Understanding Qualifications

KSBs: Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

20 min

Simple Explanation

KSBs stands for Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours — the three types of things qualifications aim to develop. Knowledge is what learners know. Skills are what learners can do. Behaviours are how learners conduct themselves.

Professional Definition

KSBs represent the tripartite taxonomy of learning outcomes. Knowledge: cognitive domain. Skills: psychomotor and applied cognitive. Behaviours: affective domain and professional conduct.

Explain It to a 10-Year-Old

Think of learning to cook: Knowledge is knowing the ingredients. Skill is mixing them properly. Behaviour is keeping your workspace clean and safe.

Why It Matters

Different KSBs require different assessment methods. You cannot assess a practical skill with a written exam. You cannot assess professional behaviour with MCQs. Understanding KSBs ensures you choose the right method.

Where It Fits in the Process

This topic belongs to Understanding Qualifications in the assessment development journey.

Qualification Purpose Specification Analysis Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria KSBs: Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

Step-by-Step Process

1

Categorise each outcome

Is it knowledge, skill, or behaviour? Some span multiple

2

Consider assessment implications

Knowledge: written; Skills: practical; Behaviours: observation

3

Check for balance

Ensure the qualification assesses all relevant KSBs appropriately

Worked Example

From Digital Administration:
Knowledge: Describe the Data Protection Act principles
Skill: Create a spreadsheet with formulas and charts
Behaviour: Maintain confidentiality when handling personal data
Each requires a different assessment approach: written, practical, and observation.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Problem	Better Approach
Assessing all KSBs through written exams	Skills and behaviours cannot be validly assessed through writing alone	Use practical for skills, observation for behaviours
Confusing skill with knowledge	Knowing about a skill is not the same as being able to do it	Assess the doing, not the knowing about doing

Checklist

Categorised each outcome by KSB type?
Some outcomes span multiple domains

Are practical skills assessed practically?
Not through written exams

Are behaviours assessed in realistic contexts?
Observation in workplace or simulated settings

of 3 complete

Related Tool

Apply what you learned with a practical tool.

Open Blueprint Builder

Interview Connection

You may be asked about this topic in assessment developer interviews.

Practice Interview Questions

Knowledge Check (3 Questions)

You scored %

Summary

Knowledge = what learners know (cognitive domain)
Skills = what learners can do (practical/applied)
Behaviours = how learners conduct themselves (affective)
Different KSBs require different assessment methods
A complete qualification usually assesses all three domains