> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://helpdesk.pluvo.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Creating a skill

You create skills via the skills management (management > skills management). Click **+ New skill** there.
Give the skill a clear name and abbreviation. 
These will later be visible in the [skills matrix](https://helpdesk.pluvo.com/nl/article/skillsmatrix-lezen-1pmd23g/) – the overview of obtained and missing skills. Also add a short description explaining what the skill stands for. 

For example:
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/f/b/2/efb20d00b64eb000/schermafbeelding-2025-05-22-om_xetwwr.png)

Optionally insert an **image** so the skill is easily recognizable in the overview.
Under the **groups** tab, you indicate which user groups need to obtain this skill. This makes the skill appear in the user's portfolio, and allows you to filter in the skills matrix by groups that need to be compliant.
Under the **certificates** tab, you add one or more certificates that a user must obtain to demonstrate that they have acquired the skill. You can also indicate here whether the certificate is mandatory or optional. You must first have created these certificates via management > certificates. 

## Add an external certificate 

You can link an external certificate to a specific skill, so participants can upload their external certificate to obtain this skill. 

### Upload an external certificate

In the settings, open 'certificates' and then choose 'external certificate'.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/f/b/2/efb20d00b64eb000/certificaat-1_1x85uvv.png)
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/f/b/2/efb20d00b64eb000/certificaat-2_jjd20q.png)

You can then enter the name of this external certificate and set all the options the way you want them.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/f/b/2/efb20d00b64eb000/certificaat-3_xmmtt6.png)