The DigComp framework
The 5 areas and 21 competences behind the EPSO digital skills test
What DigComp is
DigComp is the EU’s common framework for describing digital competence, developed by the Joint Research Centre. EPSO’s AD5 notice cites version 2.2, published in 2022, as the basis of the digital skills test.
The notice names its 5 areas and no reading list, so the framework is the closest thing to a syllabus.
The 5 areas and 21 competences
Each question in the test belongs to one of these areas.
Information and data literacy
- 1.1 Browsing, searching and filtering data, information and digital content
- 1.2 Evaluating data, information and digital content
- 1.3 Managing data, information and digital content
Communication and collaboration
- 2.1 Interacting through digital technologies
- 2.2 Sharing through digital technologies
- 2.3 Engaging in citizenship through digital technologies
- 2.4 Collaborating through digital technologies
- 2.5 Netiquette
- 2.6 Managing digital identity
Digital content creation
- 3.1 Developing digital content
- 3.2 Integrating and re-elaborating digital content
- 3.3 Copyright and licences
- 3.4 Programming
Safety
- 4.1 Protecting devices
- 4.2 Protecting personal data and privacy
- 4.3 Protecting health and well-being
- 4.4 Protecting the environment
Problem solving
- 5.1 Solving technical problems
- 5.2 Identifying needs and technological responses
- 5.3 Creatively using digital technologies
- 5.4 Identifying digital competence gaps
Proficiency levels
DigComp describes 8 proficiency levels in 4 groups: foundation, intermediate, advanced and highly specialised. They range from simple tasks done with guidance to solving complex problems and guiding others.
EPSO does not say which level the test targets. Its sample questions are about everyday tools, such as email, file formats and security settings.
How to use it
Use the list of competences as a checklist. For each one, ask yourself whether you could answer a short practical question on it in under 45 seconds.
DigComp 2.2 also gives over 250 examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes, including many on AI. They show the kind of everyday situations the test is built around.
Source and licence
Vuorikari, R., Kluzer, S. and Punie, Y., DigComp 2.2: The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens, Publications Office of the European Union, 2022. Reused under the CC BY 4.0 licence. The summaries on this page are ours.