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Subject-matter expert
Subject-matter expert
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A subject-matter expert (SME) is a person who has accumulated great expertise in a particular field or topic, which expertise is reflected by the person's degree, licensure, and/or years' occupational experience in the subject. For example, a PhD in chemistry may easily qualify as a SME in chemistry, a person with a Second Class Radiotelegraph License or equivalent issued by the national licensing body as a SME in radiotelegraphy, a person with a master's degree in electronic engineering as a SME in electronics, and a person with many years' experience in machining as a SME in that field.

The term is used when those developing materials about a topic (a book, an examination, a manual, etc.) need expertise on that topic. For example, tests are often created by a team of psychometricians and a team of SMEs. The psychometricians understand how to engineer a test, while the SMEs understand the actual content of the exam.[1] Books, manuals, and technical documentation are developed by technical writers and instructional designers in conjunctions with SMEs. Technical communicators interview SMEs to extract information and convert it into a form suitable for the audience. SMEs are often required to sign off on the documents or training developed, checking it for technical accuracy. SMEs are also necessary for the development of training materials.[2]

By field

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In pharmaceutical and biotechnology areas, ASTM International standard E2500[3] specifies SMEs for various functions in project and process management. In one project, there will be many SMEs who are experts on air, water, utilities, process machines, process, packaging, storage, distribution and supply chain management.

"Subject Matter Experts are defined as those individuals with specific expertise and responsibility in a particular area or field (for example, quality unit, engineering, automation, development, operations). Subject Matter Experts should take the lead role in the verification of manufacturing systems as appropriate within their area of expertise and responsibility." —ASTM E2500 §6.7.1 and §6.7.2.[3]

In engineering and technical fields, a SME is the one who is an authority in the design concept as well as interior design, calculations and performance of a system or process.[citation needed]

In the scientific and academic fields, SMEs are recruited to perform peer reviews[4] and are used as oversight personnel to review reports in the accounting and financial fields.[5]

A lawyer in an administrative agency may be designated an SME if they specialize in a particular field of law, such as tort, intellectual property rights, etc. A law firm may seek out and use a SME as an expert witness.[6]

In electronic discovery environments, the term "SME" labels professionals with expertise using computer-assisted reviewing technology and technology-assisted review (TAR) to perform searches designed to produce precisely refined results that identify groups of data as potentially responsive or nonresponsive to relevant issues. E-discovery SMEs also typically have experience in constructing the search strings used in the search. It also refers to experts used to "train" the TAR systems.[7]

Domain expert (software)

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A domain expert is frequently used in expert systems software development, and there the term always refers to the domain other than the software domain. A domain expert is a person with special knowledge or skills in a particular area of endeavour[8] (e.g. an accountant is an expert in the domain of accountancy). The development of accounting software requires knowledge in two different domains: accounting and software. Some of the development workers may be experts in one domain and not the other.[9]

In software engineering environments, the term is used to describe professionals with expertise in the field of application. The term "SME" also has a broader definition in engineering and high tech as one who has the greatest expertise in a technical topic. SMEs are often asked to review, improve, and approve technical work; to guide others; and to teach. According to Six Sigma, a SME "exhibits the highest level of expertise in performing a specialized job, task, or skill of broad definition."[10]

In software development, as in the development of "complex computer systems" (e.g., artificial intelligence, expert systems, control, simulation, or business software), an SME is a person who is knowledgeable about the domain being represented (but often not knowledgeable about the programming technology used to represent it in the system). The SME tells the software developers what needs to be done by the computer system, and how the SME intends to use it. The SME may interact directly with the system, possibly through a simplified interface, or may codify domain knowledge for use by knowledge engineers or ontologists. An SME is also involved in validating the resulting system. SME has formal meaning in certain contexts, such as Capability Maturity Models.

Technical writing advisor

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In most medium- to large-size engineering or science-related organizations, SMEs are assigned to collect-and-provide and/or review-and-approve the necessary project assets a technical writer will need to accurately write a project document (e.g., user manual, installation manual, service bulletin, etc.). In most cases, SMEs collect and/or create all of the engineering-approved documentation assets required for a technical writer during a project's research and/or development phase. Assets required for accurate technical writing may include an outline, graphic drafts, CAD models, data, unique reference material locations, and any additional project information a technical writer is not expected to know. The SME either delivers this information to the technical writer before or on the day a document is assigned or the SME reviews the documentation assets the technical writer collects independently before a document is assigned. SMEs continue to support the technical writer throughout the documentation process with project change information and by providing answers to any project questions a technical writer may have. When a document is complete, the SME will provide a final review. The review may include the SME's sign-off or mark-ups for accuracy errors. The SME review serves as the final step in a standardized engineering document-review process.

