15. What is an element of competency?

The disaggregation of functions that is carried out during the long process of functional analysis does not generally go beyond four or five levels. While analysing the last level, it will be learned that it comprises competencies, i.e. results that at that level can already be reached by persons who are capable of so (that is, competent individuals). When these different functions can be executed by individuals and describe the actions that may be achieved and summarised, they are called elements of competency.

The element of competency includes the description of an action that should be achieved by a person in their occupational environment. Therefore, it refers to an action, a behaviour or a result that a worker needs to demonstrate and, thus, it is a function that is carried out by one individual.

Elements of competency are written in the form of a sentence, following the rule of beginning with a verb in the infinitive, preferably; then it describes the object on which the action is performed and, finally, though it is not compulsory in every case, it includes the condition of the action regarding the object.

Supplementary definitions to elements of competency Field of application. It is the description of the circumstances, the environment, the materials and the machines and instruments that are involved in the performance described in the element of competency. Evidence of performance. They are descriptions of variables or conditions whose status allows to infer that the performance has effectively taken place. Direct evidence has to do with the technique employed in the performance of a competency and it is verified through observation. Product evidence is real proofs, observable and tangible, of the consequences of performance. Evidence of knowledge. It includes the necessary knowledge and comprehension to achieve competent performance. It may be reflected in theoretical knowledge and principles with a scientific basis that workers are supposed to master, as well as in their cognitive skills regarding the element of competency to which they belong.

The element of competency should be completed with performance criteria, evidence of performance, evidence of knowledge and range of application.

An element of competency is written in such a way that the following phrase should come first: “the worker will be capable of…”

Elements of competency are the basis for standardisation. Several elements may be grouped together when they imply a specific action of the productive process. These groups of elements are called units of competency.

 

 

 

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