SkillObjects are measurable, reusable, detailed descriptions of what people do in accomplishing work. They reflect logically clustered tasks that are performed, trained, or evaluated together along with the tools, resources, unique knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform each clustering of tasks. A SkillObject typically consists of between two to ten tasks that are performed, trained, and/or evaluated together with the tools, resources, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform this clustering of tasks.

SkillObjects provide an alternative to describing job requirements over task-centric approaches. Within this vein, SkillObjects reflect technical competencies that not only delineate important activities in the job but also personnel requirements for successful performance within the job. This makes SkillObjects particularly useful in quickly identifying the major components of a job which naturally leads to using SkillObjects as specific modules in training, selection, performance appraisals, and other Human Capital endeavors.

Standard taxonomies accepted and endorsed by the Department of Labor are utilized to describe the Generalized Work Activities (GWAs), skills, and abilities of particular positions; thus, all jobs have specific data points using the same framework. Moreover, tasks are generated using the same methodology and structure regardless of job. SkillObjects can be used to infer common elements for particular positions and also common elements across any set of jobs described with SkillObject technology.