TS 13171

TS 13171 is a vocational standard that defines the system designer occupation and sets out its professional framework. It focuses on what a system designer is, how the occupation is classified, which tools, equipment and hardware are associated with the role, and how the knowledge and skills required in this field are measured and assessed. In that sense, it establishes a common terminology between the job profile and occupational competence.

Role definition and classification

The standard is centered on describing the job profile and occupational position of a system designer in a consistent framework. In general technical terms, system design is the activity of planning the components of a software solution, information system or technical solution, together with the relationships between those components and the overall functional structure. Requirements understanding, architectural thinking and translating needs into an implementable structure are core concepts in this field.

Assessment of competence and working tools

The standard also covers the identification of the tools, equipment and hardware needed for the occupation, as well as the measurement and evaluation of the required knowledge and skill level. In general, standards of this kind help make visible a candidate’s technical understanding, problem-solving approach, documentation discipline and ability to relate system components correctly. For system design, the proper selection of hardware and software tools, verification of the design and consistent evaluation of outcomes are all important.

By defining the occupation’s boundaries and class characteristics, the document provides a shared reference for education, employment and professional assessment processes. Its reference sources and cited occupational classifications place it within the wider context of information technology and computing professions, while its main function is to establish a common professional language for the system designer role.