---
title: "Create a competency type"
slug: "create-a-competency-type"
tags: ["Totara Perform", "Site Administrator", "How-to", "Skills", "Totara Learn"]
updated: 2025-07-22T10:52:18Z
published: 2025-07-22T11:18:48Z
canonical: "totara.help/create-a-competency-type"
---

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

# Create a competency type

Competency types allow you to create custom fields and apply those fields to competencies set up within your framework.

To create a competency, follow these steps:

1. Go to *Quick-access menu > Competencies > Manage types.*
2. Click **Add a new type**.
3. Enter a name in the **Type full name** field.
4. Optionally enter a **Competency type ID number**.
5. Optionally add a **Competency Type Description**.
6. Click **Save changes**.

![List of competency types.](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-1641568631611.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-01T15%3A49%3A11Z&se=2026-11-01T16%3A49%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=NO7i8Oc%2B4sTYqVsS0F6EYxtCAAaUFCS94EzUpjff%2BU4%3D)

Your competency type is now set up and can be used to classify competency items in your framework(s).

Types are optional and can be [associated with a competency](/19/docs/assign-types-to-competencies) when it is being added or edited.

The type names and their custom fields can also be displayed in user reports built through the report builder.

## Next steps

- [Add a competency](/19/docs/add-a-competency)
- [Edit a competency](/19/docs/edit-a-competency)
- [Edit a competency type](/19/docs/edit-a-competency-type)

![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=2026-11-01T15%3A49%3A11Z&se=2026-11-01T16%3A49%3A11Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=NO7i8Oc%2B4sTYqVsS0F6EYxtCAAaUFCS94EzUpjff%2BU4%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.

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