A subject-matter expert (SME) is an individual recognized as having a special skill or specialized knowledge of a process in a particular field, or of a piece of equipment.
SMEs develop their expertise over a long period of time, maintaining a continuous study and connection in their field of expertise, including publishing books or articles on their topic, and transferring knowledge. They are crucial for the ADDIE process.
Clearly, an SME, must have demonstrable:
A SME has education, training, knowledge, and experience.
SME have the skills to perform mental and physical activities acquired or developed through training or experience.
They also demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities, along with documented training for personnel to properly perform the duties of a specific job or task.
Subject matter experts possess practical knowledge or body of information applied directly to the performance of a task. They also are versed in the theoretical knowledge and can differentiate between facts and information, and knowledge.
Finally they possess the a high level of experience. This will include years of experience, level of experience, and type of experience.
A true SME will be honest, and know their limitations but be able to improvise, share their knowledge freely, and be continuously learning.
Other types of ‘subject-matter experts’
Deep smarts are individuals who have expertise, amassed through years of experience, which helps them make wise, swift, tactical, and strategic decisions
T-shaped experts have a deep, knowledge in their own expertise, but also have broad
knowledge of general business issues and other departments and disciplines.
Conclusion
A subject-matter expert has specialist skills, knowledge, and experience in a particular field. The education/skill/knowledge/experience/training acquired over many years, and must be demonstrable and documented.
The SME will be continuously learning, and have their expertise recognized by their industry and peers, which gives further support to their credibility.
