The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Programming/software development PROG

The planning, designing, creation, amending, verification, testing and documentation of new and amended software components in order to deliver agreed value to stakeholders. The identification, creation and application of agreed software development and security standards and processes. Adopting and adapting software development lifecycle models based on the context of the work and selecting appropriately from predictive (plan-driven) approaches or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches.

Moving to SFIA 8 

There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 8. 

  • SFIA 7 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use 
  • Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change. 

Levels

Defined at these levels: 2 3 4 5 6

Programming/software development: Level 1

This skill is not typically observed when working at this level of responsibility.

Programming/software development: Level 2

Designs, codes, verifies, tests, documents, amends and refactors simple programs/scripts. Applies agreed standards and tools, to achieve a well-engineered result. Reviews own work.

Programming/software development: Level 3

Designs, codes, verifies, tests, documents, amends and refactors moderately complex programs/scripts. Applies agreed standards and tools, to achieve a well-engineered result. Collaborates in reviews of work with others as appropriate.

Programming/software development: Level 4

Designs, codes, verifies, tests, documents, amends and refactors complex programs/scripts and integration software services. Contributes to selection of the software development approach for projects, selecting appropriately from predictive (plan-driven) approaches or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches. Applies agreed standards and tools, to achieve well-engineered outcomes. Participates in reviews of own work and leads reviews of colleagues' work.

Programming/software development: Level 5

Takes technical responsibility across all stages and iterations of software development. Plans and drives software construction activities. Adopts and adapts appropriate software development methods, tools and techniques selecting appropriately from predictive (plan-driven) approaches or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches. Measures and monitors applications of project/team standards for software construction including software security. Contributes to the development of organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for software development.

Programming/software development: Level 6

Develops organisational policies, standards, and guidelines for software construction and refactoring. Plans and leads software construction activities for strategic, large and complex development projects. Develops new methods and organisational capabilities and drives adoption of, and adherence to policies and standards.

Programming/software development: Level 7

This skill is not typically observed when working at this level of responsibility.