The Estonian skills classification system is based on ESCO (European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations) but is adapted to the specific needs of Estonia, incorporating up-to-date, culturally relevant, and region-specific data. Every skill in the Estonian Skills Register is linked to the most closely matching entry in the ESCO skills framework.
Similar to other classification systems, such as ISCO (International Standard Classification of Occupations), Estonia’s Skills Register is structured hierarchically. The classifier is multi-leveled, with data organized from general to specific: higher levels represent broader categories, while lower levels define more specific skills.
The Estonian Skills Register consists of 13 Main Areas of Skills:
Thinking Skills
Self-Management Skills
Social Skills
Leadership Skills
Management Skills
Evaluation and Research Skills
Teaching and Guidance Skills
Creativity Skills
Healthcare Skills
Welfare Skills
Agricultural Skills
Handling and Processing Skills
Technical Skills
Each category is mutually exclusive at all hierarchical levels. Each skill appears only once in the classification. Each skill in the register is assigned a unique code that does not overlap with any other skill entry.
The Skills Register has four distinct levels:
Main Area of Skills
Group of Skills
Core Skills
Granular Level of Core Skills
Example:
- Technical Skills
1.1 Use of Software
1.1.1 Programming
1.1.1.1 Writing Source Code
The Skills Register consists of two parts:
- A skills classification system (Levels 1 & 2: Main Area and Group of Skills), describing general and transferable skills, which is constant and rarely updated.
- A skills catalog (Levels 3 & 4: Core and Granular Level of Skills), describing occupation-specific skills, which is dynamic and frequently updated.
The Skills Register is labor-market oriented, systematically organizing skills required in the modern job market. It takes into account rapid societal changes to support innovative industries and emerging professions with relevant future skills.