What is the difference between Competencies and Competence?

A definition of ‘Competence’:

“Demonstrating the knowledge, skills, experience, and attributes necessary to carry out a defined function effectively.”

A definition of ‘Competency’:

“The description of the knowledge, skills, experience and attributes necessary to carry out a defined function effectively.”

In other words competencies describe what has to be done and how well.  Competence is doing the required things to the required standard.  Competence in a job therefore means being competent at all aspects of each function (competency) required to be performed within the role.

 

How are Competencies used to measure Competence?

Competence is measured through observance of the behaviours exhibited by the person required to have the particular competency being measured.  Commonly a Competency Model is built covering all the organisation group and job specific competencies required in the organisation.