In larger organizations, SMEs are often assigned limited engineering roles and the focus of their work is technical writing support. In smaller organizations, SMEs may be assigned a reduced level of engineering work so they may provide technical writing support when work allows. Some organizations do not have technical writers and rely on SMEs to perform this function for their assigned projects. However, this is less common in organizations where new projects or revisions are implemented weekly.

Web development and software organizations are slow to adopt the standardized engineering role for SMEs. In part, because web development and software organizations program unusually short development cycles for large volumes of content. As a result, many web development and software organizations invented their own simpler, non-standardized, peer-review processes as start-ups. Often, these organizations continue to rely on this quicker system for release, even as they grow. This system allows web development and software organizations to produce and deliver more content but with little to no formal revision control for content releases (i.e. a living document). In addition, web development and software organizations do not typically face the same liabilities for inaccurate documentation as other engineering and science organizations. The few that do follow a standardized engineering processes, which require SME review and approval, as a measure to protect customers from inaccurate documentation and reduce organization liabilities.

See also

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References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A subject-matter expert (SME) is an individual who possesses specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in a specific field or , enabling them to provide authoritative guidance, validation, and insights on complex matters within that domain. SMEs are distinguished by their deep understanding of professional standards, requirements, and practices in their area of expertise, often acquired through extensive education, training, or practical application. In professional and organizational contexts, SMEs play pivotal roles across sectors such as government, education, healthcare, and project management, where they contribute to critical functions like job analysis, policy development, and credentialing. For instance, in federal agencies, SMEs assist in evaluating personnel qualifications and resolving technical issues by drawing on their bona fide expertise about job duties and requirements. In project environments, they fill knowledge gaps, enhance team performance, and ensure the accuracy of deliverables by reviewing data, analyzing reports, and recommending solutions. Their involvement is essential for maintaining quality in areas like testing item development, where they validate content for fairness and relevance, and in instructional design, where they supply accurate course materials. The designation of an SME is not formal but emerges from demonstrated proficiency, often verified through peer recognition or institutional roles, underscoring their importance in fostering informed and . While SMEs are integral to specialized tasks, their effectiveness depends on clear communication and with non-experts to bridge knowledge disparities.

Definition and Overview

Definition

A subject-matter expert (SME) is an with in-depth, specialized and expertise in a particular subject area, discipline, or work process, recognized as such through qualifications that enable authoritative contributions in that domain. This expertise distinguishes SMEs from those with only general familiarity, as it encompasses not just theoretical understanding but also practical proficiency in applying concepts to real-world scenarios, often involving complex problem-solving or oversight of related activities. Such expertise is demonstrated through a combination of formal education, professional experience, , certifications, or , which collectively validate an individual's depth in the field. For instance, advanced degrees like a PhD in chemistry signify rigorous academic and original contributions, while certifications such as a radiotelegraph operator's confirm specialized technical competency. Peer-reviewed publications and extensive hands-on experience in the subject area further evidence this recognition, as they reflect sustained engagement and peer validation. In professional contexts, SMEs leverage this specialized knowledge to inform content and training development, ensuring accuracy and relevance in specialized applications.

