Proficiency scale
| Level | Definition | Can they be on call for it? |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No exposure | No |
| 1 | Aware: understands concepts, cannot perform tasks | No |
IT Skills Matrix
The question a skills matrix should answer is not who is good at what. It is which skills exist in exactly one person's head. That number is a continuity risk you can act on cheaply before anyone resigns.
What you get
- A proficiency scale with written definitions, so ratings are comparable
- A bus-factor column that surfaces single points of failure
- A criticality rating, so you prioritise the gaps that matter
- A development plan linked to the gaps found
How to use this template
- 1
Define the proficiency levels in words. Without definitions, a 3 means different things to a confident person and a cautious one. Anchor each level: 1 is aware, 3 is works unsupervised, 5 is the person others escalate to.
- 2
Calculate bus factor per skill. Count how many people rate 3 or above. Any critical skill with a count of one is a continuity risk, and it is far cheaper to fix now than after a resignation.
- 3
Prioritise by criticality, not by gap size. A large gap in a rarely-needed skill matters less than a small gap in something you depend on daily. Rate criticality and work the intersection.
What's inside
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Frequently asked questions
What is a bus factor?
+
The number of people who could carry out a given task competently. Informally, how many people would need to be unavailable before the capability is lost. Any critical skill with a bus factor of one is a continuity risk.
How should a skills matrix be scored?
+
On a defined scale with written anchors, typically 0 to 5, where 3 means working unsupervised on routine tasks and 5 means being the escalation point. Without written definitions, ratings reflect confidence rather than capability.
What should a skills matrix actually be used for?
+
Finding single points of failure in critical skills, planning training against those gaps, assessing whether the team can support an upcoming change such as a platform migration, and checking an on-call rota has adequate coverage for each skill.