Explore category - Skills

Skills and Competencies Taxonomy 2025 Version 1.0

Developed capabilities that an individual must have to be effective in a job, role, function, task or duty.

Foundational Skills

Developed capabilities that facilitate the more rapid acquisition of other skills and knowledge.

Descriptor	Definition
Oral Communication: Active ListeningOral Communication: Active Listening[Endnotes] Endnotes - Oral Communication: Active Listening 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. In the SFS model, the “Communication” descriptor includes active listening, oral comprehension, and oral expression, which are found separately in the SCT. 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 capability to give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate and not interrupt at inappropriate times.
Oral Communication: Oral ComprehensionOral Communication: Oral Comprehension[Endnotes] Endnotes - Oral Communication: Oral Comprehension 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. In the SFS model, the “Communication” descriptor includes active listening, oral comprehension, and oral expression, which are found separately in the SCT. 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 Skills and Competencies Taxonomy and Skills for Success definitions are slightly different because they have different purposes and target groups.	The capability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Communication: Oral ExpressionOral Communication: Oral Expression[Endnotes] Endnotes - Oral Communication: Oral Expression 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. In the SFS model, the “Communication” descriptor includes active listening, oral comprehension, and oral expression, which are found separately in the SCT. 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 capability to talk to others to convey information effectively.
Reading ComprehensionReading Comprehension[Endnotes] Endnotes - Reading 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 capability to understand written information presented through words, sentences, paragraphs, symbols and images in work-related documents.
WritingWriting[Endnotes] Endnotes - Writing 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 capability to communicate in writing by using written words, sentences, paragraphs, symbols and images adapted for the needs of the audience.
NumeracyNumeracy[Endnotes] Endnotes - Numeracy This descriptor has similarities with the descriptor “Numeracy” 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 “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 capability to understand, use and report numbers and other mathematical information presented through words, numbers, symbols and graphics.
Digital LiteracyDigital Literacy[Endnotes] Endnotes - Digital Literacy This descriptor has similarities with the descriptor “Digital” 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 “Digital” is: “Your ability to use digital technology and tools to find, manage, apply, create and share information and content. For example, we use this skill to create spreadsheets, safely use social media, and securely make online purchases.” The Skills and Competencies Taxonomy and Skills for Success definitions are slightly different because they have different purposes and target groups.	The capability to understand and use digital devices and tools to obtain, exchange, create or process digital information in a secure manner.

Analytical Skills

Developed capabilities that people need to process information and data logically to produce useable results.

Descriptor	Definition
Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking[Endnotes] Endnotes - Critical Thinking This descriptor has similarities with the descriptor “Problem Solving” from the ESDC-Skills for Success (SFS) model. The SCT and SFS definitions are slightly different because they have different purposes and target groups. In the SFS model, the descriptor "Critical Thinking" is grouped with the competency "Problem Solving". The SFS definition of “Problem Solving” is: “Your ability to identify, analyze, propose solutions, and make decisions. Problem solving helps you to address issues, monitor success, and learn from the experience. For example, we use this skill to make hiring decisions, select courses of action and troubleshoot technical failures.”	The capability to use logic and reasoning to question, discern, interpret and analyze various types of information to form an evidence-based conclusion or judgment.
Learning and Teaching Strategies	The capability to select and use training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Decision MakingDecision Making[Endnotes] Endnotes - Decision Making The descriptor's definition was updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy to clarify the previous wording, which was: “The capability to analyze information among a set of alternatives, to evaluate potential outcome and choose the most appropriate solutions to achieve a predetermined objective.” This descriptor has similarities with the descriptor “Problem Solving” 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 “Problem Solving” is: “Your ability to identify, analyze, propose solutions, and make decisions. Problem solving helps you to address issues, monitor success, and learn from the experience. For example, we use this skill to make hiring decisions, select courses of action and troubleshoot technical failures.”	The capability to assess feasible solutions or options and determine the most appropriate choice based on anticipated outcomes and alignment with objectives.
EvaluationEvaluation[Endnotes] Endnotes - Evaluation The descriptor's definition was updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy to clarify the previous wording, which was: “The capability to systematically assess products, services or processes using measurable indicators with the goal of ensuring or improving performance.”	The capability to identify and systematically apply criteria, indicators and measurement tools at defined intervals to assess the effectiveness, value, impact or performance of products, services, processes, programs or policies.
Requirements Analysis	The capability to analyze needs and product requirements to create a design.
Systems Analysis	The capability to determine how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations and the environment will affect outcomes.
Researching and Investigating	The capability to conduct studies and to examine information and data to increase knowledge, understand facts, find causes, test hypotheses and draw conclusions or make recommendations.
Problem SolvingProblem Solving[Endnotes] Endnotes - Problem Solving The descriptor's definition was updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy to clarify the previous wording, which was: “The capability to identify problems and review related information to develop solutions or feasible options to achieve the desired end state.” This descriptor has similarities with the descriptor “Problem Solving” 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 “Problem Solving” is: “Your ability to identify, analyze, propose solutions, and make decisions. Problem solving helps you to address issues, monitor success, and learn from the experience. For example, we use this skill to make hiring decisions, select courses of action and troubleshoot technical failures.” In the SFS model, the descriptor "Problem Solving" includes "Critical Thinking" and "Decision Making," which are distinct descriptors in the Taxonomy.	The capability to analyze information related to problems to develop feasible solutions or options to eliminate or mitigate the problem.

