WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
Skills Library
NEW Collections in the WGU Skills Library!
We’re excited to share with you updated collection links, new WGU Skills Library information, and ways to share your feedback to improve the collections. Current collections and collections scheduled for release through June 2023 focus on occupations and specialty skill areas. As the additional collections become available, be sure to bookmark this page and check them out! To view all current and future skills library content, or to provide feedback on the skills library collections, please navigate through the collections below.
TAKE ACTION
ACCESS
Our collections are easy to access and navigate. Locate a collection by the Topic/Category of your interest.
REVIEW
Select a collection and review its RSDs. Each collection is made up of Rich Skills Descriptors (RSDs) that address the top high-demand workforce skills.
DOWNLOAD
Each collection can be downloaded as a spreadsheet file. This downloadable file makes it easy to filter, search, and organize to meet your needs.
IMPLEMENT
Collections can be integrated into curriculum competencies or outcomes, digital credentials, job postings, and more. Check out WGU's participation in various pilots and projects as an Open Skills Network (OSN) member.
How to Use the Skills Library Collections
Navigate through the accordions below to view the Skills Library Collections currently available. To open a collection, simply click the link listed in the description of the collection.
Skills Library Collections
- Business
- Education
- Health
- Information Technology
- Interdisciplinary
- Specialty
- Law
The Digital Marketing Skills Collection represents the cutting edge and nuanced skills of the increasingly in-demand field of digital marketing. This collection offers a wide range of specialized, technical, creative, and soft skills, from digital marketing analytics and data visualization to critical thinking and social media, offering the full context and flexibility of how these diverse skills integrate with one another in the workforce to inform well-rounded and adept digital marketers. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked in Digital Marketing.
The Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for analyzing consumer trends and preferences, measuring the effectiveness of business strategies, conducting surveys, and preparing research reports including the assessment of potential sales of a product or service. It covers expectations for the CIA, CMA, CFE, and CPA certifications and includes knowledge based on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists.
The Advertising and Promotions Managers collection represents the skills necessary to plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs. Additionally, this collection includes the skills needed to produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create interest in a product or service. These skills may be applicable to Account Executives, Advertising Managers, Communications Directors, and Promotion Directors. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as advertising and promotions managers.
The Marketing Managers skills collection represents the skills necessary to plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, determine the demand for products and services including the goal of maximizing company profits and overseeing product development or monitoring trends. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as marketing managers and supervisors.
The Sales Managers Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and directing the sales teams at an organization. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Sales Managers.
The Business Ethics Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals to anticipate, identify and handle ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business environment including making good ethical decisions and applying strategies to mitigate them. It covers a diverse range of skills, from applied ethics and communications to corporate social responsibility and strategic planning,
This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked in various business functions in an organization.
The Accountants and Auditors Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for all preparation and examination of financial documents, reports, or budgets, including advising others on business, financial, or operations matters. It covers expectations for the CIA, CMA, CFE, and CPA certifications and includes knowledge based on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Accountants and Auditors.
The Budget Analysts Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals who are responsible for advising organizations on the details of finances, including budget reports and monitoring spending. Additionally, this collection was developed with hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Credit Analyst Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for gathering, reviewing, and analyzing credit and financial information. Additionally, this collection was developed with hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Financial Examiners Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for ensuring that all institutions handling monetary transactions are in compliance with the governing laws, including the finance and insurance industry, the federal government, or state governments. It covers expectations for the CIA, CMA, CFE, and CPA certifications and includes knowledge based on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Financial Examiners.
The Financial Managers Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for all financial and investment activities, including reporting, forecasting, and developing long-term financial goals and plans. It covers expectations for the CIA, CMA, CFE, and CPA certifications and includes knowledge based on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Financial Managers.
The Tax Prepares Collection consists of the skills needed for certified professionals who prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses such as tax consultants, specialists, enrollment agents, and advisors. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as tax professionals.
The Financial Analysts and Advisors Collection represents the skills necessary to advise businesses and individuals in decisions about money expenditure and to assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other investments. This includes certified financial planners, financial consultants, and investment advisors. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as financial analysts or advisors.
