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Information Technology

Information Technology Competency Model

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has worked with the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and technical and subject matter experts from education, business, and industry to update a comprehensive competency model for the Information Technology (IT) industry. While the model identifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for workers to perform successfully in the field of IT, it is not intended that IT workers possess all of the competencies listed. Rather, the model is a compilation of competencies that can be included as a basis for preparation in an IT occupation. The National Convergence Technology Center (CTC), Broadening Advanced Technological Education Connections (BATEC), the National Center for Information and Communications Technology (ITC), the Mid-Pacific Information and Communication Technologies Center (MPICT), California Community Colleges Information and Communication Technologies Collaborative (ICT), and CompTIA provided input and will ensure that the model evolves to accommodate changing skill requirements.

 
 
In 2021, the model was revised to incorporate foundational workplace health and safety skills from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Safe • Skilled • Ready Workforce Program designed to help protect America's workforce and create safe, healthy, and productive workplaces. For more information, download the Summary of Changes document.


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Information Technology Competency Model


Information Technology Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork</strong> Displaying skills to work with others from diverse backgrounds. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying accepted social and work behaviors. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional demeanor at work. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a willingness to work. <strong>1.5 Adaptability and Flexibility</strong> Displaying the capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. <strong>1.6 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.7 Lifelong Learning</strong> Displaying a willingness to learn and apply new knowledge and skills. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Using standard English to compile information and prepare written reports. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Using mathematics to express ideas and solve problems. <strong>2.4 Science</strong> Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. <strong>2.5 Communication</strong> Giving full attention to what others are saying, and communicating in English well enough to be understood by others. <strong>2.6 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Using logic, reasoning, and analysis to address problems. <strong>2.7 Fundamental IT User Skills</strong> Using a computer, communication devices, and related applications to input, retrieve, and communicate information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. <strong>3.3 Innovative Thinking</strong> Generating innovative and creative solutions. <strong>3.4 Problem Solving and Decision Making</strong> Applying critical-thinking skills to solve problems by generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions. <strong>3.5 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology to facilitate work activity. <strong>3.6 Business Fundamentals</strong> Knowledge of basic business principles, trends, and economics. <strong>3.7 Health and Safety</strong> Supporting a safe and healthy workplace. <strong>4.1 Principles of Information Technology</strong> Knowledge of Information Technologies (fundamental concepts, systems, platforms, tools, and technologies), IT industries (hardware, software, and services), the widespread application of IT in other industries, and the common roles of IT professionals. <strong>4.2 Databases and Applications</strong> The use of technology to control and safeguard the collection, organization, structure, processing and delivery of data. <strong>4.3 Networks, Telecommunication, Wireless, and Mobility</strong> The processes, hardware, and software employed to facilitate communication between people, computer systems and devices. <strong>4.4 Software Development and Management</strong> The process of designing, writing, testing, debugging/troubleshooting, and maintaining the source code of computer programs and of managing and maintaining software in an organization. <strong>4.5 User and Customer Support</strong> The range of services providing assistance and technical support to help users implement and solve problems related to information technology. <strong>4.6 Digital Media and Visualization</strong> Conveyance of ideas and information in forms such audio, text, pictures, diagrams, video, photos, maps, 3D models, et cetera. <strong>4.7 Compliance</strong> The standards, processes, and procedures in place to ensure products, services, and practices comply with legal and regulatory requirements. <strong>4.8 Risk Management, Security, and Information Assurance</strong> The standards, issues, and applications used to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information and information systems. Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles