Kharkiv IT Cluster initiated and successfully continues the creation of professional standards for professions in the field of Information Technology and related professions.

This process does not take place in a vacuum – we act in cooperation with the National Qualifications Agency and industry experts. The standards will become part of the national qualifications system, which ensures international recognition of Ukrainian specialists.

What is a professional standard?

A professional standard is a document that defines what knowledge, skills and competencies a specialist needs to work effectively in a real business environment.

It helps to clearly delineate functions in teams, creates clear development trajectories for specialists, allows confirming qualifications even without a university diploma, and adapts international requirements to Ukrainian realities.

Why is a professional standard needed?

The purpose of the standard is to clearly define what knowledge and skills specialists need to be effective in a real business environment.

This standard will affect:

• the content of educational programs in educational institutions;
• HR practices in companies;
• human resource assessment and development;
• international recognition of Ukrainian specialists.

Why is this important for business?

• Quick start for beginners: less time for additional training, more time for results.
• Transparency in the human resources market: clear vacancies. Objective assessment of candidates.
• Predicted career tracks.
• Education without detachment from reality: universities update programs in accordance with professional standards – so graduates better meet market needs.
• International recognition: synchronization with European classifications is a plus for competitiveness.
• Confirmation of qualifications without a diploma: a specialist can independently acquire knowledge, pass testing according to the standard and receive a state certificate.

What are the stages of project implementation?

1. Formation of a working group
2. Analysis of labor market requests and international standards
3. Definition of labor functions and competencies for each profession.
4. Expert surveys and public discussions to confirm the compliance of standards with market needs.
5. Standards are agreed with industry organizations and included in the National Qualifications Register.

Expected results

• Creation of a transparent professional development system that will facilitate recruitment and talent management in companies.
• Reduction of costs for further training of young specialists.
• Increasing the attractiveness of the Ukrainian IT industry for international investors.

What has already been done?

Together with IT companies, educational and government partners, we have started developing professional standards for three important roles.

I. Professional standard «Information Technology Manager»

Stage: Public discussion until 08.10.2025

Purpose of activity by profession:

Ensuring a sustainable, secure, innovation-oriented IT infrastructure of the company that meets its strategic goals and contributes to the effective support of all business processes.

II. Professional standard «Software Development Project Manager»

Stage: Public discussion until 28.09.2025

Purpose of activity by profession:

Ensure the successful implementation of the project by managing its full life cycle, adhering to established constraints (timeline, budget, quality), coordinating the work of the team, taking into account the specifics of roles and using modern SDLC approaches and technology stacks. The project manager directs his activities to achieving agreed results, supporting transparent interaction with stakeholders, and forming effective communication within the team and externally.

III. Professional standard for the group of professions «Chief software specialist. Software developer. Specialist in the development of computer programs and software»

Stage: Formation of the working group by 17.10.2025

Kharkiv IT Cluster invites representatives of IT companies to join the working group on the development of professional standards. Together we will create high-quality conditions for the training of specialists who will shape the future of the IT industry of Ukraine.

Join

In addition, representatives of Kharkiv IT Cluster are involved in working groups to develop the following professional standards:

1. Professional standard «Internet of Things Engineer», State University of Information and Communication Technologies
2. Professional standard «Software Engineer», State University of Information and Communication Technologies
3. Professional standard «AI Development Director», «Public Union Association of Outsourcing Professionals of Ukraine»
4. Professional standard «Career Advisor», «Public Union Association of Outsourcing Professionals of Ukraine»

Who is already involved?

Leading experts from IT companies and educational institutions joined the working group for two standards:

Vorochek Olga — Associate Professor of the Department of Software Engineering, Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics

Holovanova Maya — Associate Professor of the Department of Information Technologies, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Kharkiv Technological University «SHAG»

Hrynchenko Marina — Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Project Management, National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»

Danko Taras — Director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Economics, Management and International Business, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»

Diyuk Iryna — Project Manager, EPAM Ukraine

Dotsenko Nataliya — Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Professor of the Department of Project Management in Municipal Economy and Construction, Kharkiv National University of Municipal Economy named after O. M. Beketova, NGO «Ukrainian Scientific and Educational IT Society»

Zaslavska Kateryna — Project manager, EPAM Ukraine, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Hotel and Restaurant Business, Semyon Kuznets Kharkiv National Economic University

Kob Anton — Advisor to the Director, State Enterprise «INFOTECH»

Morenko Maksym — Head of the Project Management Department of Information Systems Management, Information Systems Development Department, State Enterprise «INFOTECH»

Kravtsova Oleksandra — Project/Product manager, AVS

Maksymov Mykhailo — Developer, PIOGroup; Senior Lecturer, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University

Minenko Sofia — Doctor of Philosophy in Management, Associate Professor, State Biotechnological University

Odyntsova Kateryna — Lead Project manager, WebMeridian

Plakhov Volodymyr — Head of PMO, Eurasia Foundation

Prokhorenko Olena — Professor of the Department of Management, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»

Savytska Natalia — Head of the Department of Marketing, Reputation Management and Customer Experience, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, State Biotechnological University

Savin Anatoliy — PfMP, MSPM, PMP, MCP, Director and Founder of PMDoc, winner of the PMI Eric Jenett Project Management Excellence Awardх. PMI Ukraine Chapter

Foshchiy Petro — Associate Professor of the Department of Management, Candidate of Economic Sciences, National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»

Khudolii Maksym — Educational Manager, SoftServe

Join now

For questions about joining the working group, please contact the coordinator of educational programs and events of Kharkiv IT Cluster at:

📩 Olena Dudnik — edu.manager@it-kharkiv.com