Historical Development

The concept of the subject-matter expert (SME) emerged in the early 20th century amid the professionalization of technical fields, particularly during , when the rapid production of military equipment necessitated accurate documentation. U.S. factories manufactured vast quantities of war materials, including 89,000 tanks, 300,000 , and over 650,000 Jeeps, creating an urgent demand for technical manuals and guides that could be understood by diverse personnel. Technical writers collaborated closely with SMEs—engineers and specialists with deep —to ensure the precision and usability of these materials, marking an early formalized reliance on expert input for training and operational purposes. In the post-war era of the 1950s and , the SME role expanded alongside industrial and academic growth, as economies shifted toward specialized production and knowledge dissemination. Standardization bodies like , originally founded in 1898 but reorganized in 1946 to address post-war industrial needs, began incorporating expert contributions to develop rigorous testing and material standards, reflecting broader professionalization trends. Concurrently, the rise of specialized consulting firms, such as the expansion of and the emergence of strategy-focused entities like in the 1960s, elevated SMEs as essential advisors in organizational design and efficiency projects, bridging technical expertise with business applications. From the 1980s onward, the SME concept achieved greater formalization, influenced by technological advancements and regulatory frameworks. The boom of the amplified the need for domain specialists in and systems integration, where SMEs provided critical validation for complex implementations. A pivotal milestone came in 2007 with the publication of ASTM E2500, a standard guide for pharmaceutical and manufacturing systems that explicitly empowers SMEs to lead verification processes based on their specialized knowledge of critical system aspects, aligning with risk-based approaches in . Key developments in the further entrenched SME roles in specialized domains. In psychometric testing, organizations like , which advanced computer-based certification exams from the late , recruited SMEs to ensure scoring accuracy and , involving panels of experts in item development and standard-setting sessions. Similarly, in e-discovery processes following the 2006 amendments to the , SMEs emerged as vital for validating and in electronic handling, particularly in technology-assisted review workflows where experts trained algorithms on seed document sets.

Characteristics and Qualifications

Key Characteristics

A subject-matter expert (SME) is fundamentally defined by their depth of in a specialized field, acquired through extensive experience, which in certain domains such as electrical and engineering may span 10–15 years or more, allowing them to grasp intricate concepts, identify subtle nuances overlooked by others, and simplify complex ideas for broader comprehension. This profound expertise enables SMEs to provide accurate, contextually rich insights that form the backbone of informed and within their domain. Central to an SME's effectiveness are strong communication skills, which facilitate the translation of technical jargon into clear, accessible language tailored to non-experts, whether in , advising, or collaborative settings. SMEs adept at this skill use techniques such as with and audience-centered presentations to ensure their is not only shared but also understood and applied effectively by diverse stakeholders. Objectivity and reliability further distinguish SMEs, as they maintain independence from by grounding their opinions in verifiable , empirical , or accumulated professional experience, leading to consistent and discerning judgments that build credibility and trust. This impartial approach ensures that SME contributions remain focused on factual accuracy rather than subjective influences. Adaptability is a critical trait for SMEs, involving a commitment to continuous learning to track and integrate field advancements, thereby enabling flexible application of expertise in changing environments. This adaptive mindset, which emphasizes restructuring knowledge and exploring new contexts, sustains an SME's and effectiveness amid rapid technological and professional evolution.

Required Qualifications

Qualifications for becoming a subject-matter expert vary by field and context but often include an advanced educational background in the relevant discipline, such as a or , particularly in academic and settings like course development or fellowships, to establish a strong theoretical foundation and specialized knowledge. For instance, in course development, a or is typically expected, complemented by significant . Similarly, in educational contexts, applicants must hold a or higher to meet subject knowledge expertise requirements. However, expertise can also be recognized through extensive training and practical without advanced degrees, as emphasized in and organizational definitions. Professional experience serves as a critical prerequisite, with most roles demanding a minimum of 3 to 10 years in the field to demonstrate practical application of . Organizations like NOCTI require at least three years of technical experience for subject-matter experts contributing to assessments, while senior roles often necessitate 5 or more years, escalating to 10 years for audiences at executive levels or in complex domains. In science and fellowships, a doctoral degree paired with five years of experience or a master's with ten years qualifies individuals as experts. This hands-on tenure allows for the refinement of skills and the accumulation of insights that transcend academic training alone. Field-specific certifications and licensure further validate expertise by enforcing standardized professional benchmarks. In engineering, the Professional Engineer (PE) license requires a four-year accredited engineering degree, four years of progressive experience under a licensed engineer, and passing both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. For legal experts, bar admission mandates earning a (J.D.) degree from an accredited and passing a state , along with meeting moral character standards. In healthcare, board certifications from bodies like the (ABMS) provide ongoing evaluation of physicians' knowledge and skills, ensuring alignment with current practices in specialties such as or . These credentials not only confirm competence but also require periodic renewal to maintain relevance. Expertise is ultimately validated through peer recognition, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, contributions to standards bodies, or invitations to expert panels. Peer-reviewed publications, in particular, undergo scrutiny by field specialists, serving as a rigorous endorsement of an individual's contributions and depth of . Participation in standards development, such as through professional organizations, further affirms status, as seen in roles where experts author guidelines or review protocols for bodies like the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). These methods provide objective measures of influence and reliability within professional communities.

