Expert Area
European Commission
e-Skills Website
Watch this video to learn more from key stakeholders on the European e-skills strategy, its implementation and the next steps.
European e-Competence Framework (e-CF) - look and basic principles
The European e-CF is not based on job profiles but rather on competences as this approach is more flexible. Its purpose is to provide general and comprehensive e-Competences that can then be adapted and customised into different ICT business contexts.
The 32 competences of the framework are classified according to 5 main ICT business areas and link directly to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
See e-CF overview (one-sided).
A reference framework structured from 4 dimensions
The 4 dimensions of the European e-Competence Framework reflect different levels of business and human resource planning requirements in addition to job/ work proficiency guidelines. They are specified as follows:
| Dimension 1 | 5 e-Competence areas, derived from the ICT business processes PLAN - BUILD - RUN - ENABLE - MANAGE |
| Dimension 2 | A set of reference e-Competences for each area, with a generic description for each competence. 32 competences identified in total provide the European generic reference definitions of the framework. |
| Dimension 3 | Proficiency levels of each e-Competence provide European reference level specifications on e-Competence levels e-1 to e-5, which are related to EQF levels 3-8. |
| Dimension 4 | Knowledge and skills related to the e-Competences are indicated as optional framework components for inspiration. They are not intended to be exhaustive. |
While competence definitions are explicitly assigned to dimension 2 and 3 and the references about knowledge and skills appear in dimension 4 of the framework, attitude is embedded in all three dimensions.
Understanding of company competence needs
The European e-Competence Framework 1.0 provides a basic, clear and sound orientation for companies who need to take decisions about recruitment, career paths, training, assessment, etc. It is also useful for promoting clearer understanding of company competence needs.
