Assessing Durable Skills in the Age of AI: A Framework for Employers

Workforce readiness depends not only on what someone knows on day one, but also on whether they can apply durable skills — including judgment, communication and collaboration — to new and unexpected challenges. These skills are among the most in demand in the workforce, yet they are inherently difficult to assess because they are context-dependent and often revealed through behavior over time. Increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) adds another layer of complexity as it impacts the reliability of traditional assessment methods.

This resource helps employers address challenges in assessing durable skills. It identifies four characteristics of a strong skill signal and offers a practical framework companies can use to evaluate their existing assessment methods. The most reliable evidence comes from observing an individual apply a skill and achieve an outcome. For talent leaders, the task is to bring hiring, promotion and development decisions closer to that standard.