The Human Resources Specialists Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for recruiting, screening, interviewing, or placing individuals within an organization. This Human Resources Specialists Collection also pertains to Corporate Recruiters, Employment Representatives, Human Resources Analysts, Human Resources Coordinators, Human Resources Generalists, and more. This collection was developed in consultation with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK) and the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK). This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Human Resources Specialists.
The Training and Development Manager Collection, represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for planning, creating, developing, and overseeing training and development programs. It includes knowledge based on the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD) standards. Additionally, this collection was developed with hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Compensation and Benefits Manager collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for planning, developing, and overseeing programs that compensate employees. It includes knowledge based on the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD) standards. Additionally, this collection was developed with hiring managers and employees in the occupational area. RSDs developed with hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Human Resource Managers Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for managing, coordinating, and planning the human resources administrative functions of an organization. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Human Resource Managers.
The Training and Development Specialist Collection consists of the skills needed for training professionals who design or coordinate work-related training and development programs, analyze training needs and evaluate training effectiveness to improve organizational performance. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as training and development professionals.
The Chief Executives Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for determining and formulating policies and providing overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Additionally, this collection was developed with hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The General and Operations Managers Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for planning, directing, or coordinating the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. This General and Operations Managers Collection also pertains to Business Managers, General Managers, Operations Directors, Operations Managers, Plant Superintendents, and more. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as General and Operations Managers.
The Public Relations and Fundraising Managers Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating activities in order to maintain a favorable public image or raise awareness and funds for an organization or client. This includes communications directors, public affairs directors, and development directors. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as public relations managers or fundraising managers.
The Construction Managers Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for planning, directing, or coordinating activities related to the construction and maintenance of structures and facilities. This includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as electricity or plumbing as well as construction foremen and construction area managers. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as construction managers.
The Project Management Specialists Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for coordinating and managing details of projects including staffing, resources, budget, and schedules. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Project Management Specialists.
The Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers Collection represent the skills necessary for professionals responsible for planning, directing, or coordinating transportation, storage, or distribution activities based on organizational policies and applicable laws or regulations. Additionally, this collection was developed with hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Business Operations Specialists, All Other Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for managing workflows across the organization, streamlining day-to-day activities, and improving business performance across the board. Additionally, this collection covers a wide range of skills representing “All Other” titles within the occupation. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Business Operations Specialists.
The Industrial Production Managers Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for planning, directing, or coordinating the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products. This includes Area Plant Managers, Manufacturing Coordinators, and Assembly Managers. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as industrial production managers or area plant managers.
The Business Administration Master collection represents the core skills necessary for professionals responsible for key leadership roles in organizations. It includes invaluable MBA skills that support the evolving business industry such as Communications, Management, Leadership, Finance, Operations, Sales, Planning, Problem Solving, Strategic thinking and Analysis, and many other valuable skills. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked in business leadership and managerial roles.
The Curriculum & Instruction Collection was part of a redevelopment initiative to present a program of specialized skills and learning in instructional theory and practice, learning science, and educational research. The collection was developed with a spectrum of experts in the field of education ensuring the skills are impactful as WGU graduates lead innovation in their various education environments. The Curriculum & Instruction Collection provides a robust focus, depth, and practical skillset that is respected and recognized by industry leaders and accredited by the National Board.
The Elementary and Middle School Teachers Collection represents the necessary skills for qualified teachers in an elementary or middle school setting. It includes skills aligned to AAQEP, InTASC, and ISTE standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts, including elementary and middle school teacher hiring managers and employees.
The Other Teachers and Instructors Collection represents the necessary skills for teachers or instructors of Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language (ESL). It includes some skills aligned to AAQEP, InTASC, and ISTE standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who worked as or supervised adult educators or ESL instructors.
The Postsecondary Educators Collection represents the necessary skills for teachers in a postsecondary institution. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts, including postsecondary full-time professors, adjunct instructors, and supervisors.
The Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers Collection represents the necessary skills for qualified teachers in an early childhood setting. It includes skills aligned to AAQEP, InTASC, and ISTE standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts, including early childhood teacher hiring managers and employees.
The Secondary School Teachers Collection represents the necessary skills for qualified teachers in a secondary school setting. It includes skills aligned to AAQEP, InTASC, and ISTE standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts, including secondary school teachers and supervisors.
The Special Education Teachers Collection represents the necessary skills for qualified teachers in Special Education. It includes skills aligned to CEC (the Council for Exceptional Children), AAQEP, InTASC, and ISTE standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts, including special education teachers and supervisors.
