SCANS

The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) was established in 1990 by Elizabeth Dole, then secretary of the Department of Labor, to determine the skills required for employment in the modern workplace. As part of this research, the Commission interviewed people representing businesses, schools, and unions. SCANS then developed a list of 36 essential workplace skills, categorizing them as "Foundation Skills" and "Competencies."

Click here to see the complete list of SCANS Foundation Skills and Competencies.

Back to About the Series