Explore KSACs by Pathway
In late 2025, the Partnership pulled together members of industry from across tech to share how the in-demand skillsets for entry-level roles in their fields have changed in the last two years. The Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Credentials (KSACs) below reflect their feedback on entry-level expectations, especially in a tech workplace increasingly shaped by AI.
5. Operating System
| Label | KSAC Description | Bloom's Taxonomy Level | |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | Ability to install and configure software. | ability | 3 |
| b | Explain the boot process (Boot loader, Kernel). | knowledge | 2 |
| c | Perform software patching (update drivers, security, software). | skill | 1 |
| d | Understand difference between a server vs. client machine. | knowledge | 2 |
| e | Compare operating system characteristics (Windows and Linux). | knowledge | 3 |
| f | Apply file management skills in Linux and Microsoft environments (CLI and GUI).(create files, delete files, make directories, remove directories, search text) | ability | 3 |
| g | Explain and compare an absolute path with a relative path (file hierarchy). | knowledge | 3 |
| h | Navigate a directory structure. | ability | 3 |
| i | Create, modify, organize files in CLI. | skill | 3 |
| j | Identify the purpose and basic use cases of PowerShell for system and network administration | knowledge | 1 |
| k | Utilize system monitoring tools (e.g. task manager, top command). | skill | 2 |
| l | Identify common endpoint protection concepts (e.g., antivirus, endpoint detection and response) | knowledge | 1 |
| m | System Administration (Microsoft and Linux).(add users, add groups, configure password policies, modify user environments) | ability | 3 |
| n | Compare authorization vs authentication (including access and auditing) | knowledge | 3 |
Credentials
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals
- CompTIA A+
- Linux Essentials
- Network +
- LPIC-1
- CompTIA Cloud+
- Microsoft Operating System Fundamentals