Technical Skills

Developed capabilities that relate to the practical or mechanical side of an activity, the application of a set of technical processes and required know-how.

Descriptor	Definition
Equipment and Tool Selection	The capability to choose between two or more types of tools, equipment or machinery to perform a job.
Preventative Maintenance	The capability to perform maintenance on equipment, devices, building or machinery to keep them in functional and to prevent damage or failures.
Setting Up	The capability to set up, adjust, install and assemble equipment, machines, parts or to prepare them for their functioning and use.
Operation and Control	The capability to maneuver and control operations of equipment, machines, vehicles or systems.
Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment	The capability to watch gauges, dials, digital displays or other indicators to ensure a machine or piece of equipment is working according to specifications.
Troubleshooting	The capability to determine causes of operating errors in equipment, machinery or technological systems and decide how to resolve the issues.
Repairing	The capability to replace, restore or adjust defective or deficient components in equipment, machines and technical systems and test for function, appearance, operation and safety.
Quality Control Testing	The capability to conduct tests or inspections of prototypes, products, services or processes to ensure their quality.
Product Design	The capacity to design and develop layouts for the construction of objects, equipment, machinery, structures or engineering systems (excluding software and hardware).
Digital Systems ProductionDigital Systems Production[Endnotes] Endnotes - Digital Systems Production The label and definition of the descriptor were updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy to clarify the previous wording, which was: “Digital Production: The capacity to design, develop, adapt, or integrate hardware, software applications, electronic devices, or digital technologies while adhering to cybersecurity standards.’’	The capability to design, develop, adapt, or integrate hardware, software, applications, electronic devices or digital technologies, while ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards and best practices.

Resource Management Skills

Developed capabilities to plan, organize, monitor or control the resources to achieve goals.

Descriptor	Definition
Management of Financial Resources	The capability to plan, organize, direct, control or monitor financial resources and activities and account for the use of theses resources to ensure their utilization are conform to the objectives and purposes.
Management of Material Resources	The capability to plan and manage the purchase, inventory, warehousing, transportation or distribution of products or materials and their use.
Management of Personnel Resources	The capability to recruit, train, motivate, develop and direct employees, identify the best person for the tasks to be performed and establish their work objectives in relation to the objectives of the organization.
Operational Planning	The capability to determine phases and steps, define activities and tasks and establish schedules to complete objectives on time and within budget.
Projecting Outcomes	The capability to estimate, predict and forecast results and outcomes of an action or a series of actions based on data and indicators.
Risk Management	The capability to identify and assess risks and determine procedures to be followed to reduce or avoid their impact.
Strategic Planning	The capability to set goals according to the organization's needs and to develop strategies and action plans to achieve them.
Time Management	The capability to manage one's own time and the time of others.
MonitoringMonitoring[Endnotes] Endnotes - Monitoring The descriptor's definition was updated in the 2025 version of the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy to clarify the previous wording, which was: “The capability to monitor and assess the performance of yourself, other individuals, or the organization to make improvements or take corrective actions.”	The capability to regularly observe and collect data or information to track the status of projects, programs, products, policies, people conditions, equipment, events or environments to identify emerging issues, deviations or risks that require timely attention or corrective action.
Change Management	The capability to plan and implement strategies for effecting change, communicate the effects of change and provide guidance and support to those affected by change.
Crisis Management	The capability to establish a response plan for emergencies, to apply it and adapt it to situations while limiting the impact on people, customers, employees and the organisation.

Interpersonal Skills

Developed capabilities used to work with people to achieve goals.

Descriptor	Definition
Coordinating	The capability to organize people or groups by adjusting activities in relation to others' activities so that they work effectively as a whole.
Instructing	The capability to teach others knowledge or how to do something.
Negotiating	The capability to participate in or facilitate communication between parties in order to resolve differences and reach a mutually acceptable or viable agreement.
Persuading	The capability to convince others to change their minds, beliefs, intentions or behaviours.
Social Perceptiveness	The capability to be aware of others' reactions, unspoken communication, body language cues and feelings and discern the reasons behind their behaviours.
Cross-Cultural SensitivityCross-Cultural Sensitivity[Endnotes] Endnotes - Cross-Cultural Sensitivity This descriptor has similarities with the item labelled “Component-2: Value diversity and inclusivity of others” under the heading “Collaboration” 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 “Component-2” is: “Understand that people from different cultures, backgrounds, and abilities can have different customs, values, and ways of thinking and acting.”	The capability to communicate, interact and work appropriately with people from different cultural backgrounds, in recognition that diversity is being both between and within cultural groups and can be expressed in customs, values and ways of thinking and acting.
Managing Conversation	The capability to lead and facilitate dialogue between two or more people.