IP3 – the Global Partnership

The most important reason [to examine and build ICT professionalism] stems from the extent to which the increasing pervasiveness of ICT has the potential to harm our economy and society. The extent to which ICT is embedded in our lives is inevitably growing. If we fail to take steps to mature the ICT profession, it is likely that the risks to society from ICT will grow to unacceptable levels.

(E-SKILLS: Promotion of ICT Professionalism in Europe, a EU Call for Tender, July 2013)

Introduction

IFIP IP3, the International Professional Practice Partnership is leading the development of the global ICT profession. Our mission is to establish a global partnership that will strengthen the ICT profession and contribute to the development of strong international economies by creating an infrastructure that will:

  • encourage and support the development of both ICT practitioners and employer organizations
  • give recognition to those who meet and maintain the required standards for knowledge, experience, competence, and integrity
  • define international standards of professionalism in ICT.

To carry out this mission, IP3 works closely with its partners who share a commitment to creating a sound global ICT profession.  We invite our partners to join IP3 and become members.

IP3 members are organizations that meet at least one of these requirements:

  1. Have been successfully accredited by IP3
  2. Are willing to make a commitment to actively promoting professionalism
  3. Are actively working towards accreditation

IP3 encourages employing organizations, governments, commercial enterprises, and IFIP member societies to join in this partnership through their membership.  Any organization that professes a commitment to the mission of IP3 may join and contribute to the development of the ICT profession.

IP3 also campaigns for Trust and the Duty of Care in Digital; this goes hand in hand with Professionalism, as Trustworthiness is an essential element. We also encourage everyone – practitioners, consumers, and end-users to exercise a Duty of Care in their own use of digital technologies.

Enquiries are welcome  info@ipthree.org.

Gain IP3 Accreditation – organizations that have a professionalism scheme

To be eligible for IP3 accreditation, an organization will be an IFIP member and will have an appropriate certification program in place.  Such an organization will be required to demonstrate that the type of IT professional they certify is aligned with IP3’s professional standard criteria, demonstrating:

  1. Mastery of the core body of knowledge is set at the appropriate standard for professional certification
  2. Competence requirements are set at an appropriate level (SFIA Level 5 or equivalent for IP3P, SFIA Level 3 or equivalent for IP3T, SFIA Level 7 or equivalent for IP3CIO)
  3. Cognitive and practical skills requirements are set at an appropriate level
  4. Appropriate requirements are in place to ensure continuous professional development (CPD)
  5. An appropriate enforceable code of ethics is in place
  6. The necessary processes and expertise to evaluate the qualifications of individuals are in place
  7. The certifying body has the necessary organizational capability and maturity to manage the certification program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my organization ready for accreditation?

Most organizations will require some level of consultation and assistance to achieve IP3 accreditation readiness. IP3 is committed to ensuring a successful outcome for all accreditation applicants, and it therefore recommends that the organization first enters into consultation with IP3 about their accreditation readiness. An Accreditation Support Program is available to IP3 Member organizations to assist them in achieving accreditation readiness.

My organization has adopted policies and procedures whereby we accept the quality of practices and processes in the area of professional recruitment and career development used by partner organizations as acceptable and reliable supporting evidence for our professional membership qualifications scheme. Is this acceptable to IP3?

IP3 has developed policies and procedures specifically designed to address such a situation. The  “Trusted Source” arrangements should be reviewed as part of the IP3 application to determine if your organization meets the requirements.