Competition Rules updated for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

WorldSkills has published Version 11.0 of the WorldSkills Competition Rules, introducing important updates that strengthen how WorldSkills Competitions are designed, delivered, and governed.

The updated Rules, which will apply to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, reflect lessons learned from recent events and ongoing efforts to modernize the delivery of WorldSkills Competitions.

While many of the changes are technical or procedural, Version 11.0 also addresses which skills are hosted at the Competition. These changes stem from the Competitions of the Future strategic project and decisions adopted by Members at General Assembly 2023.

The revised framework introduces five guiding principles to determine the continuity, exclusion, or addition of a skill competition:

• Labour market representation: the distribution of skill competitions reflects global employment trends across sectors.
• Occupational validity: each skill competition is anchored to a globally recognized occupation, referenced against the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO).
• Distinctiveness: skill competitions are clearly differentiated, with minimal overlap in core competencies.
• Cross-regional relevance: skills reflect occupations in demand across multiple economies and at least three continents or regions.
• Authenticity: competition environments reflect real-world industry conditions while maintaining the quality of competition.

Commenting on the importance of the continual review of the Rules, Jane Stokie, Director of Skill Competitions at WorldSkills, said: “Every two years, the Competitions Committee reviews the Competition Rules to ensure they remain relevant, fair, and fit for the future.”

Ms Stokie also highlighted a new element in this review: “For WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the introduction of AI-based translation for Test Projects reflects our commitment to keeping pace with technological innovation.” This option will be available for skill competitions in Social and Personal Services, Creative Arts and Fashion, and Information and Communication Technology sectors.

All changes to the Competition Rules are approved by the WorldSkills General Assembly.

See the full set of Official Documents relating to WorldSkills International and the WorldSkills Competition.