The Next Generation Teaching Collection is comprised of skills based on the art and science of teaching and leading in education to support future generations. The skills advance the practice, programs, and technology that support students on their education pathways. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as educators and administrators in the education field.
The Educational Research Collection contains skills representing the ability to search, organize, evaluate, use, and present information on a particular topic. These skills align to performing research to deepen knowledge in a chosen field and include problem solving, analysis, communication, and collaboration.
The Character Core collection provides an intentional focus on developing character skills in educational and workplace settings to cultivate healthy learning and working environments where all individuals can collectively contribute to thriving communities. The collection was developed through the support of the Kern Family Foundation and the collaborative efforts of experts in the character field.
The Education Administrators, All Other Collection curates necessary skills for educational administrators in a variety of industries and fields, including education support, science and health education administration, and museums or libraries. This skills collection was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts of education administrators and those who supervise them.
The Education Administrators and Leaders: Postsecondary Collection curates valuable skills for higher-education leaders at all levels and across various roles, such as admissions and student services to department chairs, and business operations. It includes skills aligned to the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC): Competencies for Community College Leaders. The collection was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts of administrators and leaders across the higher education sector.
The Higher Education Mid-Level Leaders collection represents valuable skills for mid-level leaders in a postsecondary setting. It includes skills aligned to the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) and to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC): Competencies for Community College Leaders. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts that included mid-level leaders across the higher education sector and those who supervise them.
The Instructional Design: Adult Education and Training Collection represent the necessary skills for instructional coordinators. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts, including instructional coordinators, instructional designers, learning development specialists, and curriculum coordinators.
The Instructional Design: K-12 Collection represent the necessary skills for instructional coordinators. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts, including instructional coordinators, instructional designers, learning development specialists, and curriculum coordinators.
The Librarians and Media Collection Specialists Collection represents the necessary skills for qualified librarians and media collections specialists who administer and maintain libraries or collections of information for public or private access in educational institutions, museums, and corporations. It includes skills aligned to AAQEP, InTASC, and ISTE standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts, including librarians, media collections specialists, and those who supervise them.
The Core Teaching Standards collection represents valuable skills for educators in various educational settings. It includes skills aligned with the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts that included teacher leaders and hiring managers across the education sector.
The Education Preparation Standards collection represents valuable skills for the preparation of educators in various educational settings. It includes skills aligned with AAQEP system based on four standards. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts that included education leaders and hiring managers across the education sector.
The Respiratory Therapists Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. It includes knowledge based on the CoARC standards and expectations of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) for a respiratory specialist. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as respiratory therapists and supervisors.
The Registered Nurse Collection represents the skills necessary to provide and coordinator care, educate patients and communities about personal and public healthcare matters and provide information and support to patients and their families. It includes knowledge based on the NCLEX standards and expectations of the American Nurses Association (ANA) for registered nurses. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as registered nurses.
The Dental Hygienists Collection represents the necessary skills for dental hygienists, ranging from skills related to dental cleanings and treatment plans, HIPPA and medical records, and communicating with patients and colleagues. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as dental hygienists and or have supervised them.
The Nurse Practitioner Collection represents the skills needed to diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness. It includes knowledge based on the NCLEX standards and expectations of the American Nurses Association (ANA) for registered nurses. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as nurse practitioners. Based upon BLS SOC, 29-1171. RSDs developed with hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Medical Assistant Skills Collection was developed with hiring managers in alignment with top market signal skills associated with the medical assistant job role. This robust collection of skills encompasses the high-demand skills employers seek from medical assistants.
The Nursing Assistant Collection represents the skills needed to assist healthcare professionals in providing basic patient care and helping patients with daily living activities. It includes knowledge based on the NCLEX standards and expectations of the American Nurses Association (ANA) for registered nurses. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as nursing assistants.
The Dental Assistants Collection represents the necessary skills for dental assistants. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as dental assistants or have supervised them.
The Medical Records Specialists Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible in compiling, processing, and maintaining medical records of hospital and clinical patients. This includes medical coders and the ability to classify medical and healthcare concepts into the healthcare industry’s numerical coding system. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as medical coders or record specialists and supervisors.
