Requirements of Area 1: Skills and Knowledge
Applicants must demonstrate suitable Skills and Knowledge to competently and successfully carry on work as an IT Professional.
- A broad knowledge of the skills related to their ICT area of expertise; and
- A specialist knowledge and operating at Level 3 of a specific SFIA skills as outlined in the SFIA Framework.
Note that the subjective SFIA definitions for each skill paint a picture of the sorts of expectations of someone operating at Level 3 of the Framework. This should NOT be used as a checklist - applicants do not need to meet every word of the definition, just those relevant to their position.
Requirements of Area 2: Professional Knowledge
Professional Knowledge covers the non-technical aspects of being a professional which help define the fundamental difference between a professional and a non-professional.
The detailed Professional Knowledge Curriculum for this area is developed and maintained independently and contains the professional knowledge requirements for the following areas:
- Ethics and Code of Practice
- Understanding of concepts of Security and Privacy
- Knowledge of ICT Legal Issues
- ICT Professionals in an Organisational Context
Requirements of Area 3: Competency and Responsibility
The applicant must be operating at SFIA Level 3 or above (see above) and have done so for at least a year.
Note that the subjective SFIA definitions above paint a picture of the sorts of expectations of someone operating at Level 3 of the Framework. This should NOT be used as a checklist - applicants do not need to meet all of the requirements listed, just those relevant to their position.
Requirement of Good and Sound Character
In addition to the entry requirements, applicants must be of Good and Sound Character.
Provision of a referee
An assessor will conduct a short and confidential telephone interview with a referee provided by the applicant. The referee also completes a brief written assessment of the applicant, confirming their work.
The referee will be asked a number of questions related to how well they know the applicant and whether in their professional opinion the applicant is of a sound character, suitable for accreditation. The assessment team may also contact others who may know or have known the applicant to further assess their character, or whether they are operating at the required level.
Publication of applicant's name to IT community
The applicant's name will be published prior to award, with a request that any member knowing of any reason the applicant should not advance to provide this in writing.
Serious criminal convictions
The applicant must disclose prior criminal convictions for the purpose of attaining whether the applicant meets the sound character requirements, as well as disclose whether they are currently under investigation by the New Zealand Police, or have charges pending on any matter related to dishonesty or fraud.
It should be noted that criminal conviction(s) will not automatically exclude the applicant from successfully obtaining CTech, however the conviction(s) will be considered if they amount to professional misconduct or raise serious concerns as to the honesty or respectability of the applicant.
An applicant may be declined for Certification if convictions are of sufficient gravity to be termed "reprehensible" (or "inexcusable", "disgraceful", "deplorable" or "dishonourable")*.
This includes:
- Repeated offences related to dishonesty, professional misconduct or fraud;
- Recent offences, within the last 2 years, that relate to dishonesty, professional misconduct or fraud;
- Serious convictions of crimes which have a maximum punishment in law of 2 years imprisonment or greater.
Should the assessor believe the applicant is not of good and sound character, ITP will write to the applicant outlining the reasoning for this draft determination. The applicant may then respond in writing which will be considered in the final determination.
* Terminology provided in Auckland District Law Society v Atkinson (New Zealand Law Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, 15 August 1990)
Ready to apply for CTech?
Ready to apply? The main application is submitted online and you can complete this over time. The online process will guide you through the application process and you can submit your application when you're ready.
