Capability vs Competency vs Skills — Explained Clearly (Video)
Understanding the difference between capability, competency, and skills is essential for effective workforce planning, assessment, and development. Yet most organisations still use these terms interchangeably — which leads to unclear expectations and inconsistent outcomes.
Watch this 5 Minute video guide that explains the distinction clearly and practically: Play it Now
What you’ll see in the video
- What capability really means
- How competency reflects applied performance
- Where skills fit at task level
- Why separating all three leads to better assessment and development planning
Why This Distinction Matters
Many organisations attempt to build competency frameworks or capability models without clearly defining these three terms. The result is overlap, confusion, and models that managers cannot apply in practice.
A clear structure supports:
- Consistent assessment
- Evidence-based development planning
- Accurate capability reporting
- Stronger role definitions
- More transparent career pathways
If capability, competency, and skills are not separated, none of these processes work reliably.
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Centranum helps organisations define, assess, and develop workforce capability with evidence-based tools and practical frameworks.