---
title: "Add a competency"
slug: "add-a-competency"
tags: ["Totara Perform", "How-to", "Site Administrator", "Totara Learn", "Skills"]
updated: 2023-07-05T07:33:43Z
published: 2023-07-05T07:33:43Z
canonical: "totara.help/add-a-competency"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://totara.help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Add a competency

Competencies (or competency items as they are sometimes called) are the individual competencies that sit within a [competency framework](/18/docs/create-a-competency-framework).

To add a competency, follow these steps:

1. Go to *Quick-access menu > Competencies*.
2. Click on the name of the competency framework in which you would like to add a competency item.
3. Click the **Add new competency** button.
4. Configure the [competency settings](/18/docs/competency-settings) as required.
5. Click **Save changes**.

Your new competency now appears in the selected competency framework.

![Adding a competency item.](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-1641817131181.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-07T12%3A38%3A25Z&se=2026-11-07T13%3A38%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=TqqcFZk2pRJkRwBDfAAJlnQXh7ROJlc3De%2Ba9e7gNgE%3D)

You can also add competencies via [bulk action](/18/docs/bulk-add-competencies) or using [HR import](/18/docs/what-is-hr-import).

## Next steps

- [Edit a competency](/18/docs/edit-a-competency)

![Course badge](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/course-badge__competencies-in-totara-perform.svg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-07T12%3A38%3A25Z&se=2026-11-07T13%3A38%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=TqqcFZk2pRJkRwBDfAAJlnQXh7ROJlc3De%2Ba9e7gNgE%3D)Why not visit the Totara Academy for our latest course on [Skills](https://totara.community/mod/page/view.php?id=24498) in Totara. Here you can learn more on how to use skills, see best practice, and give it a go yourself.

Join the [Totara Community](https://totara.community/) for more resources to help you get the most out of Totara.

© Copyright 2026 Totara Learning Solutions. All rights reserved.