skill-matrix-author

Overview

Per ISTQB CTAL-TM v3.0 section 3.1.3, "test management needs to assess the existing test team skills and compare these with the required skills, which may be documented in a skills matrix" (CTAL-TM v3.0 §3.1.3, 2024; syllabus in References). This skill produces that matrix: rows are team members, columns are competency dimensions, and each cell carries a proficiency level plus the evidence that justifies it.

The output is two artifacts: the matrix (current state) and the gap analysis (matrix compared against the skills the team's projects require). The matrix without the comparison is a wall chart; the comparison is what drives training, hiring, and allocation decisions.

When to use

• A QA manager inherits or builds a team and needs a current-state capability map.
• The team's work is changing (new tech stack, new test level, new domain) and the manager must know whether the team can cover it.
• Before quarterly planning: the matrix plus gap analysis feeds the training budget and the hiring case.
• Before a training-budget decision or opening a requisition: Step 7's ranked gap report is the evidence the manager takes into those conversations.

Do not use this skill to: