Better health and ageing for all Australians

Capability Map

What is the Capability Map?
What do we use the Capability Map for?
What are the 6 Capabilities?
Capability Descriptors by Classification Level
Capability Descriptors & Performance Indicators by Classification Level
Comparative Overview by Capability


What is the Capability Map?


The Capability Map is a comprehensive map of 'how' each employee undertakes work to achieve the Department's outcomes, shown as 5 standard capabilities, and 1 optional capability for all staff across the APS1- EL2 levels.

What do we use the Capability Map for?


The Capability Map forms the basis for all the Department’s people management activities as they link to the People Strategy, including:
  • Performance management;
  • Recruitment and selection;
  • Learning and development;
  • Workforce planning ; and
  • Awards and recognition.

What are the 6 Capabilities?


There are six (6) key capabilities for each level. The capabilities apply to all of the Department’s APS 1-6 and EL 1-2 levels and equivalents, irrespective of where they work in the Department. They are:
  • Aligns with organisational goals/contributes to strategic thinking;
  • Achieves results;
  • Supports/cultivates working relationships;
  • Shows/exemplifies personal drive and integrity;
  • Communicates clearly and effectively/communicates with influence; and
  • Applies and builds appropriate knowledge, skills and experience.

Capability Descriptions


Each of the capability descriptions shows the performance standard for the relevant classification level. The standard applying to a level includes all those listed at lower levels.

There are three documents which describe the capability standards required at each level. These documents present the capabilities in different ways to increase your understanding of the capability map, and for ease of use depending on your personal preferences and needs. They are:
  • Capabilities by classification level (APS 1- EL2);
  • Capabilities and detailed Performance Indicators by classification level (APS 1-EL2);
  • Comparative Overview by capability across the APS 1 - EL 2 levels (PDF 100 KB),

Capabilities by Classification Level


The following documents provide a snapshot of the capabilities required at each APS classification level.

Descriptors and Performance Indicators by Classification Level


Choose a classification level from the list below to see the detailed descriptors and performance indicators for that level.

Comparative Overview by Capability


The following document provides an overview of each capability and highlight where capability changes occur between levels.