Operational abilities needed by a digital curation professional include technical skills, such as specific programming languages or software commonly used in the field, and other competencies and skills that serve as the tools for creating, editing, digitizing, assessing, organizing, and preserving digital objects.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. Most of all, technology is always changing and new programs and devices are always being developed. Even more important than knowing any specific technology is the ability to stay abreast of relevant technological developments, learn new technical skills, and adapt to an ever-changing discipline.

• Familiarity with multiple operating systems
• Programming languages (e.g., PHP, Python, Ruby)
• Metadata standards (e.g., PREMIS and MARC)
• Graphics editing and creation software
• Digital repository platforms
• Digital creation tools
• Archival data management systems
• Research data analysis tools
• Open-source content management software

• Ability to select and appraise digital objects for preservation
• Expert knowledge within the specific community (e.g., Byzantine art, aviation history, or video game design)
• Familiarity with the purpose of various types of digital objects within the specific community
• Awareness and understanding of the policies and requirements related to maintaining continued accessibility of the digital objects
• Ability to confirm the provenance of digital objects
• Familiarity with and adherence to relevant copyright laws and policies regarding digital objects' preservation and accessibility

1. Madrid, 2013, p. 154-5.