Obtaining competence in Formal Assessment should follow CAP’s Standards of Practice. Specifically, section 4 outlines various standards related to competence, including a basic rule around adding new areas of practice. This standard suggests that building competency in a professional service area new to a psychologist should involve ongoing consultation with an expert in that area, appropriate education, further training, and supervision.
To track that a psychologist has developed a new area of practice in a competent manner, these professional development activities can be documented in the member’s CCP (Continuing Competence Program). If not tracked within the CCP, records should be kept by the psychologist if there are ever any inquiries about justifications for providing any professional service.
However, if a registered psychologist wants a formal record of completion of Formal Assessment hours for mobility purposes (e.g., if they are considering registration in another jurisdiction), there may be a more formal process to follow.
Currently, the regulatory colleges of British Columbia and the Yukon require applicants from Alberta who do not have a Ph.D. that meets their requirements to demonstrate competence in Formal Assessment. Hours obtained within a CAP-approved Supervision Plan as a registered provisional psychologist may be eligible. If a registered psychologist did not obtain competence while a provisional psychologist, they can go through a Supervision Plan process at any time. This process includes submission of a formal Supervision Plan for a minimum of 400 hours, and a Supervisor’s Final Evaluation. Note that this process is not CAP’s requirement, but rather a requirement of other jurisdictions. Further, other jurisdiction requirements are subject to change, and any questions regarding their requirements must be directed to them.
Registered psychologists submitting a Supervision Plan in Formal Assessment will be required to follow the Standards for Supervision for Registered Provisional Psychologists. This includes:
- a CAP-approved supervisor who is competent in Formal Assessment and in the branch being declared
- 1:15 supervision ratio (hours of supervision:hours of practice)
- 25% onsite face-to-face supervision at their practice location(s)
- 75% individual supervision
- 75% service delivery (direct) hours
Currently, the MyCAPLogin does not have the capability to process these requests. Therefore, requests are processed by emailing registration@cap.ab.ca. The forms necessary to submit this request are listed below under "Forms and Resources". Note that in addition to a Supervision Plan, a Supervisor’s Declaration for each supervisor noted on the Supervision Plan must be included and submitted to CAP at the same time. Hours cannot be counted until the Supervision Plan is formally approved by the Registration Approvals Sub-Committee (RASC). Please refer to RASC Meeting Dates posted on the website for submission deadlines.
Regulated members are also referred to CAP’s Practice Guideline: Psychological Assessment and Testing.