ITCP In Detail
NZCS Professional Knowledge Curriculum
Download the Professional Knowledge Curriculum here
NZCS has defined a Professional Knowledge Curriculum (PKC), covering the core “professional” knowledge required of all ICT professionals.
The detailed curriculum for this area is developed and maintained independently from the Certification Programme. The PKC was created in consultation with a wide range of external stakeholders.
The four areas that make up the Professional Knowledge Curriculum are intrinsically linked. Although expressed as four areas, there is significant cross-over and it is likely that examinations assessing this area will not make the distinction.
One of the fundamental underlying concepts of the PKC is the need for a professional to recognise when they are venturing out of their area of expertise and call on another expert in that subject area.
The PKC is made up of 4 sections as outlined below. Note that familiarity with the fill Curriculum is required, however this should be treated as "foundational" or "core" knowledge for all professionals.
1. Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct
This category includes an understanding of ethical issues and knowledge of topics to support NZCS’s Code of Professional Conduct and Code of Practice:
- Ethical work practices
- Professional behaviour
- Quality of Advice
- Ethical Decisions
2. ICT Risk
This category includes an understanding of risk in relation to the management and delivery of ICT. It comprises knowledge of the topics identified below:
- Information Risk Assessment
- Risk Mitigation
- Project Delivery Risk
- Managing Personal Information
3. Legal & Compliance Frameworks
This category includes an understanding of the Legal and compliance frameworks that impact ICT within NZ. It comprises knowledge of the topics identified below:
- ICT-related laws
- Compliance Frameworks
- Commercial Law
4. Roles and Context of ICT within the Organisation
This category includes an understanding of the key ICT roles and their purpose within the organisation, as well as the application of ICT within an organisational context:
- ICT organisation and structure
- Role of Business and Information Systems strategy
- Organisation Change and impact of ICT
- Business Acumen