Roles and Responsibilities

In Content and Training Development

Subject-matter experts (SMEs) collaborate closely with instructional designers, psychometricians, and technical writers to develop essential educational and , including tests, manuals, books, and comprehensive training programs. This involves SMEs providing in-depth to outline key topics, define learning objectives, and supply accurate content that aligns with real-world applications, while instructional designers structure the materials for effective delivery. A core responsibility of SMEs in this process is ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and factual correctness of the content through rigorous validation. They review drafts for technical precision, eliminate biases or outdated information, and confirm that materials reflect current industry standards, often participating in iterative feedback loops to refine modules and assessments. In developing certification exams, SMEs contribute by working with testing organizations such as , where they form content development teams alongside psychometric specialists to write clear, unbiased test items linked to validated practice competencies and supported by approved references. Similarly, for technical documentation aimed at compliance, SMEs validate procedures and specifications to meet regulatory requirements, such as in medical device manuals or safety protocols, preventing costly errors in implementation. The involvement of SMEs in these efforts significantly reduces errors in training materials and enhances learner outcomes by bridging theoretical with practical skills, as evidenced by indicating that trained SMEs improve the applicability and effectiveness of technical training when supported adequately. In specialized contexts, such as serving as advisors, SMEs ensure documentation clarity and adherence to standards.

In Consulting and Decision-Making

Subject-matter experts (SMEs) play a pivotal advisory role in consulting by providing specialized opinions that guide , , and policy formulation. In , SMEs contribute to identifying and categorizing risks through facilitated workshops, where they brainstorm potential events, assess likelihood and impact, and refine risk matrices to align with organizational tolerances. For instance, an SME might evaluate the of team turnover by analyzing historical on departure rates and potential disruptions, enabling teams to prioritize mitigation strategies. In policy formulation, SMEs offer independent perspectives to influence organizational decisions, acting as advisers who analyze and recommend changes free from internal biases. SMEs also provide critical decision support by analyzing data to inform strategies and ensure . In contexts, they help develop strategies by leveraging deep to evaluate operational risks and recommend actionable improvements, such as enhancing through targeted audits. For , SMEs participate in oversight committees, like the SME Implementation Group under the , where they advise on the application and updates to accounting standards for small and medium-sized entities, ensuring practical implementation across jurisdictions. In supply chain audits, external SMEs conduct objective assessments of operations, identifying compliance gaps and supporting informed decisions on supplier management to mitigate risks like . In legal proceedings, SMEs often serve as expert witnesses, testifying based on their specialized knowledge to clarify complex issues for the court. Qualified under Federal Rule of Evidence 702, these experts must demonstrate relevant expertise through education, experience, or training, with the court acting as a to ensure testimony reliability via standards like testability and . Their opinions assist the in understanding or determining issues, such as interpreting technical data in forensic cases, provided the analysis is based on sufficient facts and reliable methods.

Applications by Field

In Science and Engineering

In science and , subject-matter experts (SMEs) play a pivotal in ensuring the reliability and of technical processes through their involvement in design validation, performance calculations, and . These professionals apply specialized knowledge to verify that designs meet intended specifications, often using risk-based approaches to identify critical parameters such as load-bearing capacities in structural components. For instance, in structural integrity assessments, SMEs evaluate behaviors under simulated stress conditions to prevent failures in infrastructure projects, drawing on principles from and . In scientific research, SMEs contribute significantly to peer review processes for publications, where they scrutinize methodologies, data interpretation, and conclusions to uphold rigorous standards. This expertise helps filter out flawed studies, ensuring that only validated findings advance scientific knowledge. Additionally, SMEs oversee experimental protocols by designing and reviewing procedures to minimize errors and biases, such as in setups for chemical reactions or biological assays, thereby safeguarding the integrity of results.

