skilljer

Skilljer is a framework and ecosystem for describing, validating, and exchanging practical competencies. It aims to standardize how everyday skills—such as carpentry, programming, or project management—are defined, demonstrated, and tracked across individuals, educational programs, and workplaces. The term is used in both theoretical discussions of competency models and as the name of several open tools and templates for skill mapping.

At the core of Skilljer is the concept of skill blocks. Each block contains a label, a concise description, a set of micro-criteria, and a clearly defined evidence requirement. Proficiency is described through discrete levels (for example novice, intermediate, proficient, expert) and is linked to a learner's demonstrated artifacts or performances. Blocks can be combined into learning journeys.

Skilljer emerged from collaborative efforts in education and software development in the early 2020s, with governance decisions often made by community councils rather than a single organization. It emphasizes openness, interoperability, and user privacy, and encourages contributions from educators, practitioners, and developers.

Interoperability is supported by modular data formats and reference schemas that allow Skilljer content to be shared between learning management systems, portfolios, and hiring tools. The system is designed to accommodate domain-specific vocabularies while preserving core semantics such as criteria, evidence, and attainment levels.

Reception varies by sector. Advocates argue that Skilljer increases transparency of competence, supports skill-based hiring, and reduces vendor lock-in. Critics point to potential complexity and uneven adoption. As a living concept, Skilljer continues to evolve through community-driven iterations and pilot implementations.