> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.arya.so/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Skills and certifications

> Tracked competencies, certificates with expiry, skill matrix.

Track your team's **skills** (competencies) and **certifications** to see where you're strong, where you have gaps, who to train.

## Skills

<Steps>
  <Step title="Define skill library">
    **Settings → HR → Skills** → create list of competencies relevant for your company:

    * Technical: `Python`, `Figma`, `AWS`, `SAP`, etc.
    * Soft: `Public speaking`, `Project management`, `Negotiation`
    * Language: `English B2`, `Spanish A2`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign to employees">
    For each employee, add skills from profile. For each, indicate **level** (e.g. Basic / Intermediate / Advanced / Expert).

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/agevole/cM9eEPJE8FVhTNOb/images/hr/en/skills-matrix.svg?fit=max&auto=format&n=cM9eEPJE8FVhTNOb&q=85&s=d1ca698b911196abd0f51fdbf68fd0fe" alt="Skill matrix with employees and competency levels" width="1200" height="720" data-path="images/hr/en/skills-matrix.svg" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Self-assessment">
    Employees can update their own skills (requires manager validation).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Certifications

Unlike skills, **certifications** have an expiry date and a physical certificate (PDF):

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add certification">
    From employee profile → **Certifications → + New**. Name (e.g. "AWS Solutions Architect"), issuing body, date, expiry, attached PDF.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Expiry alerts">
    Arya notifies 30/60/90 days before expiry to employee + HR manager.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common certifications examples

| Certification                     | Expiry    |
| --------------------------------- | --------- |
| HACCP course                      | 1-3 years |
| Fire safety officer               | 3 years   |
| First aid course                  | 3 years   |
| PPE training                      | 5 years   |
| ISO 27001 Auditor                 | 3 years   |
| AWS Certifications                | 3 years   |
| CQC driver licence                | 5 years   |
| Occupational health medical check | 1-2 years |

## Skill matrix

Aggregated view: department × skill × level. Useful for:

* Identifying gaps (critical skills without enough experts)
* Planning training
* Assigning people to projects
* Succession planning

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/agevole/cM9eEPJE8FVhTNOb/images/hr/en/skill-matrix-heatmap.svg?fit=max&auto=format&n=cM9eEPJE8FVhTNOb&q=85&s=25fe0480f02a8e4ee63de52ccaaddd72" alt="Skill matrix heatmap with departments and competencies" width="1200" height="720" data-path="images/hr/en/skill-matrix-heatmap.svg" />
</Frame>

## Linked training

If you have a training system:

* Assign courses to fill gaps
* Track completion
* Auto-update skills/certifications on completion

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I require manager verification for self-assessments?">Yes, "requires validation" flag on the skill. The manager confirms or corrects the level.</Accordion>
  <Accordion title="How do I handle certifications mandatory for a role?">Define role requirements. Arya highlights employees not meeting requirements.</Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>