Hmm, I think for categories, there are 2 'ID numbers': 1 autonumbered which is also the database ID number corresponding to the category, and 1 optional value that just displays in your category management section.
If the developers used this to model the competency settings page, it makes sense that the competency ID number is an optional value, only to be used for reference. And for auto numbering, you'd have to allow for instances who want an alphanumerical ID number, instead of just a numerical value, like 'e1234c345b1'
It might be an interesting addition to the interface and workings, and it could be part of improvements to the interface.