COMDTINST 5300.2B — Workforce Competency Management System (cms)

COMDTINST 5300.2B governs the Coast Guard’s Workforce Competency Management System, including its policy, practices, and procedures.

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  • Publication number: COMDTINST 5300.2B
  • Title: WORKFORCE COMPETENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMS)
  • Date: 2/2/2024
  • Proponent: CG-1B1

View COMDTINST 5300.2B on armypubs.army.mil


The publication addresses competency requirements for positions and personnel, competency assignments, the Competency Dictionary, and system applications. It requires competency data management in Direct Access and establishes reviews, documentation, and certification practices.

Applies to: All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy and assistant commandants, and chiefs of headquarters staff elements shall comply with the provisions of this Instruction.

Topics covered

  • Workforce competency management
  • Competency requirements
  • Competency Dictionary
  • Direct Access competency data
  • Competency assignments
  • Position competency reviews
  • Coast Guard Business Intelligence system

Questions and answers

What must Coast Guard leadership ensure about workforce competencies?

Coast Guard leadership shall ensure our workforce understands the requirements of their specialty, subspecialty, rating, and job functions. Personnel shall be well-trained and prepared to meet those requirements. (paragraph 5)

What system does the Coast Guard use to store and manage competency data?

Direct Access (DA) is the primary system the Coast Guard uses to store and manage competency data. (paragraph 5)

How often must CO/OICs review unit position competencies?

Unit COs/Officers in Charge (CO/OICs) should annually review the competency portfolios of all personnel assigned to their unit and ensure they are credited with the competencies they have earned. CO/OICs shall also review the distribution of all competencies associated with unit positions biannually and submit recommendations for changes through the appropriate chain of command. (paragraph 9)

When may Servicing Personnel Offices document competency information?

Servicing Personnel Offices (SPOs) shall document the personnel competency information in DA in accordance with Reference (b) and the DA instructions available on the Pay and Personnel Center (PPC) website. See Appendix C. They shall complete this action only when individual members and/or their commands provide proper documentation. (paragraph 9)

How do members earn competencies?

Members earn competencies through a variety of methods including training, completion of PQS, WQS, experiences, or any combination thereof. (paragraph 1)

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