The diagram illustrates the general structure that is used to capture the standards for one occupational domain.
Usually the standard will be comprised of 6 to 9 major categories; combined, these are a general summary of the
occupation. An example of a major category could be “Financial Management”. For each major category, there will be
several skills – usually ranging from 3 to 9 in number. An example of a skill category under Financial Management
could be “Develop Budgets”. The explicit detail for each skill is summarized into two types: (1) applied knowledge,
and (2) abilities. The level of performance expected is embedded within these subskill statements.
In addition, context statements are defined for all skill categories. These include: defining the criticality or level of
importance of the skill; the frequency in which the skill is performed or manifested; and the amount of time it takes
to become proficient in the skill (using a typical new entrant profile as the benchmark).
The occupational standards are supported with additional job analysis information (published in separate
documents), such as the Situational Analysis, covering topics like: demographic profile; entrant qualifications for
profession; compensation; trends and more. The Essential Skills Profile defines nine Government of Canada essential
skills, with rankings on how these relate to the occupation. Examples of essential skills include: numeracy, reading,
use of technology. Occupational Language Analysis define the level and context in which proficiency in language
applies across the occupation, against 12 levels and 4 dimensions (reading, writing , oral communications, and
listening) – based on the Canadian Centre for Language Benchmarks.
Occupational standards are routinely updated , on average this is every four to six years, with routine amendments
done in the interim. This ensures that the standards continue to reflect current and emergent practice.
Standards are founded on core principles (summarized here), which inform the overall development and validation
methodology, as well as the administration and governance of the program.
Details of these principles are contained in the Policy and Procedures Document, and can provided as requested.
To highlight an example of the principles: Consensus refers to the decision making approach used; all content is
informed by consensus. Harmonization is an approach that ensures that the contents of the standards and the
standards as a whole, are consistent with the same practices that might be documented elsewhere, and that where
there are related standards, the goal is to partner or work with the standards holder to ensure all material is
consistent and current.