---
title: "Set up skill frameworks"
slug: "set-up-skill-frameworks"
tags: ["How-to", "Totara Skills"]
updated: 2026-10-08T07:25:59Z
published: 2026-10-08T07:25:59Z
canonical: "totara.help/set-up-skill-frameworks"
---

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

# Set up skill frameworks

Skill frameworks are hierarchical structures that allow you to organise your [skills](/totara-20/docs/what-are-skills-1). A skill framework will contain multiple skills, which can be arranged into parent and child relationships as required, or kept at the same level.

As such, skill frameworks are used to break up skills into multiple groups based on topic, department, or other logical groupings.

[Embedded content](https://www.youtube.com/embed/vtW-19bmfBc)

## Create a skill framework

To set up a new skill framework:

1. Go to *Quick-access menu > Skills.*
2. Click **Add new skill framework**.
3. Complete the [settings](/totara-20/docs/competency-framework-settings) as desired.

Your skill framework is now set up and is ready for you to add your [skills](/totara-20/docs/set-up-skills).

## Edit a skill framework

You can make changes to a skill framework after you have created it. Note that after creation you can change the name, ID number, and the description of your skill framework. You cannot change the skill scale that is used.

To edit a framework, follow these steps:

1. Go to *Quick-access menu > Skills.*
2. Find the skill framework you wish to edit.
3. In the **Actions** column, click the cog icon ( ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-7H4ELZY0.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-01T17%3A00%3A08Z&se=2026-11-01T18%3A00%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=HNqEYCgSm%2FGSNAa4FqfagZCkw5X0zpN0wHacDehR6Mg%3D) ).
4. Make changes to the relevant fields.
5. Click **Save changes**.

![Skill frameworks page listing frameworks with skill counts and action controls.](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-838JNJN4.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-01T17%3A00%3A08Z&se=2026-11-01T18%3A00%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=HNqEYCgSm%2FGSNAa4FqfagZCkw5X0zpN0wHacDehR6Mg%3D)

## Skill framework settings

The following settings are available when creating a skill framework.

| **Setting** | **Description** | **Notes** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full name | The full name of the skill framework. Try to make this something succinct and meaningful. | - |
| ID Number | Unique ID number for the framework. | This will need to be set to import skills via HR import. |
| Description | An optional description of the skill framework, this can help others utilise it correctly. | - |
| Scale | You can select a [skill scale](/totara-20/docs/create-a-competency-scale) to use with your skill framework. | - |

### 

## Manage a skill framework’s visibility

You can manage the visibility of a skill framework by hiding or showing it to those with access to it. This can be useful if you want to remove access temporarily for everyone, without deleting the framework, perhaps so you can make changes.

To edit a skill framework’s visibility following these steps:

1. Go to *Quick-access menu > Skills.*
2. Find the skill framework you wish to edit.
3. In the **Actions** column click the eye icon ( ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-GQ1CBC0C.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-01T17%3A00%3A08Z&se=2026-11-01T18%3A00%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=HNqEYCgSm%2FGSNAa4FqfagZCkw5X0zpN0wHacDehR6Mg%3D) / ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-87ZJHEWC.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-01T17%3A00%3A08Z&se=2026-11-01T18%3A00%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=HNqEYCgSm%2FGSNAa4FqfagZCkw5X0zpN0wHacDehR6Mg%3D) ).

The open eye indicates the skill framework is visible and the crossed-out eye indicates the framework is hidden.

![Skill frameworks page listing frameworks with skill counts and action icons.](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-6S02X79F.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-01T17%3A00%3A08Z&se=2026-11-01T18%3A00%3A08Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=HNqEYCgSm%2FGSNAa4FqfagZCkw5X0zpN0wHacDehR6Mg%3D)

When skill frameworks are hidden, all skills within the framework are also hidden within any related items such as [learning plans](/totara-20/docs/what-are-learning-plans) (Totara Learn only).

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

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