A competency framework and measure for psychologists: the psychometric assessment of the Competencies of Professional Psychology Rating (COPPR) Scales.
Saved in:
| Title: | A competency framework and measure for psychologists: the psychometric assessment of the Competencies of Professional Psychology Rating (COPPR) Scales. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Rice, Kylie (AUTHOR), Banner, Stephanie E. (AUTHOR), Schutte, Nicola (AUTHOR), Rock, Adam J. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Australian Journal of Psychology. Dec2025, Vol. 77 Issue 1, p1-17. 17p. |
| Subjects: | Psychometrics, Psychologists, Authentic assessment, Outcome-based education, Self-evaluation, Evaluators |
| Abstract: | Objective: The Competencies of Professional Psychology Rating (COPPR) Scales provide a standardised, multi-dimensional framework for conceptualising and measuring the competencies of registered psychologists across all domains of practice. The COPPR Scales consist of both a self-report version for practitioner self-evaluation (the COPPR-S) and an observer version (COPPR-O) for supervisors and educators to rate competence of trainees. These scales have utility for psychologists to self-assess their competence within self-reflection, for supervisors to rate trainee competence, and for research and educational contexts. Method: Following on from an initial pilot study, this study provides a psychometric evaluation of the COPPR-S, including tests of dimensionality, reliability and validity, with a sample of Australian Psychologists (N = 211). Results: The confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the structure of the measure and all 11 domains of competence. Internal consistency was calculated for each of the domains and the total score, and strong support for convergent and divergent validity was obtained. In addition, the COPPR-S was able to discriminate between the three participant registration groups of provisional registration, general registration, and additional endorsements. Thus, strong support for the COPPR-S as a conceptual model of psychologist competencies and multi-dimensional measure was provided, and the items are presented for use in practice, education and research. KEY POINTS: What is already known about this topic: Psychology has adopted a competency-based approach, which requires a competency framework to conceptualise the skills across multiple domains of practice in Australia. Standardised measures are needed to assess competence across all domains of practice, however, there has been a notable absence of standardised measures for assessing competence in professional psychology, at registered psychologist level. The Competencies of Professional Psychology Rating (COPPR) scales provide a framework for conceptualising and measuring the competencies of registered psychologists across all domains of practice. What this topic adds: This study provides a psychometric evaluation of the Competencies of Professional Psychology Rating (COPPR) Scales, and strong support for the COPPR-S as a conceptual model of psychologist competencies and multi-dimensional measure is provided. The COPPR scales are presented in this paper for the first time, enabling use in practice, education and research contexts. There are two versions, one for practitioners to self-reflect and self-assess performance (the COPPR-S), and one for supervisors or educators to rate trainee competence (COPPR-O). The COPPR Scales provide a valuable tool for psychologists to self-assess their competence across multiple domains of practice, for supervisors and training providers to assess trainee competence, and for research contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Australian Journal of Psychology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Objective: The Competencies of Professional Psychology Rating (COPPR) Scales provide a standardised, multi-dimensional framework for conceptualising and measuring the competencies of registered psychologists across all domains of practice. The COPPR Scales consist of both a self-report version for practitioner self-evaluation (the COPPR-S) and an observer version (COPPR-O) for supervisors and educators to rate competence of trainees. These scales have utility for psychologists to self-assess their competence within self-reflection, for supervisors to rate trainee competence, and for research and educational contexts. Method: Following on from an initial pilot study, this study provides a psychometric evaluation of the COPPR-S, including tests of dimensionality, reliability and validity, with a sample of Australian Psychologists (N = 211). Results: The confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the structure of the measure and all 11 domains of competence. Internal consistency was calculated for each of the domains and the total score, and strong support for convergent and divergent validity was obtained. In addition, the COPPR-S was able to discriminate between the three participant registration groups of provisional registration, general registration, and additional endorsements. Thus, strong support for the COPPR-S as a conceptual model of psychologist competencies and multi-dimensional measure was provided, and the items are presented for use in practice, education and research. KEY POINTS: What is already known about this topic: Psychology has adopted a competency-based approach, which requires a competency framework to conceptualise the skills across multiple domains of practice in Australia. Standardised measures are needed to assess competence across all domains of practice, however, there has been a notable absence of standardised measures for assessing competence in professional psychology, at registered psychologist level. The Competencies of Professional Psychology Rating (COPPR) scales provide a framework for conceptualising and measuring the competencies of registered psychologists across all domains of practice. What this topic adds: This study provides a psychometric evaluation of the Competencies of Professional Psychology Rating (COPPR) Scales, and strong support for the COPPR-S as a conceptual model of psychologist competencies and multi-dimensional measure is provided. The COPPR scales are presented in this paper for the first time, enabling use in practice, education and research contexts. There are two versions, one for practitioners to self-reflect and self-assess performance (the COPPR-S), and one for supervisors or educators to rate trainee competence (COPPR-O). The COPPR Scales provide a valuable tool for psychologists to self-assess their competence across multiple domains of practice, for supervisors and training providers to assess trainee competence, and for research contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 00049530 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/00049530.2025.2457528 |
