For the CFSD® diploma, in addition to passing four exams, you must write a reflection report.
This is a document with a length of between 750 and 1,500 words in which you describe a project (relevant for the diploma) that you have worked on, using the so-called “STARR method”:
S: Situation. Briefly and objectively describe the background and context of the project.
T: Task. Explain your responsibilities in the situation, focusing on your own individual contributions and any leadership you may have displayed.
A: Actions. Detail the steps you took to address the situation.
R: Result. Share the outcome of your actions.
R: Reflection. Discuss what you learned from the experience and how it shaped your approach going forward.
The document must be written in English, by you personally (NOT using ChatGPT or similar tools!). State clearly who your intended audience is.
Your reflection report must enable us to determine the following:
- How do you develop your professional skills? Do you take initiative to do so? Do you ask for guidance? Do you demonstrate meaningful reflection on the process you followed and the outcome of your actions, thereby enabling you to deepen and improve your professional skills over time?
- To what extent were you able to use, combine, and integrate detailed information that you acquired as part of the CFSD® diploma program (and that was tested in the various individual exams)?
- Are you able to express yourself clearly, using appropriate language, conventions, and examples? Is the report suitable for your intended audience, and for the message you want to convey?
- To what extent were you responsible for the results of your own work and/or that of others?
Your report must contain the following statement (not included in the word count):
I herewith declare that this reflection report is entirely my own work, has not been written or generated by any AI language model or third party, and truthfully represents my personal experiences, thoughts, and understanding.
For your reflection report, you will obtain either a “PASS” or a “FAIL”, based on the following rubric:
| Aspect | Insufficient (0 points) | Sufficient (5 points) | Excellent (10 points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Situation | No evidence of collaboration in an unfamiliar, changing (possibly international) environment with peers, colleagues, supervisors, and relevant third parties | Evidence of collaboration in an unfamiliar, changing (possibly international) environment with peers, colleagues, supervisors, and relevant third parties | Evidence of collaboration in an unfamiliar, changing (possibly international) environment with peers, colleagues, supervisors, specialists, and relevant third parties |
| Task | No responsibility for results of own work or the work of others, or for managing unpredictable situations | Responsibility for the results of own work; shared responsibility for the results of the work of others, and for managing unpredictable situations | Responsibility for the results of own work and the results of the work of others; shared responsibility for managing unpredictable situations, and for the professional development of others |
| Action | No evidence that detailed information has been processed, combined, analyzed, and used | Evidence that detailed information has been processed, combined, analyzed, and used | Evidence that detailed information has been processed, combined, critically analyzed, and used, including information about important current issues |
| Result | No things that went well, or no suggestions for improvement | One thing that went well; at least one suggestion for improvement | At least two things that went well; at least one suggestion for improvement |
| Reflection | No evidence of meaningful reflection on learning and results, evaluation thereof, or taking initiative for professional development | Evidence of meaningful reflection on learning and results, and evaluation thereof, taking initiative for professional development (asking for help if required) | Evidence of meaningful reflection on learning and results, and evaluation thereof, and taking initiative (fully self-sufficient) for professional development |
| Communication Skills | Language, conventions, and examples used not suitable for intended communication goal or target audience | Language, conventions, and examples used suitable for intended communication goal and a target audience that does not include specialists or members of the scientific community | Language, conventions, and examples used suitable for intended communication goal and a target audience that may include specialists or members of the scientific community |
For each of the aspects, you will be awarded either 0, 5, or 10 points. To obtain a “PASS”, you need a minimum of 30 points.
Your report must end with a statement signed by someone who can judge whether what you have written is correct and truthful (also not included in the word count):
I hereby confirm that I have reviewed this report and declare that, to the best of my knowledge, the information provided is accurate and truthful.
Name:
Email address:
Telephone number:
Relationship to the candidate: co-worker – manager/supervisor – client (circle one)
Date:
Signature:
