CASAS Competencies

CASAS competencies 4.1–4.9 focus on getting a job, wages, rights, job performance, and communicating in the workplace.  


4.1.1 Interpret governmental forms related to seeking work, such as applications for Social Security

4.1.2 Follow procedures for applying for a job, including interpreting and completing job applications, résumés, and letters of application 

4.1.3 Identify and use sources of information about job opportunities such as job descriptions, job ads, and online searches, and about the job market 

4.1.4 Identify and use information about training opportunities 

4.1.5 Identify how to interview appropriately for a job 

4.1.6 Interpret general work-related vocabulary

4.1.7 Identify appropriate behavior and attitudes for getting a job 

4.1.8 Identify common occupations and the skills and education required for them 

4.1.9 Identify procedures for career planning, including self-assessment 

4.1 Understand basic principles of getting a job 

4.2.1 Interpret wages, deductions, pay statements, and timekeeping forms 

4.2.2 Interpret information about employee organizations 

4.2.3 Interpret employment contract and union agreements

 4.2.4 Interpret employee handbooks, personnel policies, and job manuals 

4.2.5 Interpret information about employee benefits 

4.2.6 Interpret information about legal rights of employees, including issues such as discrimination and harassment 

4.2 Understand wages, benefits, employee rights, and concepts of employee organizations 

4.3.1 Interpret safety signs found in the workplace 

4.3.2 Interpret safe work procedures, safety manuals, and related information such as ergonomic requirements

 4.3.3 Identify common safety equipment and safe work attire 

4.3.4 Report unsafe working conditions and work-related accidents, injuries, and damages 

4.3 Understand work-related safety standards and procedures 

4.4.1 Identify appropriate behavior, attire, attitudes, and social interaction, and other factors that affect job retention and advancement 

4.4.2 Identify appropriate skills and education for keeping a job and getting a promotion 

4.4.3 Interpret job-related signs, charts, diagrams, forms, and procedures, and record information on forms, charts, checklists, etc. 

4.4.4 Interpret job responsibilities and performance reviews

 4.4.5 Identify job training needs and set learning goals 

4.4.6 Interpret work specifications and quality standards 

 4.4.7 Demonstrate the ability to apply or transfer skills learned in one job situation to another 

4.4.8 Interpret job-related technical information, such as from service manuals and training classes 

4.4 Understand concepts and materials related to job performance and training 

4.5.1 Identify and use common tools, equipment, machines, and materials required for one's job 

4.5.2 Demonstrate ability to enter information using keyboards, keypads, and other devices 

4.5.4 Demonstrate use of common business machines 

4.5.5 Demonstrate the ability to use a computer in performing work tasks 

4.5.6 Demonstrate ability to select, set up, and apply appropriate technology for a given task 

4.5.7 Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems with machines and to follow proper maintenance procedures 

4.5 Effectively use common workplace tools and technology 

4.6.1 Follow, clarify, give, or provide feedback to instructions; give and respond appropriately to criticism 

4.6.2 Interpret and write work-related correspondence, including notes, memos, letters, and e-mail 

4.6.3 Interpret written workplace announcements and notices 

4.6.4 Report progress on activities, status of assigned tasks, and problems and other situations affecting job completion

4.6.5 Select and analyze work-related information for a given purpose and communicate it to others orally or in writing 

4.6 Communicate effectively in the workplace 

4.7.1 Interpret or prepare a work-related budget, including projecting costs, keeping detailed records, and tracking status of expenditures and revenue 

4.7.2 Identify or demonstrate effective management of material resources, including acquisition, storage, and distribution 

4.7.3 Identify or demonstrate effective management of human resources, including assessing skills, making appropriate work assignments, and monitoring performance 

4.7.4 Identify, secure, evaluate, process, and/or store information needed to perform tasks or keep records 

4.7.5 Demonstrate ability to use a filing system or other ordered system (e.g., coded or numbered) 

4.7 Effectively manage workplace resources 

4.8.1 Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively with others as a member of a team, contributing to team efforts, maximizing the strengths of team members, promoting effective group interaction, and taking personal responsibility for accomplishing goals

4.8.2 Identify ways to learn from others and to help others learn job-related concepts and skills 

4.8.3 Demonstrate effective communication skills in working with customers and clients 

4.8.4 Demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness in meeting the needs and solving the problems of customers

4.8.5 Demonstrate leadership skills, including effectively communicating ideas or positions, motivating and respecting others, and responsibly challenging existing policies 

4.8.6 Demonstrate negotiation skills in resolving differences, including presenting facts and arguments, recognizing differing points of view, offering options, and making compromises

4.8.7 Identify and use effective approaches to working within a multicultural workforce, including respecting cultural diversity, avoiding stereotypes, and recognizing concerns of members of other ethnic and gender groups 

4.8 Demonstrate effectiveness in working with other people

4.9.1 Identify the formal organizational structure of one's work environment

4.9.2 Identify an organization’s goals and priorities, and factors that affect its operation

4.9.3 Identify sources of information and assistance, and access resources within a system 

4.9.4 Assess the operation of a system or organization and make recommendations for improvement, including development of new systems

4.9 Understand how organizational systems function and operate effectively within them 

Employment