ICTTech frequently asked questions (FAQs)

If I ask my line manager will they know what ICTTech is?

If your line manager is aware of current developments in the industry then they should know that standards such as ICTTech, ITIL and SFIA are emerging to assist the principles of IT professionals and the industry.

I've been working successfully for many years – why should I apply for it now?

Will I be able to earn more money when I get ICTTech?

You will be more attractive as an employee; of course we can't guarantee that you will earn more money but research does show that the earnings of engineers and technicians with professional qualifications perform well against other professions.

How will ICTTech help my career?

ICTTech is a measure of your overall competence, including academic and work experience, as an ICT practitioner. It also confirms your professional approach to your work and assures employers of your commitment to standards.

I already hold vendor qualifications – why should I register as an ICTTech as well?

A vendor certificate will define your technical competence in a particular technology; ICTTech will confirm your conduct and approach in all areas of your work.

By registering as an ICTTech you demonstrate, through the letters after your name, that you can use your technical knowledge, you have good communication and interpersonal skills; in short, that you are an ICT professional with business skills that others cannot demonstrate. ICTTech shows that you are more than just your vendor qualifications. 

I'm not a technician – is it relevant to me?

The requirements for ICTTech apply to a range of roles in ICT. Some can have the job role 'technician' attached to them, but ICTTech is equally applicable to many more generic roles including IT manager, practitioner, engineer, as well as specific roles such as tester, developer, etc.

We already have an internal appraisal system in our company to judge our competence – why should I get ICTTech?

ICTTech and SFIA can be part of the defining standards for roles and tasks used within your company; many employers are now doing that. ICTTech should be part of your career development plans giving you an independent verification that will move with you as your career develops and you change jobs or even employers.

I have a degree in computing but work as a technician at the moment – can I become an ICTTech?

Yes – your degree will more than provide the underpinning knowledge that we seek, and as long as your experience satisfies the requirements specified, you can achieve ICTTech. You have the additional advantage that as your experience develops, you will be able to progress to higher qualifications such as Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer.

How do I know if I'm ready?

You can seek advice and guidance from a professional registration advisor. In order to be awarded ICTTech you must provide evidence of each of the competence statements specified in the ICTTech Standard [new window]. The areas include: the underpinning knowledge for the areas that you work in; ability to communicate with the team, organisation or customer; application of standards to health and safety, environment/sustainability; and your own development as a professional practitioner. 

How long will the process take?

Once we receive your application and assessment fee, the process will generally take around 12 weeks.

How much experience do I need?

Although no particular time is specified, it is unlikely that the necessary experience can be achieved in less than two years.

Do I need to be a member first?

Yes – TMIET is probably the most appropriate category. Join the IET.

I’ve applied but just changed/or am planning to change my job – what do I do?

You should explain this in your application form; you will probably provide most evidence of competence from previous jobs.

I've been made redundant – will this affect my application?

The assessors are looking for evidence of current competence, so if your redundancy is recent, then current competence should not be affected. As long as you can demonstrate that you are maintaining your knowledge, your application will be assessed on its merits.

How does ICTTech relate to SFIA?

The Skills Framework for the Information Age [new window] (SFIA) is used to help define the ICTTech Standard (skills should be demonstrated at Level 3 and above). SFIA is the best known skills framework in IT and is used by governments and major employers globally.