Competencies Assessment
Purpose: Preparing and maintaining a portfolio of training experiences and developing
competencies is a useful exercise for students. Benefits for students include fostering a
considered approach toward the next steps in their education; developing skills for assessment
of one’s own competencies strengths and weaknesses; and maintaining detailed and accurate
records for later use in applications to internship, registration as a psychologist, and jobs.
Benefits for the programme include enhancing our continual efforts to improve the quality of
training and meet our educational objectives; documenting that students have met accreditation
standards for broad and general training in specified areas of study; and facilitating meaningful
formative and summative evaluation feedback to students, including the annual written feedback
on student progress.
Standards: CPA (and APA) requires students to meet standards for broad and general training
in the biological, cognitive, affective and social aspects of behaviour, as well as in human
development, in order for our graduate program to be accredited and for students to become
registered as psychologists post-graduation. These standards can be met through a variety
activities including (but not limited to) both graduate and undergraduate courses, workshops,
research studies, brown bag/colloquium talks, etc. or some combination thereof. One “breadth”
course will likely not meet the standards for a category, so you will need to document training
you’ve received in these areas across different experiences, courses, settings, etc. It is
important that students demonstrate that they have met each standard before graduation. The
clinical faculty will review the training experiences you’ve acquired within these five areas yearly
and sign off when your training in that area has met APA/CPA standards.
Assessment: Another purpose of the Competencies Assessment is to help students think about
the level of competency they believe they have attained in what the clinical faculty consider to be
the most important areas of competence for clinical psychologists. These are reflected in the
check boxes next to each item, and should be informed by the training experiences you’ve listed
below each item. Because every student has his/her own personalized career goals, we expect
that students will vary in the other competencies they wish to prioritize mastery (outside of the
areas required by CPA). The purpose of this portion of the document is simply to help students
self-assess their progress and how that fits with their ultimate training goals.
The Competencies Assessment document should be discussed with your advisor and used to
help plan the next steps in your graduate education. Also, this is meant to be a cumulative
document that gets revised and amended over time. Even after an area is deemed complete by
the faculty, we encourage students to continue to add relevant experiences, as maintaining a
comprehensive log will ultimately help the student when applying for jobs or registration, etc.
Historical and Scientific Foundations of Psychology
This domain includes a broad knowledge base, including biological bases of behaviour,
cognitive-affective bases of behaviour, social and cultural bases of behaviour, and individual
differences/lifespan development.
No Exposure - have not (yet) been exposed to the material
Exposure - have been introduced to the main topics and possess a level of understanding that
allows you to identify and describe the major concepts
Basic, Working Knowledge - can compare and contrast information from multiple sources, and
could prepare an introductory lecture on the topic
In-depth Knowledge - ability to evaluate the topic critically and integrate it with knowledge from
other areas to formulate unique thoughts and ideas about clinical or research problems
Knowledge
1. Biological bases of behaviour, (e.g.
physiological or comparative psychology,
neuropsychology, etc.)
No Exposure
Exposure
Basic Working
Knowledge
In-depth
Knowledge
graduate courses: ________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For office use only:
Standards met
date: _______ signing authority: _________________
No Exposure
Exposure
2. Basic psychopharmacology
Basic Working
Knowledge
In-depth
Knowledge
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
3. Cognitive – affective bases of behaviour
(e.g. learning, sensation, perception,
cognition, thinking, motivation, emotion)
Exposure
Basic Working
Knowledge
In-depth
Knowledge
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For office use only:
Standards met
date: _______ signing authority: _________________
Updated:04/28/2014
2
No Exposure
Exposure
4. Social bases of behaviour (e.g. social
psychology, cultural, ethnic and group
processes, sex roles, organizational and
systems theory)
Basic Working
Knowledge
In-depth
Knowledge
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For office use only:
Standards met
date: _______ signing authority: _________________
No Exposure
Exposure
5. Individual behaviour (e.g. personality
theory, human development, individual
differences, abnormal psychology)
Basic Working
Knowledge
In-depth
Knowledge
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For office use only:
Standards met
date: _______ signing authority: _________________
No Exposure
Exposure
6. Historical and scientific foundations
of general psychology
Basic Working
Knowledge
In-depth
Knowledge
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For office use only:
Standards met
date: _______ signing authority: _________________
No Exposure
7. Typical and atypical development across
the life span, including protective and risk
factors that influence development
Exposure
Basic Working
Knowledge
In-depth
Knowledge
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For office use only:
Standards met
date: _______ signing authority: _________________
Updated:04/28/2014
3
Research Skills and Critical Reasoning
This domain includes scientific reasoning and decision-making; independent research; critical
evaluation of the literature; and quantitative skills.
