Abstract: Described are methods and mechanisms for determining performance proficiency within an organization. The method includes receiving rating data that includes one or more values that are each associated with an element and each element describes a specific rating criterion associated with a specific rating subject. The method additionally includes producing a hierarchical data structure responsive to the receipt of the rating data that includes at least one category and each category includes at least one factor having at least one element. The method further includes generating a rating schema based on the hierarchical data structure. The method may additionally include providing the rating schema to a client and the value within each element may define an ability of a rating subject. Each value associated with an element may be a numerical value.