Competence Area Examples

• maintain awareness of published advances in theory, practice, & empirical research
• keep up to date with knowledge, research methods, techniques, & technologies & their impacts through reading, consultation, & continuing education
• ensure acquisition & maintenance of a theoretical & scientific knowledge base for practice
• acquire and refine foundational knowledge or skills such as:
  • how to do X intervention;
  • how to do X assessment/diagnosis ;
  • how to understand/approach X problem/presenting issue/diagnosis;
  • how to work with X population; (how to apply X approach in X setting);
  • learning about X theory related to professional psychology;
  • learning about X foundation to practice (consider: psychometrics, biological bases of X disorder or function, etc.);
  • how to do X research; and
  • how to teach X content area; knowledge translation/mobility

• completing training on DSM diagnosis
• learning more about Indigenizing the profession
• certification training in specific therapeutic approach
• training, reading, or consulting about treating a specific concern/diagnosis (e.g., ADHD, PTSD, ASD)
• online workshop or modules on CBT, etc.
• researching and reading articles about a complex area of treatment
• reading a psychology-focused book
• studying a new assessment technique
• reading The CAP Monitor

NOTABLE UNACCEPTABLES/INSUFFICIENCIES:

• attending supervision (as provisional)
• teaching a course (Area 3) **Only fits in Area 1 if explicit that some learning/enhancement of practice/knowledge for clinician is occurring

• training certificate
• certificate of attendance
• continuing education credits certificate
• self-declaration form* detailing activities (such as reading completed)
• letter of attendance or completion with details (time, place, duration, etc.)
• copy of research project or completion details/summary
• written notes (e.g., taken during a meeting, reading, or training)
• content from training (e.g., manual, slides, agenda, etc.)
• training receipt or confirmation of registration in conference/course
• transcript of course(s)

• maintain and enhance knowledge of ethics, standards of practice, case law, & legislation relevant to practice

**Consider the differences between Area 2 activities (those focused specifically on Ethics (e.g., Standards of Practice, Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, CAP Practice Guidelines) & Jurisprudence (e.g., Legislation, legal precedents, case law)) and Area 1 activities (Professional Knowledge and Practice, in general). Ethics & Jurisprudence activities should be very explicitly related to ethics and jurisprudence and not just about generally becoming more competent/ethical.

• Canadian Psychological Association ethics course
• ethics roundtable discussions (PAA or otherwise)
• ethical consultation with PAA Professional Guidance Program, colleagues, or etc.
• self-study course about any topic specifically in ethics or jurisprudence
• consultation with lawyer related to ethics and jurisprudence
• reading case law relevant to practice
• reading specifically about ethics in professional psychology
• reviewing list of jurisprudence relevant to practice in Alberta (available at the bottom of this CAP webpage)
• workshop on ethical considerations re: practice topic or issue
• updating consent/similar forms or practice to comply more fully with Standards of Practice

NOTABLE UNACCEPTABLES/INSUFFICIENCIES:

• engaging in general CCP activities to become more ethical (these typically fit in Area 1)
• attending supervision (as provisional)
• "consultation" with supervisor (as provisional if counted as supervision; consultation not counted as supervision is okay as long as it is specific to ethics/jurisprudence)

• training certificate
• certificate of attendance
• consultation receipt
• self-declaration form* detailing activities (such as documents reviewed or discussions held)
• written notes (e.g., taken during a meeting, reading, or training)
• letter of attendance or completion with details (time, place, duration, etc.)
• receipt from training

• engage & connect with psychologists routinely to foster & instill commitment to profession & practice
• service to society & profession
• collaboration with others

• professional association memberships (e.g., PAA, CPA, APA, CRHSP)
• volunteerism that promotes or supports the profession 
• CAP volunteerism
• consultation groups
• collaborating with colleagues (including inter-discipline)
• development/delivery of course material
• providing supervision or mentorship
• supporting the scientific/academic foundation of the profession (e.g., editor of or author in a relevant scientific journal)
• relevant academic mentorship such as participating in a candidacy exam or defense

NOTABLE UNACCEPTABLES/INSUFFICIENCIES:

• CAP membership & staying up to date on CAP emails (these are registration / membership requirements)
• being supervised (as provisional)

• membership certificate/proof of payment of fees
• self-declaration form* detailing activities (time, place, duration, etc.)
• letter/proof of attendance or volunteer activities with details (time, place, duration, etc.)
• declaration of supervisory activities with general details (approximate hours, frequency, nature of activity, etc.)
• written notes, if thematic or anonymized (e.g., taken during a meeting)

• engage in activities that promote personal and professional well-being
• engage in self-care to avoid conditions resulting in impaired judgment or inhibited ability to benefit and not harm others

• physical exercise
• spiritual/religious practices
• social activities (family, friends)
• psychological wellness practices (mindfulness, meditation, journaling, etc.)
• physical wellness practices (nutrition, sleep, etc.)
• hobbies/pleasure activities
• work/life balance efforts
• professional wellness activities (wellness activities at work/among staff)

• Not applicable/none needed.

• any activities that involve gaining cultural competency and improved cultural safety for clients, specific to Indigenous populations

*These activities can be completed in any of the competence areas. See other areas for activity type ideas.

• course on Indigenous history and context
• reading about cultural competence or considerations for working with Indigenous clients
• consulting re: Indigenous-focused cultural competence in treatment, assessment, etc.
• studying the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and related
• professional engagement activities related to Indigenous-focused cultural safety, etc.
• wellness activities that develop cultural awareness or understanding

• any types as in first three areas