No Exposure – have not been (yet) exposed to the material
Exposure – have been exposed to the basic concepts associated with the competency but do
not (yet) have applied experience
Experience/Training – some experience and ongoing training with this competency
Competent w/ Supervision – knowledge and skills are at the level expected of an advanced
graduate student ready for internship
Knowledge and Skills
8. Research methods in psychology,
with special emphasis on clinical psychology
No Exposure
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
9. Program evaluation methods
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
10. Objectively evaluate research
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
4
No Exposure
Exposure
11. Prepare research proposals
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
12. Quantitative analysis using multiple
methods
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
5
Ethics and Professionalism
This domain includes professional identity and integrity; concern for the welfare and dignity of
others; ethical, legal and professional standards in research, teaching, and practice, decisionmaking and conduct; and commitment to enhancing competency through self-evaluation and
continuing education.
Knowledge
13. Ethical issues in the conduct of research,
teaching, supervision, and practice (e.g.,
knowledge of the CPA and APA ethics
codes, the CPBC code of conduct, the TriCouncil Policy Statement for ethical research)
No Exposure
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Skills
14. Identify and observe boundaries of
competence in all areas of professional
practice
No Exposure
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
15. Establish and maintain an environment
that promotes ethical behaviour and
decision-making
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
6
No Exposure
Exposure
16. Critically evaluate one’s own
competence through self-assessment
and feedback from others
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
17. Demonstrate respect for others, including
those with conflicting viewpoints, in all areas
of professional functioning
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
18. Accurately represent and document
work performed in scholarship and
professional practice
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
19. Specific skills related to ethical issues
that commonly arise in relation to the
student’s idiosyncratic area of work
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
7
Interpersonal Competence and Communication
This domain includes relating effectively and meaningfully with clients, colleagues, supervisors,
and students as well as proficiency in working with individuals with diverse cultural and personal
backgrounds and characteristics.
No Exposure – have not been (yet) exposed to the material
Exposure – have been exposed to the basic concepts associated with the competency but do not (yet)
have applied experience
Experience/Training – some experience and ongoing training with this competency
Competent w/ Supervision – knowledge and skills are at the level expected of an advanced graduate
student ready for internship
Skills
20. Communicate effectively in oral and
written format in scholarly and practice
settings
No Exposure
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
21. Identify and manage interpersonal
conflict
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
22. Professional presentations and teaching
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
8
No Exposure
Exposure
23. Knowledge and skills pertaining
to supervision
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
24. Develop and communicate formative
and summative evaluations of students’ work
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
25. Knowledge and skills pertaining to
developing a warm and constructive
working alliance with clients and
relevant stakeholders
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
9
Evidence-Based Practice
This domain is broad and includes basic application of research findings to clinical practice. This
basic level of knowledge and skills involves integration of theory, systematic knowledge, and
experience to collect, interpret and apply pertinent data as well as awareness of biases and
heuristics. This domain also includes assessment and intervention. In the realm of assessment,
the domain covers appropriate selection and application of measurement approaches and
psychometric tools; diagnosis and case conceptualization; communication of assessment
findings; and knowledge of limitations and appropriateness of norms and references. In the area
of intervention/supervision/consultation, the domain includes the use of evidence-based
interventions designed to alleviate suffering and to promote mental health and well-being and
provision of expert guidance or professional assistance to supervisees and third parties.
Knowledge and Skills
26. Biases and heuristics that can influence
clinical decision-making along with steps
to minimize their influence
No Exposure
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
27. Psychometric theory and test
construction methods
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
28. Methods for assessing characteristics
and behaviours of children and adults
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
29. Diagnostic classification systems
and their limitations
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
10
No Exposure
Exposure
30. Factors influencing interpretation of data
and decision-making
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
31. Evidence base supporting efficacy and
effectiveness of interventions for specific
problems/disorders
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
32. Articulate a rationale for decisions and
psychological services that relies on
supporting data (e.g., research results,
base rates, epidemiological data)
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
33. Knowledge and application of evidencebased criteria in selection and adaptation of
assessment methods (e.g., psychometric
properties, cost effectiveness, relevance,
norms)
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
11
No Exposure
Exposure
34. Administer and score assessment
instruments for children and/or adults
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
35. Interpret and synthesize results from
multiple sources (e.g., multiple methods of
assessment, multiple informants)
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
36. Formulate a diagnosis, recommendation,
and/or professional opinion using multi-axial
diagnostic criteria using multiple methods
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
Exposure
37. Evaluate effectiveness of psychological
services
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
38. Knowledge and skills pertaining to
intervention in a variety of treatment
modalities (e.g., individual therapy, family
therapy)
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
12
No Exposure
Exposure
39. Engage in collaborative intervention
planning with client(s) and stakeholders
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
No Exposure
40. Engage in consultation and collaboration
across professions, including other
organizations such as schools, community
agencies, etc.
Exposure
Experience/
Training
Competent
w/Supervision
graduate courses:___________________________________________________________________________
undergraduate courses: ____________________________________________________________________
other:________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated:04/28/2014
13