3  Level Distinctions

The differences between DSP and AdvDSP requirements can be summarized across four dimensions:

Dimension	Description
Responsibility	The higher the level of certification, the greater the level of responsibility and accountability
Decision making	The level of authority to make decisions and the impact across the organization
Complexity	Technical complexity (associated with technical skills applied) and organizational complexity (skills and decision-making that apply across and potentially beyond the organization)
Business impact	How far-reaching actions may apply and impact, and understanding of how and on whom they impact

3.1 DSP Requirements

Applicants for DSP status must demonstrate that they have personal responsibility for their own work, including ethical consideration, and apply technical skills in delivering outcomes. They should also demonstrate some of the following:

• Have responsibility for activities of a section or team
• Have decision-making authority at the section or team level
• Act as an advisor/consultant at a departmental level
• Understand how their individual practice affects other departments

3.2 AdvDSP Requirements

Applicants for AdvDSP status must demonstrate that they are fully accountable for their own work and that of others, including ethical considerations, and undertake a range of complex work activities that have a significant impact. They should also demonstrate some of the following:

• Have responsibility for a significant function across the organization
• Have significant decision-making authority within their given area of expertise
• Act as an adviser/consultant at a strategic level
• Consider the impact across the business and, more widely, of actions undertaken based on their decisions