A competency is a measurable combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrates you can successfully perform a specific task or function. In education and workforce training, competencies describe what you should be able to do after completing a learning experience—not just what you know, but how you can apply that knowledge in real-world situations.
Learning experiences reviewed by ACE may include competency recommendations describing the skills and abilities mastered through a learning experience or demonstrated through an exam. Competencies may be used to document learning for employers, to qualify for a promotion or new opportunity, or to help describe your own abilities in the workplace.