Technical Capability
Role-specific knowledge, tools, methods and applied technical skills required to perform in a professional context.
Competency Frameworks
ISA competency frameworks define the knowledge, judgment, applied skills and professional behaviors expected of recognized professionals in a given field of practice.
They provide the standard against which candidate capability is assessed, credentials are issued, and employers can interpret the meaning of ISA certification.
Purpose of the Frameworks
ISA frameworks are designed to make professional recognition more transparent. Each framework translates broad claims of experience into defined capability areas, observable behaviors, evidence expectations and certification levels.
The frameworks recognize that capable professionals may have developed their skills through many pathways, including employment, formal training, self-directed learning, digital learning, artificial intelligence tools, workplace projects, practical problem-solving and prior experiential learning.
Rather than requiring every candidate to follow the same learning pathway, ISA focuses on whether the candidate can demonstrate competence against the relevant standard. This allows recognition to be practical, evidence-led and suitable for a changing workforce.
Framework Definition
A competency framework is a structured statement of professional capability.
It defines what a professional should know, understand and be able to do in a particular field or occupational area.
ISA frameworks are used to guide assessment, certification, verification and ongoing quality assurance.
Core Framework Categories
Professional Practice
Workplace application, judgment, communication, ethics, decision-making and conduct expected of a capable professional.
Foundational Knowledge
Core concepts, terminology, processes and industry understanding that support competent professional activity.
Evidence of Application
Demonstrated examples, assessment responses, work outputs or professional evidence showing applied capability.
Current Relevance
Capabilities that reflect modern practice, including digital tools, automation, AI-supported work and evolving industry requirements.
Capability Levels
ISA frameworks may include multiple levels of recognition. These levels help distinguish foundational understanding from independent professional practice, advanced capability and expert contribution.
The level attached to a credential should help employers, clients and relying parties understand the depth of capability recognized. Levels are not intended to replace job titles or employment classifications; they provide a common reference point for interpreting the certification outcome.
Use of Levels
- Clarify the depth of capability recognized.
- Support comparison across related credential areas.
- Assist employers in workforce planning and hiring decisions.
- Provide candidates with a pathway for future development.
Level
Recognition Description
Indicative Capability
Level 1
Foundational
Displays basic understanding, terminology awareness and capacity to work with guidance or supervision.
Level 2
Intermediate
Applies knowledge to familiar tasks, follows established processes and demonstrates developing professional judgment.
Level 3
Competent
Applies expertise independently, solves common problems and delivers reliable results in professional settings.
Level 4
Advanced
Leads complex work, improves practice, guides others and contributes to stronger organizational outcomes.
Level 5
Expert
Shapes strategy, influences standards, transforms practice and demonstrates recognized leadership in the field.
Certification levels are assigned according to the relevant framework.
Not every credential will use every level. Leveling depends on the scope, complexity and maturity of the professional capability being recognized.
Framework Development and Review
ISA frameworks are developed to be practical, defensible and suitable for real-world recognition. They are informed by professional practice, workplace expectations, industry terminology, employer needs and emerging changes in how people learn and work.
Frameworks are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain current. This is particularly important as AI, automation and digital tools reshape the way professionals develop capability, perform work and demonstrate value.
Framework Status
Each framework may be published as active, under review, in consultation or retired.
Credential decisions should be made against the active version of the applicable framework at the time of assessment.
Occupational Analysis
ISA identifies the field of practice, typical professional responsibilities, expected outcomes and relevant capability areas.
Standard Definition
Capabilities are organized into framework categories, competency statements, indicative evidence and recognition levels.
Validation
Frameworks are reviewed for clarity, relevance, consistency and usefulness to candidates, employers and relying parties.
Ongoing Review
Frameworks are updated where professional practice, technology, employer expectations or recognition requirements change.
ISA frameworks support evidence-led recognition.
They are intended to help people prove capability they already have, while giving employers a clearer way to understand and trust that capability.