Overview - ISO/IEC 24773-4:2023 (Software engineering certification)
ISO/IEC 24773-4:2023 is the part of the ISO/IEC 24773 series that defines requirements and recommendations for certification schemes specific to software engineering professionals. Built on the general framework of ISO/IEC 24773-1, this standard elaborates domain-specific expectations for knowledge, skills and competencies for certificates that target software engineers. It is intended for organizations that design, evaluate or operate professional certification schemes in software engineering.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope and conformance
- Reference bodies of knowledge
- The reference BOK is ISO/IEC TR 19759 (SWEBOK); schemes must map their coverage to SWEBOK knowledge areas (e.g., requirements, design, construction, testing, maintenance, SCM, management, quality, foundations).
- Lifecycle/process alignment
- Schemes shall include requirements for knowledge of ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207 and may map tasks to 12207 processes, activities or tasks.
- Education and experience
- The Scheme should define minimum formal engineering education (computer science, software engineering, etc.) or objectively described on‑the‑job experience (with recommended durations).
- Knowledge, Skills, Competence
- Schemes must define and map skills to knowledge areas and competencies to measurable outcomes/deliverables. Proficiency/performance levels should be specified for assessment.
- Mapping and documentation
- Tasks, skills and competencies must be mapped to SWEBOK, 12207 or the IEEE Software Engineering Competency Model where applicable. Alternative BOKs require mapping and justification.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Certification bodies designing or revising software engineering certification programs.
- Employers and HR validating professional credentials and role definitions for software engineers.
- Professional societies and training providers creating curricula or assessment frameworks aligned with recognized knowledge areas and competencies.
- Regulators and procurement teams requiring certified personnel for safety-critical or regulated software projects.
Related standards and references
- ISO/IEC 24773-1 (General requirements for certification schemes)
- ISO/IEC 17024 (Conformity assessment - certification of persons)
- ISO/IEC TR 19759 (SWEBOK) - reference body of knowledge
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207 (Software life cycle processes)
- IEEE Software Engineering Competency Model (SWECOM)
This standard supports robust, transparent software engineering certification by aligning assessment with established life‑cycle processes and the SWEBOK knowledge areas, improving comparability and trust in professional credentials.