Overview
ISO/IEC 22602:2019 - Information technology - Learning, education and training - Competency models expressed in MLR defines a formal model for representing competencies and related objects using the Metadata for Learning Resources (MLR) framework. The standard provides a machine‑readable, interoperable representation that preserves the meaning of heterogeneous competency descriptions so they can be exchanged, compared, classified and aggregated across systems (e.g., LMS, HR platforms, credential registries).
Key points:
- Uses MLR (ISO/IEC 19788‑1) to express competency metadata.
- Defines a fixed structural model (the “competency world”) and an open semantic layer for extensible descriptors.
- Focuses on formal expression and interoperability; it does not prescribe domain‑specific competency content.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Two‑level model
- Structural model: A fixed set of resource classes (nine competency world entities, RC0001–RC0009) and relationships (17 Data Element Specifications, DES identifiers) that represent actors, actions, competencies, roles, institutions, environments, etc.
- Semantic layer: Data properties attached to each resource class that carry human‑readable and machine‑processable descriptors (MLR strings, IRIs, dates, durations).
- Preservation of meaning: Any real‑world item of discourse about a competency must have a representation that preserves its intended semantics within the model.
- Interoperability capabilities: Enables comparison, hierarchical classification and aggregation of heterogeneous competency artifacts.
- Content value rules: Reuses MLR value rules (e.g., MLR String, IRI, Date, Date&Time, Duration) to ensure consistent data formatting and identification.
- Examples of DES names provided in the standard (e.g., DES0001 shows, DES0008 influences, DES0011 shapes, DES0017 provides consistency to) illustrate relationship naming and mapping practices.
Practical applications
- Standardizing competency descriptions across:
- Learning Management Systems (LMS) and e‑learning catalogs
- Digital credentials, micro‑credentials and transcripts
- HR recruiting, job requirement taxonomies and competency frameworks
- National occupational classifications and professional association frameworks
- Enabling linked data / RDF implementations and schema mapping between heterogeneous competency models for data exchange, analytics and skills matching.
- Supporting curriculum design, assessment and competency evaluation workflows by providing a consistent semantic backbone.
Who should use ISO/IEC 22602:2019
- Educational institutions, training providers and curriculum designers
- LMS and e‑portfolio vendors, credentialing platforms
- HR/Recruitment system developers and labor market analytics organizations
- Standards bodies and government agencies coordinating occupational classifications
- Data architects implementing competency linked‑data and interoperability solutions
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 19788‑1 (MLR framework) - normative basis for metadata elements and value rules
- ISO/IEC TR 24763 - conceptual reference model for competency information
- ISO/IEC 20006 series - related competency models mentioned for mapping and alignment
Keywords: ISO/IEC 22602:2019, competency models, MLR, competency metadata, interoperability, learning technology, competency frameworks, linked data, RDF, LMS, HR systems.