Supporting Documentation

The purpose of the supporting document is to provide the link between you, as the applicant, your skills and knowledge, and the skill definitions provided through SFIA.

Structure of Supporting Document

As part of Step 4 you should have selected two specific IT-related skills, each of which you are operating at SFIA Level 5 or above. The document you write then bridges the gap: outlining how you meet the requirements listed for these skills, as well as the generic level definitions.

Your supporting document should:

• be written in first person, and
• show you have achieved genuine results operating at SFIA Level 5 for:
• both of the two ICT skills you have selected in Step 4 (or others for that period), and
• the generic competency and responsibility levels in Step 3.

Please note, your experience prior to the last 5 years can be discussed for context, however, CITPNZ takes a "practicing certificate" approach, meaning Chartered IT Professionals with CITPNZ must remain current.

Here are some examples of what this might look like. Note that each application will be different – you should complete the same process based on your own background, skills, knowledge and experience.

Examples for specific skills

Here are some examples of what the written component may look like for some of the skills. More examples will be added over time.

Systems design

Level 5: Specifies and designs large or complex systems. Selects appropriate design standards, methods and tools, consistent with agreed enterprise and solution architectures and ensures they are applied effectively. Reviews others' systems designs to ensure selection of appropriate technology, efficient use of resources, and integration of multiple systems and technology. Contributes to policy for selection of architecture components. Evaluates and undertakes impact analysis on major design options and assesses and manages associated risks. Ensures that the system design balances functional, service quality and systems management requirements.

In both my current role and my last, I have been involved in the design of large and complex systems.  I worked at Acme NZ for two years from March 2017 – 2019.  As the Team Leader for a team of six developers, I was responsible for reviewing the work of others and providing guidance to other teams. 

I currently work at Acme2 and have sole charge of designing and implementing the IT system.  This involves, specifying the design standards, and using the business requirements to design the system.  I manage risk by ensuring each aspect of the system has been thoroughly tested in the testing environment.

CNSL: Consultancy

Level 5: Provides well-informed advice, typically on more than one topic, taking steps to ensure that it is properly understood and appropriately exploited, to enhance the effectiveness of significant activities

I worked for three years in Auckland for Acme Ltd as a senior consultant working in the financial sector. During that time I was engaged in a number of roles for several different clients.  I focused on assisting clients with various software development and database related projects. I had staff management responsibility for four overseas contractors.

An example of a consultancy role that I performed at Acme was for a client in Dunedin. I was asked to produce a report for their senior management which would assist them in re?organising their architecture team. I interviewed each member of the team, reported to their GM of Technology and assisted with their recruitment and interview process before producing the final report. The total engagement covered a period of a month or so.

PROG: Programming/software Development

Level 5: Sets standards for programming tools and techniques, advises on their application and ensures compliance. Takes technical responsibility for all stages in the software development process. Prepares project and quality plans and advises systems development teams. Assigns work to programming staff and monitors performance, providing advice, guidance and assistance to less experienced colleagues as required.

I’ve chosen Programming/software Development as one of my skills as it is clear my current role at Acme Software meets the requirements outlined for Level 5.

At Acme I lead a team of 3 developers in our area, taking full responsibility for the output of the group. I assign development tasks, and set the standards within our group and organisation for surrounding areas such as documentation standards and methodology, and testing standards.

Part of my role also includes the provision of advice and guidance and coaching junior staff.

TEST: Testing

Level 6: Determines testing policy, and owns the supporting processes. Takes responsibility for the management of all testing activities within a development or integration project or programme. Manages all risks associated with the testing and takes preventative action when any risks become unacceptable. Assesses and advises on the practicality of testing process alternatives. Identifies improvements to the process and assists in their implementation.

As a test professional I’ve selected “Testing” as one of my skills and believe I'm operating at Level 6.

I independently determine the testing policy throughout our organisation (Acme Enterprises), including all aspects from creation of test cases, testing practice, risk profiles, and analysis of best testing practice for each project. I’m a certified CSTP tester, and the selection of testing paradigms and methodology is based on industry best practice.

Consequently I am accountable and responsible for the result and success of testing, and am also responsible for taking preventative action and escalating issues when the risk profile of a project is unacceptable.

ETDL: Education and Training Delivery

Level 5: Customises and delivers specialist teaching or training to specialist audiences using a range of instructional techniques.

I have lectured at the university level since 1992: five years teaching primarily numeric methods and introductory programming at Friday University in the UK, and 15+ years at Acme University teaching artificial intelligence, databases, software development, and human-computer interaction.

I am usually either the sole lecturer for a paper or bear the responsibility for it (if team teaching).  I design the papers:  select the readings, design the assignments, determine the content, create the assessment, and so forth.

Additionally, for 5 years I was an Undergraduate Programme Coordinator at Acme University.  In this role I led a substantive curriculum review, the consequences of which included the restructuring of our degrees the development of new papers aimed at areas of increased need in the discipline.

INOV: Innovation

Level 6: Recognises potential strategic application of IT, and initiates investigation and development of innovative methods of exploiting IT assets, to the benefit of organisations and the community. Plays an active role in improving the interface between the business and IT.

A large part of my current role has been analysis of opportunities within and external to our organisation where the utilisation of IT significantly improves both the delivery of services and operation of the organisation as a whole.

For example, following analysis of our market we moved to an online booking system, directly resulting in a 23% increase in turnover overnight. Additionally this has reduced phone calls by 45% and increased the organisation’s approval rating amongst our top 25 clients by 8%.

Before this role I created a number of ICT-related companies designed to use technology to solve many of the problems. One example, Acme Technologies, was the first organisation in New Zealand to provide online booking for motel rooms, significantly modifying the market in NZ.

Ready to apply for CITPNZ?

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.

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