The Value-Based Care Skills Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for improving and managing the quality of care based on specific measures and concepts including insurance regulations, reimbursement procedures, risk management, strategic planning, operations management, and health information technology. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as health care professionals.
The Medical and Health Services Managers collection represents the skills needed to plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. It includes knowledge based on the NCLEX standards and expectations of the American Nurses Association (ANA) for registered nurses. Additionally, this collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as medical and health services managers.
The Foundations for Data Science and Analytics represents entry-level skills for professionals working in data science and data analytics careers and the requirements for graduate-level education for those transitioning from non-data analytics or data science careers.
The Information Systems Security Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals in computer security based on a standardized body of knowledge across 8 domains represented on the certification granted by International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC). This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have earned this certification and have at least five years of full-time, paid work experience as a security analyst in two or more of the eight domains covered in the certification.
The Computer and Information Analysts Collection represents the necessary skills for Computer and Information Analysts. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Computer and Information Research Scientists Collection represents the necessary skills for Computer and Information Research Scientists. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Operations Research Analysts Collection represents the necessary skills for Operations Research Analysts. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Computer User Support Specialists collection represents the necessary skills for Computer User Support Specialists. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Computer and Information Systems Managers collection reflects the skills necessary for professionals responsible for managing, planning, coordinating, and directing computer-related activities in an organization. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Computer and Information Systems Managers as well as those hiring for that role.
The Network and Computer Systems Administrators Collection reflects the skills necessary for Network and Computer Systems Administrators. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as hiring managers and employees in the occupational area.
The Computer Programmers collection reflects the skills necessary for professionals responsible for writing, modifying, and testing code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Computer Programmers and those who hire for these roles.
The Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers collection reflects the skills necessary for professionals responsible for designing computer applications or programs as well as identifying problems with applications or programs and reporting defects. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers as well as those hiring for those roles.
The Database Administrators and Architects Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for creating or organizing systems used to store and secure various data. It includes the essential skills of database analysts, database developers, and database coordinators. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as database administrators and architects.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I): General Collection curates essential DEI skills that can be incorporated in product offerings. For instance, many skills focus on self-exploration, reflection, and personal growth towards the acceptance and appreciation of differences. It was developed in collaboration with internal and external subject-matter DE&I experts.
The Social Emotional Learning (SEL): General Collection was directed by a WGU initiative to systematically thread skills throughout the student lifecycle that develop success-oriented mindsets towards academic, professional, and personal goals. This collection contains people-centered skills that develop an individual’s capacity to understand and manage oneself while also building healthy and supportive relationships with others. The SEL: General Collection was developed in collaboration with subject-matter experts, SEL industry groups with recognized SEL competencies and requirements, and benchmarks from leading universities and other institutions of learning.
A subset of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL): General collection, this collection specifically targets the domain of interpersonal communication.
A subset of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL): General collection, this collection specifically targets the domain of social awareness.
A subset of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL): General collection, this collection specifically targets the domain of executive function and responsible decision making.
A subset of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL): General collection, this collection specifically targets the domain of self-awareness.
A subset of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL): General collection, this collection specifically targets the domain of self management.
Foundational Literacies offers a comprehensive collection of traditional and emergent literacy skills that reflect the fundamental knowledge and abilities required of individuals and societies in today’s connected, multifaceted, and technology-driven world.
The Entrepreneurs Collection represents the skills necessary for professionals responsible for creating, launching, and leading successful businesses, including entrepreneurs, business strategists, business owners, and business consultants. This collection includes knowledge based on best practices for developing and maintaining a successful enterprise, from start-up to growth and beyond.
The Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, and Jailers collection represents the skills needed to oversee individuals who have been arrested, sentenced to serve time in jail or prisons, or to maintain safety in courtrooms. Additionally, this collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked in these roles.
The Detectives and Criminal Investigators collection represents the skills needed to conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws. Additionally, this collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have worked as detectives and/or criminal investigators.
