Overview
ISO/IEC 20006-2:2015 defines an information model for competency proficiency and proficiency levels within information technology for learning, education and training (ITLET). Building on the Conceptual Reference Model (CRM) from ISO/IEC TR 24763, this part (Part 2) describes the semantic structures and use cases needed to represent, manage and exchange proficiency-level information across systems such as learning management systems (LMS), human resources information systems (HRIS) and national qualifications frameworks.
Key topics and technical scope
- Information model for proficiency and levels: formalizes how proficiency is represented (proficiency composition model, proficiency information model, level information model).
- Model elements covered (Clause 7 highlights): proficiency metrics, levelNumber, levelSequence, dimensionNumber, levelCriteria and related constructs that define levels and dimensions of proficiency.
- Use cases: practical scenarios for software developers, implementers and architects to support interoperability and system design.
- Conformance: proficiency and level information are conformant when they use the information model and item notation defined in the standard (linked to the CRM toolkit).
- Annex mappings: includes informative mappings to external frameworks (e.g., European Qualifications Framework - EQF, and Japanese ITSS) to support cross-framework interoperability.
- Exclusions and limits: the standard does not address security, authentication, privacy, accessibility, cultural/language adaptation, e‑profiles, evidence records, or assessment methods/metrics in depth.
Practical applications
- Enable interoperable exchange of competency and proficiency data between LMS, HR systems, national classification services and e-portfolio platforms.
- Support skill gap analysis and workforce development by providing a consistent model for level descriptors and metrics.
- Help system architects and developers design semantic data models that map local competency taxonomies to shared representations.
- Facilitate curriculum and assessment design by clarifying level definitions and criteria (without prescribing assessment methods).
- Aid analytics and reporting across organizations by standardizing how proficiency levels are represented.
Who should use this standard
- Software developers and systems integrators building HRIS, LMS, e-portfolio or competency management systems.
- Instructional designers, assessment designers and learning architects seeking consistent proficiency definitions.
- HR professionals and standards bodies aiming to align local frameworks with international models for skills interoperability.
Related standards and keywords
- Related: ISO/IEC 20006-1 (general competency framework), ISO/IEC 20006-3 (aggregation guidelines), ISO/IEC TR 24763 (CRM).
- SEO keywords: ISO/IEC 20006-2:2015, proficiency level information model, competency proficiency, competency information exchange, learning management system interoperability, HRIS skills model, CRM ISO/IEC TR 24763, skills framework interoperability.
Open preview (PDF)Information technology for learning, education and training — Information model for competency — Part 2: Proficiency level information model
