Skills

Ability to perform tasks due to one’s knowledge, learning or practice.

Education

Educational experience needed to do a job, for example, and for some is validated by a diploma, degree or other form of certification in a program of study.

• Job-related professional certification

Having occupational or industry certification to perform a job. Certification is awarded by a regulatory body to an individual who has gone through an examination process showing that he or she has the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform a specific job.

• Education level in specific subjects

The amount of education required in 15 subject areas to perform in a job, which are mostly covered in high school, community college, university undergraduate degree programs and other education and training programs.

Knowledge

The facts, principles, information and skills gained through experience or education.

• Business and management

Knowledge of principles and facts about business administration and accounting, human and material resource management in organizations, sales and marketing, economics, and office information and organizing systems.

• Manufacturing and production

Knowledge of principles and facts about the production, processing, storage, and distribution of manufactured and agricultural goods.

• Engineering and technology

Knowledge of the design, development, and application of technology for specific purposes.

• Mathematics and science

Knowledge of the history, theories, methods, and applications of the physical, biological and social sciences, mathematics and geography.

• Health services

Knowledge of principles and facts about diagnosing, curing, and preventing disease, and improving and preserving physical and mental health and well-being.

• Education and training

Knowledge of the principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and of measuring the effects of training.

• Arts and humanities

Knowledge of facts and principles related to the branches of learning concerned with human thought, language, and the arts.

• Law and public safety

Knowledge of the regulations and ways to keep people and property free from danger, injury, or damage. Also knowledge of the rules of public conduct enforced by legislation and the political process that establishes the rules.

• Communications

Knowledge of the science and art of delivering information.

• Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, and of the relative costs and benefits.

Content

The background needed to work with and gain more specific skills in a variety of different topics.

• Reading comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Active listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Speaking

Talking to others to share information effectively.

• Numeracy

Using mathematics to solve problems.

• Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Process

The ability to use procedures that contribute to quickly absorbing information on a variety of subjects.

• Critical thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Active learning

Understanding how new information could be used to solve current and future problems in making decisions.

• Learning strategies

Choosing and using training, instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

• Monitoring

Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Source: This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The WorkBC Labour Market Information Office has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.