Competencies and skills
A competency is a personal characteristic that contributes to the job performance of a resource. A competency refers to a resource's behaviors and attitudes. Although a competency can be built on through training and behavior modification exercises, renewal is not required. Assessment of a competency relies on the assessor's judgment, not on objective testing or demonstration of acquired knowledge.
These are examples of competencies:
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Peer relationship
A skill is a learned ability to use one’s knowledge to perform effectively. A skill can be tested and measured objectively. If a skill is not used often, or if it is related to a changing field of knowledge, a skill can become obsolete and may require renewal.
These are examples of skills:
- Spanish
- Java
- Excel
Many organizations do not differentiate between competencies and skills. The main difference in the Competency Management system is that competencies are not renewable. Skills can be renewable.
One difference between skills and competencies and other qualifications, such as education and credentials, is that competencies and skills are assessed internally. But they are not tied to a degree or certificate. Education and credentials are accepted based on an external diploma or certificate.