As part of the Experience Profile submission, you must provide a reference who can verify your work on the project or engagement you describe. This article explains who you may choose, the purpose of the reference, and what information must be included in the reference letter.
Who Should I Choose as a Reference?
Your reference should ideally be a customer, either internal or external, who can speak directly to your contribution on the project.
If a customer reference is not possible, the next best option is someone who:
- Is knowledgeable about your work
- Is not in your direct chain of command
- Is familiar with your contribution to the project
The key requirement is that the reference must not be your immediate manager.
The policy states:
“Your reference may be a customer/client or a Master Certified / Distinguished professional who is not your immediate manager.”
If the person providing your reference is not your immediate manager now, you may use them—even if they were previously in your reporting line.
What Is the Purpose of the Reference?
The reference is used to verify your work on the project or engagement described in your Experience Profile.
Specifically, the reference must confirm:
- That you worked on the project during the period stated
- That you performed the role you describe in your application
This is not a general character reference. It must be specific to the project you are using for your Experience Profile.
Important: Reference letters must be written in English.
What Information Should Be Included in the Reference Letter?
At a minimum, the reference letter must include:
- Name of the project
- Start and end dates of the project
- Your role in the project
- The author’s relationship to the project
- The author’s working relationship to you
Providing these details ensures the Peer Review Board can validate your evidence and confirm that your Experience Profile accurately reflects your contribution.