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Engineering

Engineering Competency Model

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) worked with a range of engineering associations and other technical and subject matter experts from industry, education, and government to develop a comprehensive competency model for Engineering. These experts provided critical input on the profession's skill requirements and will ensure that the Engineering Competency Model evolves to accommodate changing skill requirements.

The model is designed as a resource that provides a lifelong learning template of the core competencies and skills necessary for entry into the engineering profession as well as for maintaining proficiency during one's career.

In 2025, the foundational tiers of the model were updated to align with changes in the Building Blocks Model. For more information, download the Summary of Changes.

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Engineering Competency Model


Engineering Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Displaying skills to work effectively with others. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying strong moral principles and work ethic. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional presence. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a commitment to effective job performance by taking action on one’s own and following through to get the job done. <strong>1.5 Adaptability and Flexibility</strong> Displaying the capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements. <strong>1.6 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.7 Lifelong Learning</strong> Demonstrating curiosity and a persistent desire for continuous learning. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences, paragraphs, and figures in work-related documents on paper, on computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Using standard business English to compile information and prepare written documents on paper, computers, or adaptive devices. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Using mathematics to express ideas and solve problems. <strong>2.4 Science and Technology</strong> Using scientific rules and methods to express ideas and solve problems on paper, on computers, or on adaptive devices. <strong>2.5 Communication</strong> Listening, speaking, and signaling so others can understand using a variety of methods, including hearing, speech, American Sign Language, instant messaging, text-to-speech devices, etc. <strong>2.6 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Using logical thought processes to analyze information and draw conclusions. <strong>2.7 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Client/Stakeholder Focus</strong> Efficiently and effectively addressing the needs of clients. <strong>3.3 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. <strong>3.4 Creative Thinking</strong> Generating innovative and creative solutions. <strong>3.5 Problem Solving, Prevention and Decision Making</strong> Generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions to problems. <strong>3.6 Seeking and Developing Opportunities</strong> <strong>3.7 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining modern engineering tools and technology, including adaptive tools and new technology, to facilitate work activity. <strong>3.8 Scheduling and Coordinating</strong> Making arrangements that fulfill all requirements as efficiently and economically as possible. <strong>3.9 Checking, Examining, and Recording</strong> Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/digital format, including adaptive devices and software. <strong>3.10 Business Fundamentals</strong> Using information on basic business principles, trends, and economics. <strong>4.1 Foundations of Engineering</strong> Engineering fundamentals and its interactions with society. <strong>4.2 Design</strong> The process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. <strong>4.3 Manufacturing and Construction</strong> The process by which materials are converted or assembled into higher value products. <strong>4.4 Operations and Maintenance</strong> The setup, operation, control, maintenance and improvement of technology that supports production to meet client requirements. <strong>4.5 Professional Ethics</strong> Displaying strong engineering ethics by evaluating and applying the merits, risks, and social concerns of activities in engineering. <strong>4.6 Business, Legal and Public Policy</strong> The activities associated with business management and operations and the relevant local, state, federal, and international laws and regulations that impact engineering. <strong>4.7 Sustainability and Societal and Environmental Impact</strong> Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. <strong>4.8 Engineering Economics</strong> Economics for application to engineering projects. <strong>4.9 Quality Control and Quality Assurance</strong> Ensuring product and process meets quality requirements as defined by client specifications. <strong>4.10 Safety, Health, Security and Environment</strong> Complying with standards and procedures for a safe, secure, and healthy work environment. Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles