Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) are different qualities that define a person’s capacity to perform a job effectively. Knowledge refers to the understanding of facts, concepts, and information related to a specific area. Skills are the practical abilities and techniques an individual has developed through practice, such as operating machinery or writing reports. Abilities are the innate or developed talents that enable someone to perform tasks, like problem-solving or communication. Together, KSAs help employers assess if a person has the right expertise, practical capability, and personal aptitude for a particular role.