Capability Requirements

Capability requirements define the qualifications, certifications, experience, competencies, licences, authorisations, training and other requirements needed to perform a role, responsibility, activity or scope of practice.

Capability requirements establish what an organisation expects an individual to possess, maintain or demonstrate in order to perform work safely and effectively.

They provide the reference point against which workforce capability, competency and readiness can be assessed.

Part of the Workforce Capability Knowledge Index: Explore related workforce capability, competency and readiness concepts.

Organisations cannot assess workforce capability or readiness without first defining what is required.

Capability requirements provide a structured way to communicate workforce expectations and answer questions such as:

• What is required for this role?
• Which competencies must be demonstrated?
• What qualifications or certifications are mandatory?
• What experience is expected?
• Which licences or registrations are required?
• What training must be completed?
• What authorisations are needed?

By defining these requirements clearly, organisations can support workforce consistency, capability visibility and operational assurance.

Formal qualifications, degrees, diplomas or certifications required for a role.

Previous work experience, operational exposure or demonstrated practical experience needed to perform effectively.

The knowledge, skills and behaviours required to perform successfully within a particular role or context.

Mandatory learning activities, induction programmes, refresher training or compliance-based learning requirements.

Professional licences, registrations, permits or regulatory approvals required to undertake specific responsibilities.

Industry-recognised certifications that support role capability and compliance requirements.

Formal approvals that permit individuals to undertake specific activities, procedures or responsibilities independently.

Additional requirements may include security clearances, memberships, medical clearances, language requirements or organisation-specific expectations.

Capability requirements are a foundational component of workforce capability infrastructure.

They provide the baseline against which competency assessments, capability passports, workforce readiness indicators and workforce assurance activities are measured.

Without clearly defined requirements, organisations cannot reliably determine whether individuals or teams meet workforce expectations.

Competency assessments evaluate whether individuals can demonstrate the competencies defined within capability requirements.

The capability requirement defines what is expected. The assessment helps determine whether that expectation has been met.

Capability passports often provide a consolidated view of an individual’s capability requirements and current status against those requirements.

This may include competency assessments, qualifications, certifications, licences, experience and other supporting information.

Capability requirements help establish the criteria used to determine workforce readiness.

Readiness cannot be measured unless there is a clear understanding of what capabilities, competencies, credentials and authorisations are required.

Job descriptions typically describe responsibilities and accountabilities. Capability requirements define what a person needs in order to perform those responsibilities effectively.

Competency frameworks define expected competencies. Capability requirements may include competencies but also incorporate qualifications, experience, certifications, licences and other workforce requirements.

Training records provide evidence of completed learning activities. Capability requirements define what is required, regardless of whether training has been completed.

Capability requirements define expectations. Workforce readiness reflects the extent to which those expectations are currently being met.

Workforce Capability Infrastructure
Workforce Capability
Workforce Readiness
Job Roles & Role Requirements
Capability Passport
Competency Assessment
Competency Evidence
Credentials & Credential Tracking
Authorisation & Scope of Practice