The Competency Model of Training

Over the past 20 years various organizations within psychology, including the American Psychological Association (APA), the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), and the National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology (NCSPP), have developed training models that focus on specific competencies (comprising knowledge, skills, and attitudes) necessary for the effective practice of professional psychology. An important competency model for you to become familiar with is the Developmental Achievement Levels of NCSPP. Within these competencies is the relationship competency. The relationship competency is foundational to all other competencies in professional psychology. Many of the skills and functions of a professional psychologist rely on the basic ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Understanding this competency, along with the other competencies, is critical to obtaining a broad overall picture of what you need to learn in order to be competent at a basic professional level once you graduate. This understanding informs how your program fits together in an organized, developmentally progressive sequence of training that will take you from novice to competent professional.

Post by Day 3 an analysis of the evolution and contribution of the competency-based education movement to the training of professional psychologists. Then, explain the role and importance of the relationship competency to the practice of professional psychology.