GOALS OF RSDs
EARNED
Can be earned individually to be included in learner-earner records such as achievement wallets.
EQUAL
Increase equal access to opportunities on an individual’s pathway and the credentials they earn along the way because they are easily transferable.
TRANSFERABLE
Can be included in skill libraries to identify transferable skills between occupations and industries.
SHARABLE
Share meaning and act as a common language within the skills they define in a digital format.
INTEROPERABLE
Achieve skills interoperability in credentials, education and training opportunities, job profiles, and learner records.
KEY FEATURES
NAME
A short skill name that is clear, concise, and succinctly describes the nature of the RSD.
CONTEXT
A contextualized skill statement that is in alignment with Lightcast labor market skills.
CATEGORY
A statement that represents the foundational applied capability or behavior for a given task, occupation, or need.
METADATA
Can include information connecting the skill to specific collections, keywords, employers, alignment to the Standard Occupational Classification system, professional standards and certifications, alignment to Lightcast Open Skills Taxonomy
RSDS + Employers
RSDs link skills to job descriptions in ways that clearly articulate to job candidates the specific skills required for open positions. RSDs help individuals align their skills to what employers are looking for, streamlining the path to employment and career advancement.
WHAT ARE RSDS?
BENEFITS OF RSDS
RSDS & THE SKILLS ECOSYSTEM
How Our Members Are Utilizing RSDs.
Rich Skill Descriptors (RSDs) provide a detailed and standardized representation of skills, streamlining both education and hiring processes. In education, RSDs allow institutions to design curricula that align with real-world demands, ensuring students acquire skills that are both relevant and marketable. On the hiring front, employers can leverage RSDs to create precise job descriptions, ensuring that they attract candidates with the exact competencies needed for a role. This level of specificity not only expedites the hiring process but also enhances the quality of matches between job seekers and employers, leading to more productive and harmonious workplaces.
