ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the health promotion competency domains, performed by nurses, for adolescents, according to the Galway Consensus. Method: a qualitative study based on the Galway Consensus theoretical methodological framework. Fifteen nurses from northeastern Brazil participated. Data were collected between April and May 2017 through pre-structured interviews, submitted to the content analysis technique and analyzed according to the Galway Consensus dimensions. Results: the following competency areas were found: catalyzing changes, leadership, needs assessment, planning, implementation, and partnerships. These competencies were contemplated from embracement of adolescents at health unit, guidance, teamwork, educational activities and lectures, as well as active search. Conclusion: most health promotion domains were observed; however, it is still suggested that there are challenges to an effective performance of health promotion among adolescents because some competency domains in health promotion have not been evidenced.