SME Experience Requirements

By Certification:

A+:

• 5 years’ total experience with 2 years of current experience in supporting and troubleshooting a variety of computing devices and operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OSX, Android or IOS.
• IT professionals with a strong technical background, preferably A+ certified.

Cloud Essentials+:

• At least 2 years’ experience working in an environment that markets or relies on IT services.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of main cloud computing principles and concepts from a business and technical perspective.
• Understands what is involved in moving to and governing the Cloud.
• Candidates with the experience below are welcome and encouraged:
• IT instructors with a professional background that includes cybersecurity experience and teaching experience or curriculum setting.
• Experience setting curriculum mandates for high schools.
• Individuals involved in workforce development programs that take learners from no experience to jobs through coursework and certifications.
• Program managers and instructors.
• Secondary school teachers, post-secondary instructors offering entry-level (100-level courses) preferably at two-year colleges, and/or professionals who have taught similar coursework.

Cloud+:

• At least 5 years of IT experience, including at least 2 years of technical hands-on experience with cloud and virtualization services in an enterprise setting.
• Experience using and integrating cloud technologies, such as (but not limited to) AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, OpenStack, or CloudStack.
• CompTIA Cloud+, Server+ and/or Network+ credentials or equivalent industry certificate. Otherwise qualified network administrators, security administrators, IT system analysts, system administrators and IT consultants in cloud are encouraged to apply.

Cloud Networking Expert:

• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience as a Systems Architect, Network Architect, Cloud Network Architect, or Enterprise Architect with primary responsibility for system and network architecture, design, engineering, and integration.
• Hands-on experience working with hybrid systems (on-premises and cloud-based).
• Solution architecture experience is a plus.
• Preferably Cloud+ and Network+ certified (or equivalent knowledge).

CTT+:

• At least 5 years’ experience with a strong training background/ experience.
• Core knowledge and skills that an instructor must demonstrate to complete an instructional assignment successfully in both a classroom and a virtual classroom environment.
• Preferably CTT+ certified (or other relevant certification).

CySA+:

• At least 5 years of experience in one or more of the fields below:
• Working as a cybersecurity analyst in a Security Operations Center (SOC).
• Experience in one or more of the following IT security fields: data analysis and response, risk management, penetration testing, compliance and auditing, and incident response including attack identification. Certifications in these areas are desired but not required.
• A Bachelor’s degree.
• Preferably Security+ certified (or equivalent).

Data+:

• Current experience specializing in a core business function such as marketing and sales, finance and accounting, human resources, or operations, including analysis experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience in functional business areas, including 5 years of analysis experience.
• It is preferred that SMEs have experience:
  • Collecting and analyzing information and trends.
  • Developing, generating, and communicating meaningful reports and dashboards using business analytics software.
  • Developing, publishing, and maintaining basic SQL queries.
  • Helping ensure data reporting integrity.
  • Acting as the subject matter expert for all data and reporting.
  • Assisting in integration of additional outside data sources into business analytics software such as Tableau, Qlik, or Power BI.
  • Setting up and monitoring reporting alerts and KPIs.
  • Performing ad-hoc analysis and reporting for multiple stakeholders.

DataSys+:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a database administrator, data administrator, or data engineer role with primary responsibility for:
• Installing, configuring, monitoring, maintaining, and improving the performance of databases and data stores.
• Hands-on experience working with on-premises and cloud-based relational and NoSQL databases and solution architecture experience is a plus.

DataX:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a data engineer or data scientist with data architecture responsibilities. This includes deep expertise with databases, data warehouses, and data pipelines. SMEs should have skills in most of the following areas:
• Database systems like SQL and NoSQL
• Data warehousing solutions
• ETL tools
• Machine learning
• Data APIs
• Python, Java, and Scala programming languages
• Understanding the basics of distributed systems
• Knowledge of algorithms, statistics, and data structures

Durable Skills:

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) should have experience in at least one of the following roles:

• 10+ years in a coaching/mentoring role
• 5+ years as a hiring manager or people-leaders (job roles that include staff on-boarding, training, learning, up-skilling, etc.) of early career professionals
• 3-5 years in a role demonstrating use of at least 5 of the Durable Skills listed below
• 9-12 months in the role of the target audience

Outline of Durable Skills, which represents the focus of the development initiative:

• Communication (written, verbal, negotiation, social media, etc.)
• Leadership (management, decision making, mentorship, advocacy, etc.)
• Cumulative experience in leading, managing, directing and/or participating in small to medium scale projects.
• Metacognition (detail oriented, planning, adaptability, etc.)
• Critical Thinking (research, troubleshooting, investigation, prioritization, etc.)
• Collaboration (teamwork, team building, cooperation, etc.)
• Character (enthusiasm, accountability, trustworthy, reliability, etc.)
• Creativity (imagination, creative problem-solving, visionary, etc.)
• Growth Mindset (self-starter, proactivity, action oriented, etc.)
• Mindfulness (empathy, patience, active listening, emotional intelligence, etc.)
• Fortitude (resilience, motivational skills, optimism, tenacity, etc.)

Linux+:

• 5 years’ cumulative IT experience with at least 2 years of hands-on Linux systems administration.
• Preferably Linux+, LPIC or Red Hat certified.

Network+:

• At least 5 years’ experience working in the field of network administration and support.
• Preferably Network+ certified.

PenTest+:

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience with penetration testing, and/or vulnerability assessment and management.
• It is preferred that SMEs hold the CompTIA PenTest+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and/or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), or similar penetration testing or vulnerability assessment & management certification (or an equivalent/higher credential).

Project+:

• At least 2 years working in the field of project management.
• IT professionals must possess important core knowledge of the project life cycle, roles and skills necessary to effectively initiate, plan, execute, monitor/control, and close a project.
• Cumulative experience in leading, managing, directing and/or participating in small to medium scale projects.
• Project managers who act as such on the job (full time) with at least 2 years of experience.
• IT management role or other management role but has been also managing projects “part time” for 5+ years as part of their management job.
• Preferably Project+ certified (or equivalent).

Security+:

• At least 5 years’ current experience in the field of information security.
• Preferably Security+ certified (or equivalent).

SecurityX:

• At least 8 years’ experience working in enterprise level security management.
• Preferably CASP+ certified (or equivalent/higher credential).

Server+:

• At least 5 years’ experience working with network servers.
• Can identify environmental issues, understand and comply with disaster recovery and physical/software security procedures.
• Familiar with industry terminology and concepts and understands server roles/specializations and interaction within the overall computing environment.
• Preferably Server+ certified (or equivalent).