The Forensic Science Technicians collection consists of the skills needed for professionals who collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence such as fiber, hair, and tissue related to criminal investigations. These professionals might also testify as an expert witness on evidence or crime laboratory techniques and are commonly known as Crime Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Analyst, Crime Scene Technician, CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Evidence Technician, Forensic Science Examiner, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Specialist, Latent Fingerprint Examiner, and Latent Print Examiner. This collection of skills was developed in partnership with a panel of subject matter experts who have experience with Forensic Science.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Skill collections can easily be located on our site as they have been categorized by industry, and within each industry, you will find specialty areas. After locating the specialty area of your interest, you will find a list of collection titles that are more specifically related to occupations, job titles, and/or specialized and common workforce skill clusters.
WGU skills architects source Rich Skill Descriptors (RSDs) from different inputs, such as databases for job profiles and the labor market (e.g., Lightcast and O*Net), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and industry/academic standards or frameworks. They are also informed by industry certifications and licenses, job profiles and data, employer insights, industry and academic standards, and other relevant resources. Once Rich Skill Descriptors are developed in collaboration with industry subject matter experts or WGU’s strategic partnerships, they are housed on WGU's instance of the Open Skills Management Tool (OSMT).
The Open Skills Management Tool (OSMT) modernizes and streamlines the process of creating, sharing, and accessing Rich Skill Descriptors (RSDs.) OSMT allows WGU to share its skills collections with everyone and provides the opportunity for the general public to use collections for their own efforts. To learn more about OSMT, click here.
Yes! WGU is happy to discuss partnership opportunities to create customized skill collections. Please visit the Strategic Skills Partnership site for more information.
The Skills Library is primed for innovation! It can help higher education institutions create skills-denominated digital badges, professional development departments align curriculum to workforce relevant skills, HR managers author more effective job descriptions, and educators build curricular and career pathways. This is just the beginning! As we mentioned above, this is a tool meant for collaboration—the more it is used and refined, the more opportunities it can create.
Your feedback isn't just important; it's essential to the growth of the Skills Library! These collections depend on collaboration and community nurturing to grow to their fullest potential. We want the collections to be the best representations of the skills they describe and to reflect all different areas of expertise. Your feedback informs which collections will be released next, what new skill categories can be described with new RSDs, where RSDs can align to Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, and more. This takes more than WGU—it takes you! Please email wici@wgu.edu to share your feedback about our skills library.
A skill represents knowledge, abilities, or learned behaviors described in a short, verb-driven phrase that communicates discrete, discernable value an individual can demonstrate or acquire.
A Rich Skill Descriptor is an enriched definition of a skill that includes a contextualized skill statement and other associated metadata that enables the interoperability of skills across digital platforms. The metadata is a set of information that travels with the skill statement as part of the RSD package that allows the RSD to be read and processed quickly by computers.
A skills collection is a thematic grouping of Rich Skill Descriptors (RSDs) created for a given purpose. In higher education, a collection may represent careers aligned to a particular field of study or academic program to inform skills-based curriculum development. Employers may group collections for specific job roles to inform crafting skills-based job descriptions.
A skills library is a centralized and structured compiling of skills data, qualifications, and attributes that helps to create a unified understanding of skills for an organization in areas of employment need, curriculum development, job architecture, or competency grouping. At WGU, we use our skills library to inform competencies in our educational model. This approach to designing content ensures our courses are reflective of current and projected labor market demands.
Western Governors University’s competency-based education (CBE) model relies upon our academic competencies serving as a synthesis of workforce-demanded skills. Skills from the WGU skills library are used as the foundation for design and development efforts. Aligning WGU offerings with skills ensures competencies, assessments, and courses are of maximum relevance and are well-aligned with the needs of students and employers alike.
Rich Skill Descriptors (RSDs) have been embedded with meta-data that allows them to not only be read and processed quickly by computers, but also understood with a depth of knowledge that touches into current workforce data, geographical needs, categorical relationships with other skills, current labor market and educational trends. A library is what constitutes an organization's whole catalog of skills. A collection pertains to those skills grouped together via subject matter, occupational relation, or special affinity like “common” or “21st century” skills (these are collaboration, critical thinking, and other types of growth skills).
Yes! This is an ongoing process. More collections are coming—so be sure to keep checking this page for updates.
Additional Resources
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This showcase recording dives into the first WGU collections.
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To learn more about skills libraries, their purpose and the team behind creation, visit the Open Skills Network site.
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To ask questions, feel free to reach out to us via email. We would love to answer them!
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The WGU Skills libraries are made available under a Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0. For questions regarding use of these skills, please reach out to WICI@wgu.edu.
