Explore category - Abilities

Skills and Competencies Taxonomy 2025 Version 1.0

Innate and developed aptitudes that facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills to carry out expected work.

Cognitive Abilities

Abilities that influence the acquisition and application of knowledge in performing various mental processes at work.

Descriptor	Definition
Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules, such as patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures or mathematical operations.
Categorization Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to produce logical answers for specific problems.
Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions, which includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events.
Fluency of IdeasFluency of Ideas[Endnotes] Endnotes - Fluency of Ideas This descriptor has similarities with the descriptor "Creativity and innovation" from the ESDC-Skills for Success (SFS) model. The SCT and SFS definitions are slightly different because they have different purposes and target groups. The SFS definition of "Creativity and innovation" is: Your ability to imagine, develop, express, encourage, and apply ideas in ways that are novel, unexpected, or challenge existing methods and norms. For example, we use this skill to discover better ways of doing things, develop new products, and deliver services in a new way.	The ability to come up with multiple ideas about a topic.
Problem IdentificationProblem Identification[Endnotes] Endnotes - Problem Identification For the purposes of the Taxonomy, the title of the O*NET descriptor "Problem Sensitivity" has been changed to "Problem Identification". The French translation is titled "Détection de problèmes."	The ability to identify an existing or potential problem. It is not about solving the problem, but only about recognizing its presence.
Numerical AbilityNumerical Ability[Endnotes] Endnotes - Numerical Ability The descriptor's definition was updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy (SCT) to clarify the previous wording, which was: “The ability to carry out arithmetical processes accurately such as addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.” This descriptor has similarities to “Numeracy” under the ESDC-Skills for Success (SFS) model. The SCT and SFS definitions are slightly different because they have different purposes and target groups. The SFS definition of “Numeracy” is: “Your ability to find, understand, use, and report mathematical information presented through words, numbers, symbols, and graphics. For example, we use this skill to perform calculations, manage budgets, analyze and model data and make estimations.”	The ability to process arithmetical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Mathematical ReasoningMathematical Reasoning[Endnotes] Endnotes - Mathematical Reasoning This descriptor has similarities to “Numeracy” under the ESDC-Skills for Success (SFS) model. The SCT and SFS definitions are slightly different because they have different purposes and target groups. The SFS definition of “Numeracy” is: “Your ability to find, understand, use, and report mathematical information presented through words, numbers, symbols, and graphics. For example, we use this skill to perform calculations, manage budgets, analyze and model data and make estimations.”	The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
MemorizingMemorizing[Endnotes] Endnotes - Memorizing "Memorization" covers "Significant Use of Memory" from the Essential Skills framework.	The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures or procedures.
MultitaskingMultitasking[Endnotes] Endnotes - Multitasking The descriptor's definition was updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy to clarify the previous wording, which was: “The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information during the same time period (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).”	The ability to alternate between two or more activities or sources of information, such as conversations, sounds, touch or other stimuli, during the same period.
Pattern Identification	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern such as a figure, object, word or sound that is hidden in other information or material.
Pattern Organization SpeedPattern Organization Speed[Endnotes] Endnotes - Pattern Organization Speed For the purposes of the Taxonomy, the title of the O*NET descriptor "Speed of Closure" has been changed to "Pattern Organisation Speed". The French translation is titled "Rapidité d'organisation de structures."	The ability to quickly combine and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Perceptual Speed	The ability to compare, quickly and accurately, similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time, one after the other or with a remembered object.
Spatial Orientation	The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or know where objects are in relation to you.
Spatial Visualization	The ability to think visually about geometric forms, comprehend the two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional objects and recognize the relationships resulting from the movement of objects in space.
Verbal AbilityVerbal Ability[Endnotes] Endnotes - Verbal Ability Verbal ability is understood as a prerequisite to verbal communication, enabling a person to communicate effectively. This descriptor has similarities with the descriptor “Communication” from the ESDC-Skills for Success (SFS) model. The SCT and SFS definitions are slightly different because they have different purposes and target groups. The SFS definition of “Communication” is: “Your ability to receive, understand, consider, and share information and ideas through speaking, listening, and interacting with others. For example, we use this skill to listen to instructions, serve customers and discuss ideas.”	The ability to understand the meaning, precise use, associated ideas and relationships of spoken words and to use them in the proper context when presenting information or ideas.
Written ComprehensionWritten Comprehension[Endnotes] Endnotes - Written Comprehension This descriptor has similarities with the descriptor “Reading” from the ESDC-Skills for Success (SFS) model. The SCT and SFS definitions are slightly different because they have different purposes and target groups. The SFS definition of “Reading” is: “Your ability to find, understand, and use information presented through words, symbols, and images. For example, we use this skill to locate information on forms and drawings, and to read items such as emails, reports, news articles, blog posts and instructions.”	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in written form.
Written ExpressionWritten Expression[Endnotes] Endnotes - Written Expression This descriptor has similarities with the descriptor “Writing” from the ESDC-Skills for Success (SFS) model. The SCT and SFS definitions are slightly different because they have different purposes and target groups. The SFS definition of “Writing” is: “Your ability to share information using written words, symbols, and images. For example, we use this skill to fill out forms and applications, and write emails, reports and social media posts.”	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and adapting the writing style to the audience so that they can understand.
Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Form PerceptionForm Perception[Endnotes] Endnotes - Form Perception The descriptor's definition was updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy to clarify the previous wording, which was: “The ability to perceive pertinent detail in objects and graphic material; to make visual comparisons and discriminations and to see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures and widths and lengths of lines.”	The ability to notice details, make visual comparisons or distinctions, and identify differences in shapes, shading, dimensions or patterns in various types of information, materials, environments or other visual contexts.
General Learning AbilityGeneral Learning Ability[Endnotes] Endnotes - General Learning Ability The descriptor's definition was updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy to clarify the previous wording, which was: “The ability to "catch on" or understand instructions and underlies principles to reason and make judgments.”	The ability to grasp, understand and assimilate new information and instructions and their underlying principles, and to filter them through reasoning and judgment.

