Free download · Excel (.xlsx)
Free Competency Matrix Template — Skills vs Training
Download a free Excel starting point for competency and skills ratings — and see clearly how that differs from a training matrix of cards and expiry dates.
- Workers against skills with competency levels
- Clear split from expiry-dated training records
- Role requirements sheet for expected skill sets
- Links to skills matrix software for the honest product fit
No email required. Free to use, including commercially. Use for skill levels — keep expiry dates on a separate training matrix.
training-matrix-template.xlsx
| Row number | A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name | Role | CSCS | IPAF | PASMA | First Aid | Asbestos |
| 2 | Ahmed Khan | HVAC Engineer | 12/08/2028 | 25/08/2026 | 03/02/2028 | 19/09/2027 | — |
| 3 | John Smith | Site Supervisor | 04/06/2029 | 22/01/2028 | 18/09/2026 | 18/09/2026 | 11/11/2027 |
| 4 | Sarah Jones | Electrician | 28/10/2028 | 16/05/2028 | 16/05/2028 | 02/12/2027 | 09/07/2028 |
| 5 | Peter Brown | General Operative | 06/08/2026 | 14/04/2028 | — | — | 21/01/2028 |
| 6 | Grace Okafor | Electrician | 17/03/2029 | 27/09/2026 | 08/08/2028 | 23/06/2028 | 05/05/2028 |
Competency matrix, skills matrix or training matrix?
Searchers use these terms interchangeably. In practice you usually need two artefacts: a competency or skills matrix for how well someone can perform a task, and a training matrix for what they hold and when it expires.
| Competency / skills matrix | Training matrix | |
|---|---|---|
| Question | How well can they do this? | What do they hold, and when does it expire? |
| Cell contents | A level — e.g. learning, competent, can train | A date, card or certificate status |
| Goes stale when | Nobody reviews the rating | A date passes unnoticed |
| Best maintained by | Periodic assessment | Automatic status + reminders |
If you only need expiry-dated cards and courses, use our training matrix template instead. If you need subjective skill levels, keep them here — and do not put dates in the same cell as ratings.
How to build a simple competency matrix
- List workers down one side and the skills your work actually requires across the top.
- Agree a short scale (four levels is usually enough).
- Define what each level means so ratings do not drift between assessors.
- Rate honestly — a matrix of all “competent” tells you nothing.
- Look at columns for single points of failure.
- Review on a schedule; nothing will remind you a rating went stale.
Where FieldClear fits
FieldClear today is built for the training and qualification side — dates, evidence and reminders. We do not pretend date tracking is full competency management. For ratings, use this template (or our skills matrix template); for expiry-dated credentials, use a training matrix or the live product.
Disclaimer
A competency rating in a spreadsheet is not a legal determination of competence under CDM or any other regime. It is an internal planning tool. This is not legal advice.
Questions people ask before signing up
What is a training matrix?
A training matrix is a grid of workers against the training, qualifications and cards their roles require. Each cell shows whether that person holds that requirement and when it expires. It is the quickest way to see where the gaps are across a workforce.
Is the training matrix template really free?
Yes. Download the Excel file and use it however you like, including commercially. There is no obligation to try the software.
Can I import my existing Excel training matrix?
Yes. Upload an Excel or CSV file, map the columns to workers, roles, qualifications and expiry dates, then preview the result. Nothing is created until you confirm the import.
Is this an LMS?
No. The product tracks workforce qualifications, evidence and expiry dates. It does not deliver e-learning courses or assessments.
Does the software tell me which qualifications are legally required?
No. The system helps you track the requirements your organisation assigns. You remain responsible for determining what applies to your workers and activities. We do not provide legal or health and safety advice.
Outgrown your spreadsheet?
Upload the same file and turn it into a live matrix with automatic expiry reminders.
14-day free trial. No card required.