Competency Requirements - Foundational & Functional

Foundational Competencies (8)

1. Professionalism
   Demonstrating professional values and ethics as evidenced in behavior and comportment that reflect the values and ethics of psychology, integrity, and responsibility.

2. Reflective Practice/Self-Assessment/Self-Care
   Practice conducted with personal and professional self-awareness and reflection; with awareness of competencies, with appropriate self-care.

3. Scientific Knowledge and Methods
   Understanding of research, research methodology, techniques of data collection and analysis, biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, and development across the lifespan. Respect for scientifically derived knowledge.

4. Relationships
   Relate effectively and meaningfully with individuals, groups, and/or communities.

5. Individual and Cultural Diversity
   Awareness, sensitivity and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal backgrounds and characteristics defined broadly and consistent with APA policy.

6. Ethical Legal Standards and Policy
   Application of ethical concepts and awareness of legal issues regarding professional activities with individual, groups, and organizations.

7. Interdisciplinary Systems
   Knowledge of key issues and concepts in related disciplines. Identify and interact with professionals in multiple disciplines.

8. Evidence-Based Practice
   Demonstration of the capacity to integrate current research literature into clinical practice, research/evaluation, and other functional competency domains where applicable. 

Functional Competencies (8)

1. Assessment
   Assessment and diagnosis of problems, capabilities, and issues associated with individuals, groups, and/or organizations.

2. Intervention
   Interventions designed to alleviate suffering and to promote health and well-being of individuals, groups, and/or organizations.

3. Consultation
   The ability to provide expert guidance or professional assistance in response to a client’s needs or goals.

4. Research/Evaluation
   Generating research that contributes to the professional knowledge base and/or evaluates the effectiveness of various professional activities.

5. Supervision
   Supervision and training in the professional knowledge base and of evaluation of the effectiveness of various professional activities.

6. Teaching
   Providing instruction, disseminating knowledge, and evaluating acquisition of knowledge and skill in professional psychology.

7. Management-Administration
   Manage the direct delivery of services and/or the administration of organizations, programs, or agencies in areas of professional psychology.

8. Advocacy
   Actions targeting the impact of social, political, economic or cultural factors to promote change at the individual (client), institutional, and system level.