Description
An IRM (Level 2–5) must complete a one-time set of required topics within the first two years of being designated. Level 1 IRMs are exempt from this requirement.
Scope
This standard applies to Texas state agencies and institutions of higher education.
Explanation
Level 2–5 IRMs must complete a specified number of continuing education hours in required topics within the first two years of being designated. This is a one-time, not recurring, requirement.
Example: A newly designated Level 5 IRM must complete 60 hours of training in the first two years (30 hours each fiscal year). Of these 60 hours, at least 24 should be required topics.
Procedure
Using this required topics list and the chart in the guidelines below, select training based on the required topics for your IRM level. When reporting your CPE hours to DIR, be sure to indicate that the training is a required topic.
- Strategic Planning – understanding strategic planning and steps involved in the planning effort
- Communication – communicating technical information to non-technical stakeholders
- Training – topics supporting the importance of training the people who use the agency’s information resources and IR technologies
- Quality Assurance – Implementing quality assurance programs and minimizing risk on IT projects
- Business Value of IT – Balancing the technical aspects of information resources and IR technologies with the agency’s business needs
- Contracting – topics on contract negotiation or contract management
Required topics are based on legislative mandates, trends affecting both technology and government, and critical knowledge areas needed for successful IR management. IRMs will be notified of any changes or additions to the list of required topics.
Guidelines: Required Hours per IRM Level
The following table identifies required topics for each competency area and the minimum number of hours required for IRM Levels 2 through 5.
1.0 Strategic Planning and Policy Issues
Strategic planning (level appropriate to current experience)
Level 2: 6
Level 3: 6
Level 4: 6
Level 5: 6
2.0 Managerial and Leadership Competencies
IRM must have CPEs in both areas below. The combined total should at least equal the required hours stated.
- Communication of technical information to non-technical staff
- Training of staff who use the agency’s information technology resources
Level 2: 0
Level 3: 0
Level 4: 6
Level 5: 6
3.0 IT Performance Assessment
Business value of information technology
Level 2: 0
Level 3: 3
Level 4: 3
Level 5: 3
4.0 Project / Program Management
Quality Assurance and/or Risk Management
Level 2: 0
Level 3: 0
Level 4: 3
Level 5: 3
5.0 Capital Planning, Investment Assessment, and IT Acquisition
Contract Negotiation and/or Contract Management
Level 2: 0
Level 3: 3
Level 4: 3
Level 5: 6
6.0 Information Technology Topics and Trends
No required topics in this competency
Level 2: 0
Level 3: 0
Level 4: 0
Level 5: 0
Total, Required-Topic CPEs
To be completed within two years of an individual’s designation as agency IRM
Level 2: 6
Level 3: 12
Level 4: 21
Level 5: 24
Year Zero Grandfather Clause
Educational activities completed in the year immediately prior to designation qualify for CPE credit, if those activities satisfy a required topic.
Example: IRM designated on September 1. A Level 4 IRM who attended a one-day (6 CPE) strategic planning course the previous summer may report the requirement for that topic has been met. However, it would not count toward the 24 CPEs needed for the current fiscal year, because the training occurred in the previous fiscal year.
Source
1 TAC 211.11
1 TAC 211.21
