In Roses are red, I proposed definitions for oft-used yet ambiguous terms such as “competency” and “capability”.
Not only did I suggest a competency be considered a task, but also that its measurement be binary: competent or not yet competent.
As a more general construct, a capability is not so readily measured in a binary fashion. For instance, the question is unlikely to be whether you can analyse data, but the degree to which you can do so. Hence capabilities are preferably measured via a proficiency scale.
Of course numerous proficiency scales exist. For example:
The NIH Proficiency Scale maintains Not Applicable, Fundamental Awareness (basic knowledge), Novice (limited experience), Intermediate (practical application), Advanced (applied theory) and Expert (recognized authority).
Tags: assessment • capability • capability framework • competency • Development • evaluation • framework • Kirkpatrick • learning • Measurement • organisational development • organizational development • Proficiency • scale • Tracey Proficiency Scale