The SFIA Framework
The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) provides a common language for skills and competencies required in IT and digital roles. Adopted by organizations worldwide, SFIA maps 7 levels of responsibility from entry-level to executive.
Why SFIA Matters
SFIA provides a structured approach to defining and managing the skills your workforce needs. It helps organizations and individuals understand current capabilities and plan development paths.
- Standardized skill definitions across industries
- Clear career progression pathways
- Alignment between training and job requirements
- Objective assessment of competency levels
Autonomy
Level of independence and self-direction in work
Influence
Scope of impact on colleagues, teams, and organization
Complexity
Difficulty and variety of work activities performed
Business Skills
Communication, collaboration, and leadership capabilities
The 7 Levels of Responsibility
Each SFIA level represents increasing autonomy, influence, complexity, and business skills. Progress through levels as you develop expertise.
Level 1: Follow
Works under close direction. Uses little discretion in attending to enquiries. Expected to seek guidance in unexpected situations.
Works under close supervision with specific instructions
Minimal influence, works on assigned tasks
Performs routine activities in a structured environment
Basic communication, follows procedures, learns rapidly
Level 2: Assist
Works under routine direction. Uses discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments. Determines when to seek guidance.
Works under routine supervision, some independent work
Interacts with immediate colleagues
Performs a range of varied work activities
Understands and applies basic methods, participates in team discussions
Level 3: Apply
Works under general direction. Uses discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues. Usually receives specific instructions and has work reviewed at frequent milestones.
Works under general guidance, determines own approach
Interacts with and may influence immediate colleagues
Performs varied work activities requiring analytical thinking
Demonstrates effective oral and written communication
Level 4: Enable
Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability. Substantial personal responsibility and autonomy. Plans own work, meeting given objectives.
Works with broad autonomy, self-initiating with guidance on boundaries
Influences within own job area, specialist advice to others
Work includes a broad range of complex activities
Communicates fluently, facilitates collaboration across teams
Level 5: Ensure, Advise
Works under broad direction. Full accountability for own technical work or project/supervisory responsibilities. Establishes milestones and has significant responsibility for work of others.
Works with defined authority and accountability for actions
Influences organization, customers, suppliers, and professional bodies
Performs highly complex work activities covering technical, financial, and quality aspects
Advises on available standards, methods, tools, and applications
Level 6: Initiate, Influence
Has defined authority and accountability for actions and decisions within an important area of work. Influences formation of strategy. Initiates influential relationships with internal and external customers/suppliers.
Has significant organizational authority with broad accountability
Influences policy formation, strategic direction
Has deep expertise in specific technical/business domains
Leads on formulating and implementing strategy
Level 7: Set Strategy, Inspire
Leads at the highest organizational level. Has authority, accountability, and responsibility for actions and decisions within the organization. Accountable for all aspects of a significant area of work.
Has full authority for defining and executing organizational strategy
Leads and inspires the organization and influences industry
Makes decisions critical to organizational success
Establishes organizational strategies, inspires innovation and transformation
Skills That Match What Employers Need
LevelUp maps every skill and learning path to SFIA competency levels, ensuring your training directly aligns with industry role requirements.
Assess Your Level
Take skill assessments to discover your current SFIA level across different competencies
Targeted Learning
Get personalized learning paths designed to advance you to your next SFIA level
Match to Roles
See which industry roles match your competency levels and what you need to qualify
Ready to Map Your Skills?
Take our SFIA-aligned assessment to understand your current competency levels and get a personalized path to advance your career.