---
title: "Create a skill type"
slug: "create-a-skill-type"
tags: ["Totara Perform", "Totara Learn", "How-to", "Site Administrator", "Skills"]
updated: 2026-08-13T16:01:31Z
published: 2026-08-13T16:01:31Z
canonical: "totara.help/create-a-skill-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 skill type

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

To create a skill, follow these steps:

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

![Skill types page listing types with ID numbers, skill counts, and action options.](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-94FDC7YO.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-06T06%3A53%3A25Z&se=2026-11-06T07%3A53%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=zo8dJxRSGxUBZ9t6QRmJossza4NgJ%2FE1vJMpa1TzPL0%3D)

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

Types are optional and can be [associated with a skill](/totara-20/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 skill](/totara-20/docs/add-a-competency)
- [Edit a skill](/totara-20/docs/edit-a-competency)
- [Edit a skill type](/totara-20/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=2026-11-06T06%3A53%3A25Z&se=2026-11-06T07%3A53%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=zo8dJxRSGxUBZ9t6QRmJossza4NgJ%2FE1vJMpa1TzPL0%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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