Digital Competence Framework (DigComp)

What is the European Digital Competence Framework, DigComp? 

The European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) describes what is needed to be digitally competent in today's society, and supports the development of digital competence among individuals of all ages. It covers a wide range of skills levels, from basic to highly advanced, and offers a stable reference point in a rapidly-evolving digital technological landscape.

DigComp 3.0 is the fifth version of the framework. The first version was published in 2013, with updates published in 2016, 2017 and 2022. The framework is developed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

Why is digital competence important? 

Digital environments are now deeply intertwined with daily life, working, learning, and participation in society. Individuals need to be digitally competent to benefit from the possibilities offered by digital technologies as well as the challenges that they can bring. We need digital competence for many activities – to search for, find and critically interpret information online; create, edit and share digital content; manage privacy, safety and wellbeing in digital environments; use digital platforms and services; avail of employment and learning opportunities; and for social connection and civic participation through digital technologies, to name a few.

Yet, in 2023, only 56% of adults in the EU had above basic digital skills, and 43% of secondary school students in the EU did not reach a basic level of digital skills. In 2024-2025, 92% of EU workers reported needing digital skills to do their jobs, and 30% used AI systems for their work. 

Who is DigComp for, how is it used? 

DigComp is for organisations and individuals who share the common goal of understanding and identifying digital competence needs and supporting their development. 

The framework is for policymakers; employers and employment services; researchers and academics; leaders and educators in compulsory and higher education, vocational education and training and lifelong learning; and any individual who is interested in digital competence.

DigComp is already widely used across Europe and internationally. It enables a common, shared understanding of digital competence. Since it is a technology-neutral and non-prescriptive framework, it is designed to be used and adapted for a variety of purposes – for example, to inform policymaking on digital education and digital skills; develop assessments; enhance transparency or comparability of education and training courses; recognise or validate learning (such as through digital skills certification); and define profiles of digital competence in specific jobs or roles.