How do I decide what level of competence I have in a particular skill?

To decide which skill statement best describes your current level of competence in a particular skill you must consider closely what evidence you have to support your claim of competence. You may find it easier to specify your evidence before you decide what level of competence you are at.

Additionally, you may wish to consider the following points:

• When considering which statement best describes your competence in a specific skill, it is best to not agonise over your decision. If you cannot confidently say that your competence covers the description given for a particular statement (e.g. statement C), then you should only claim competence at the previous statement (e.g. statement B).

• As general guidance, your level of competence is most likely to fall within the range A-B if you are a new undergraduate, B-C if you are nearing the completion of your undergraduate studies, C-D if you are a graduate with at least 12 months experience in a managerial capacity. Your competence will also vary according to the type of skill concerned (e.g. a recent graduate may have a high level of competence in the Key and Subject Specific skills but a relatively low level of competence in the Personal and Professional skills.

The following exemplars may also assist you:

• Example 1: A new undergraduate
• Example 2: A final year undergraduate
• Example 3: A graduate (currently undertaking the PDP)