Competency Definition Template
Use this template to define competencies. Each competency must be an observable capability.
Template
## [Cluster Name] Competencies
| ID | Competency | Description |
|----|------------|-------------|
| [PREFIX]-1 | [Action verb phrase] | Can [observable capability that you could watch someone demonstrate] |
| [PREFIX]-2 | [Action verb phrase] | Can [observable capability] |Checklist
Before finalizing each competency, verify:
- Starts with "Can" + action verb
- Describes something you could observe
- Two people could agree/disagree whether someone has it
- Not too broad (applies to too many situations)
- Not too narrow (only applies to one exact situation)
- Connected to a real decision or action
Good vs. Bad Examples
| Bad (knowledge state) | Good (observable capability) |
|---|---|
| "Understands data policies" | "Can classify data according to organizational categories" |
| "Knows the approval process" | "Can determine required approval level for a given expense" |
| "Familiar with the tool" | "Can configure the tool to accomplish [specific task]" |
| "Aware of security requirements" | "Can identify security implications of a proposed change" |
ID Conventions
- Use 2-4 letter prefix based on cluster name (e.g., DP- for Data Privacy)
- Sequential numbers within cluster
- Keep IDs stable once assigned (don't renumber)
Deriving Competencies from Failure Modes
- List mistakes people make
- For each mistake, identify what someone would need to DO to avoid it
- Write that as a competency
- Verify it's observable
Example:
- Failure: "People put customer data in public AI tools"
- What would prevent it: Recognizing that data is sensitive + knowing which tools are approved
- Competencies:
- "Can classify data according to sensitivity levels"
- "Can identify which AI tools are approved for which data types"