Competency mapping is a process that involves identifying, listing, and organizing the skills required in a specific field. This makes it possible to visualize and understand the skills needed to perform tasks or professional activities. It also makes it possible to switch the vocational training.
What is a competency card?
The competency map offers a detailed overview of the know-how, knowledge and professional attitudes present within the organization at a specific time. It acts as a mirror reflecting the collective capabilities of the company.
It thus makes it possible to draw up an accurate inventory of available skills and to visualize the distribution of talent within the organization.
How do you map skills?
Here is how competency mapping generally works:
- Identification of key competencies : the relevant stakeholders identify the skills considered essential to perform specific tasks or achieve goals in this area. These skills can be technical, behavioral or transversal.
- Classification of skills : The skills identified are grouped into categories or relevant areas. This makes it possible to structure and organize skills in a logical way. For example, in the field of project management, competencies can be classified into categories such as planning, communication, leadership, etc.
- Definition of skill levels : For each skill, mastery levels are defined in order to represent different stages of acquisition or development of the skill. These levels can range from beginner to expert, intermediate, or advanced. They make it possible to assess and measure learners' progress in acquiring skills.
- Creation of competency frameworks : The skills identified, classified and defined are grouped together in competency frameworks. These standards serve as guides or frames of reference for training, recruitment, skills assessment, and professional development. They provide an overview of the skills required in a specific field and facilitate communication and a shared understanding of skills.
The advantage of competency mapping is that competency mapping can be updated regularly to adapt to changes in the labor market, new technologies and the changing needs of industries. This makes it possible to keep skills up to date and promote adaptability and competitiveness employees and, more generally, organizations.
How to determine the competency framework
Also called the job skills framework, the skills framework makes it possible to bring together in a single document all the skills (in the broadest possible sense) necessary for the successful execution of a job.
Depending on the jobs and needs of the company, it is even possible to build transversal skills frameworks. That is to say, Group jobs no longer by function, but by skills necessary for their successful execution.
The competency framework can be developed based on 3 criteria:
- Knowledge: knowledge acquired during initial and/or continuing education.
- Know-how: knowledge acquired with experience and practice in the profession.
- Interpersonal skills: knowledge and skills related to personal traits, attitudes, behaviors and social skills.
In an environment where employees aspire to more and more flexibility, especially in terms of management, and with frequent and rapid career development, the skills framework represents a major asset.
It provides leaders with a clear vision of the skills needed to meet business needs. This allows them to define competency profiles adapted to positions and to make informed decisions about recruitment, promotion and professional development.
For employees, the competency framework offers a clear roadmap to guide them in their career development. They can identify skills that need to be acquired or strengthened in order to progress in their field and achieve their professional goals. This allows them to plan their development, monitor their progress and take initiatives to acquire new skills. This approach therefore allows them to know what to train on and how to do it in order to make the best progress..