Physical Abilities

Abilities needed to perform physical activities that require strength, endurance, flexibility, balance or coordination.

Descriptor	Definition
Trunk Strength	The ability to exert your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Static Strength	The ability to exert muscle force to lift, push, pull, carry or transfer objects.
Dynamic Strength	The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength	The ability to exert short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself, as in jumping or sprinting, to throw an object or to apply force with a tool.
Multi-Limb Coordination	The ability to coordinate two or more limbs, such as two arms, two legs or one leg and one arm, while sitting, standing or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Coordination	The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium	The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Body FlexibilityBody Flexibility[Endnotes] Endnotes - Body Flexibility For the purposes of the Taxonomy, the label of the O*NET descriptor “Extent Flexibility” has been changed to "Body Flexibility.” The French translation is “Flexibilité corporelle.”	The ability to bend, stretch, twist or reach with your body, arms or legs, as required.
Dynamic Flexibility	The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist or reach out with your body, arms or legs.
Stamina	The ability to perform intense physical activities over long periods without becoming winded or out of breath.

Psychomotor Abilities

Abilities needed to manipulate and control objects.

Descriptor	Definition
Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving or holding them in one position.
Finger Dexterity	The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate or assemble small objects.
Manual Dexterity	The ability to move your hand, your hand together with your arm or your two hands to grasp, manipulate or assemble objects or tools.
Hand-Eye CoordinationHand-Eye Coordination[Endnotes] Endnotes - Hand-Eye Coordination The descriptor's label was updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy to clarify the previous wording, which was: “Motor Coordination.”	The ability to coordinate eyes, hands and fingers accurately to respond with precise movements.
Rate Control	The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object.
Control of Settings	The ability to adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Multi-Signal Response	The ability to choose quickly between one or more movements with the hand, finger or foot in response to the appearance of two or more different signals such as lights, sounds or images.
Reaction Time	The ability to respond quickly with one or more limbs to a stimulus such as noise, light or image.
Speed of Limb Movement	The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion	The ability to make fast, simple and repeated movements of the fingers, hands and wrists.

Sensory Abilities

Abilities needed to perform activities that require visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory or speech perception.

Descriptor	Definition
Auditory Attention	The ability to give full attention on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity	The ability to detect or distinguish the differences between sounds in terms of pitch and volume.
Speech Clarity	The ability to articulate and pronounce words clearly, so others can understand you when you speak.
Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Sound Localization	The ability to identify the direction, origin and distance from which a sound comes.
Far Vision	The ability to see details of objects and people at a distance.
Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range.
Peripheral Vision	The ability to see objects, people or their movement in the peripheral field of vision when looking ahead.
Depth Perception	The ability to discern which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to estimate the distance between you and an object.
Glare Tolerance	The ability to see objects or people in the presence of glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision	The ability to see under low light conditions.
Colour Perception	The ability to match or detect differences or similarities between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
Smell	The ability to perceive odours through the nose.
Taste	The ability to recognize or verify a particular flavor of a substance by tasting it.
Touch	The ability to acquire information about the environment through skin contact.