Capability Levels

The CKAs provide a tidy way of organizing software engineering knowledge, but they are not quite sufficient to identify a software engineer's capabilities. Consequently, within each CKA Construx recognizes four levels of capability: Introductory, Competency, Leadership, and Mastery. These capability levels support an engineer's progression of knowledge and experience within each knowledge area. Each CKA outlines the specific activities such as reading, classes, and work experience necessary to obtain each level of capability. Table 16-2 summarizes each of the capability levels.

We have found that capability depends on a combination of experience and knowledge. A person cannot truly possess leading-edge knowledge in an engineering discipline unless the knowledge is grounded in experience. Leading-edge experience is not possible unless it's fully apprised of state-of-the-art knowledge. Consequently, when there is a discrepancy between the levels of an employee's experience and knowledge, the overall capability of the employee is generally closer to the lesser of that employee's knowledge or experience. Figure 16-1 summarizes this concept.

Figure 16-1. Overall capability as a function of knowledge and experience.

Table 16-2. Summary of capability levels

CAPABILITY LEVEL	SUMMARY
Introductory	The employee performs basic work in an area, generally under supervision. The employee is taking effective steps to develop his or her knowledge and skills.
Competency	The employee performs effective, independent work in an area, serves as a role model for less expert employees, and occasionally coaches others.
Leadership	The employee performs exemplary work in an area. The employee regularly coaches employees and provides project-level and possibly company-wide leadership. The employee is recognized within Construx as a major resource in the knowledge area.
Mastery	The employee performs reference work in an area and has deep experience across multiple projects. The employee has generally taught seminars or classes or has written papers or books that extend the body of knowledge. The employee provides industry-level leadership and is recognized outside Construx for expertise in the area.