In Business, Law, and Healthcare

In business, subject matter experts (SMEs) play a pivotal role in , , and by providing specialized knowledge to support , , and . For instance, in financial audits, SMEs contribute to evaluating complex areas such as valuations and structures, enhancing audit quality through improved identification and compliance assurance. In accounting, they ensure adherence to regulatory standards by reviewing financial practices and mitigating errors that could lead to penalties. In the legal field, SMEs frequently serve as expert witnesses, offering impartial testimony on specialized topics to assist courts in understanding complex evidence. Their role involves providing opinions based on deep domain knowledge, which helps the trier of fact interpret technical details in litigation. Additionally, SMEs act as e-discovery specialists, particularly in technology-assisted review (TAR) processes, where they validate document relevance by tagging examples in control sets to train predictive coding models, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy in large-scale reviews. This expertise ensures the integrity of electronic discovery practices in legal proceedings. Seminal work on TAR highlights its effectiveness over manual review, with SMEs central to protocol implementation. In healthcare and pharmaceuticals, SMEs guide clinical trials by ensuring protocol design aligns with ethical and scientific standards, while overseeing to meet requirements from bodies like the FDA. They provide expertise in and , collaborating across teams to maintain integrity throughout trial phases. In biotech , SMEs apply standards such as ASTM E2500, identifying critical quality attributes and verifying manufacturing systems for pharmaceutical production. Under this framework, they conduct risk-based assessments and document process capabilities, replacing traditional qualification steps with expert-driven reviews to support GMP compliance. This approach is particularly vital for biopharmaceutical utilities and facilities.

Specialized Roles

Domain Expert in Software

A domain expert in software refers to a subject matter expert (SME) from a non-technical field, such as , , or , who contributes specialized knowledge to ensure that software systems accurately reflect and support domain-specific processes and requirements. These experts are typically professionals or end-users who lack programming skills but possess deep understanding of their field's rules, workflows, and constraints. Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between abstract technical development and practical, real-world application, preventing misalignments that could arise from developers' limited domain familiarity. In the software development lifecycle, domain experts participate actively in key phases to validate accuracy and functionality. During requirements gathering, they articulate business needs, user scenarios, and regulatory stipulations to inform system specifications, working closely with analysts to refine functional requirements. In user acceptance testing (UAT), they evaluate prototypes and final builds against domain criteria, approving test plans and identifying discrepancies that ensure the software meets operational standards. Additionally, they contribute to system design reviews by advising on workflow integration, helping developers incorporate domain logic without compromising or compliance. This involvement fosters iterative , reducing ambiguities early in the process. For instance, a financial SME might review to verify compliance with relevant regulations, ensuring features for transaction monitoring align with legal and standards. Similarly, a serving as a domain expert could validate bioinformatics tools by confirming that algorithms for genomic adhere to biological principles, such as accuracy. These examples highlight how external expertise tailors software to niche demands. The primary benefits of domain experts in software include bridging technical gaps to enhance solution relevance and prevent costly deployment errors, such as non-compliant features leading to fines or operational failures. By providing contextual insights, they improve and user adoption, ultimately reducing rework and supporting scalable implementations. This expertise also promotes organizational knowledge sharing, as seen in collaborative environments where SMEs guide developers toward domain-aligned innovations.

Technical Writing Advisor

In the role of technical writing advisor, subject matter experts (SMEs) serve as authoritative providers of specialized knowledge, supplying and approving technical content essential for manuals, guides, and reports to ensure factual integrity and . This advisory function involves SMEs contributing detailed explanations of complex processes or systems, often drawn from their domain experience, to form the foundation of that bridges expert insights with user needs. For example, in developing operational guides for industrial equipment, SMEs verify and endorse sections on safety protocols and functional specifications to align with real-world applications. SMEs collaborate iteratively with technical writers by reviewing drafts, offering feedback to refine for precision, and eliminating ambiguities that could confuse end-users. This emphasizes clear communication, where SMEs act as gatekeepers, ensuring that and procedures accurately reflect technical realities without oversimplification. In software interface documentation, for instance, an SME might approve wireframes or step-by-step instructions during review cycles to confirm and correctness. Such interactions, while building on broader content development efforts, focus specifically on polishing written materials for . The outcomes of this advisory role significantly enhance the overall quality of technical documents, making them more intuitive and reliable for users across various fields. By reducing potential misinterpretations through rigorous approval and , SMEs help mitigate operational risks, such as errors in handling or procedural non-compliance, ultimately supporting safer and more efficient . Studies of writer-SME dynamics highlight how this fosters that not only meets organizational standards but also decreases post-release support demands.

References

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