During the data-gathering process of the IT skill standards project, foundation skills for information technology careers were identified. Foundation skills are the skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal qualities required of all workers to be successful in today's workplace. These are the universal skills - problem solving, team skills, and flexibility - that are needed to apply technical knowledge and tools effectively.

The foundation skills are based on broad workplace categories known as SCANS . There are a total of 37 SCAN skills organized in the categories shown in the table on the following page. There are a total of 37 SCAN skills (Referred to hereafter inclusively as foundation skills) organized in the following categories:

Curriculum Recommendations:

1. All IT programs should incorporate outcomes and competencies that address the key foundation skills .
2. The emphasis on which foundation skills and the level of proficiency will vary depending on the nature of the IT program.
3. Foundation skills and technical content should be learned in an integrated manner to provide learners with competencies that more closely match what is required to be successful in the world of work.

The table shown below and on the following page provides an example for a Technical Support curriculum in which foundation skills (from the IT skill standards) were emphasized.- This table shows how the foundation proficiency levels can be identified for the career clusters in the IT skill standards.

• The first column is the foundation competency,
• the second column describes the level of proficiency required (drawn from the Performance Criteria in the IT Skill Standards)
• column three describes the underlying abilities needed to perform tasks well.

COMPETENCE	EXAMPLE OF LEVEL (IT SKILL STANDARD)	EXAMPLE OF LEVEL (SCANS)
INTERPERSONAL ServesClients/ Customers	Priority needs are clearly defined for the customer. Complete set of requirements has been communicated to and approved by customer. Relationships are managed so customers are satisfied with current level of service. Acceptable options are consistently presented and negotiated. Liaison communication includes updating all involved groups.	Ability to: speak clearly and concisely pose critical questions interpret and clarify communication encourage cooperation ask appropriate questions identify and respond to customer concerns/ complaints
TECHNOLOGY Selects Technology Applies Technology to Work Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology	Accurate and complete description of data and system configuration is obtained. Deficiencies in configuration are clearly and concisely identified. Installation plan is practical, appropriate, timely and well documented. Diagnosis is complete and accurate.	Ability to: predict outcomes/ results based on experience or prior knowledge examine information/ data for relevance and accuracy formulate technological solutions analyze situation and create a list of required tools and resources
WRITING	Gathered data is verified against known standard configuration. Appropriate sources have been consulted in a timely manner. Information is accurate and complete. Information is gathered on a continuous basis and in a cost-effective manner. Retrieves relevant data.	Ability to: create detailed supporting documents communicate at appropriate audience level create concise report interpret and summarize information create original documents record information accurately
THINKING Knowing how to Learn	Estimate of time, materials and capabilities needed to meet customer requirements is prepared and realistic. Schedule chart is prepared based on resource availability and project timeline. Document/information is available on time. Customer expectations are met in a timely manner. Scope of work is documented in an accurate, complete and succinct form. Milestones and schedules are clearly understood and communicated. Milestones are adjusted appropriately. Implementation is completed within established time frame.	Ability to: identify key sources of information utilize previous training/ experience to predict outcomes apply creative thinking to new situations identify and prioritize need for data analyze information
RESOURCES Allocates Time	Requirements documented in an accurate, complete and succinct form. Document/information is accurate, clear, concise in internal tracking system. Documentation is complete and accurate. Writes the solution to the problem accurately.	Ability to: effectively use available resources devise and implement a plan of action organize information identify milestones based on experience or prior knowledge accept responsibility for own outcomes analyze situation and formulate a task sequence analyze work assignments