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Why
was the Competency Assessment Tool developed?
CAT was developed to identify competencies that CPAs in industry
need to remain relevant within the constantly changing worlds
of business and technology. It was designed to be the basis
for self-assessment and help guide individuals through each
stage of their career. |
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What
is a competency tool?
The AICPA Competency Tool comprises a variety of models. Each
is organized around four major competency categories: Personal
Attributes and Leadership Qualities are common to all the models.
Broad Business Perspective and Functional Specialty are specific
to individual models (i.e., audit, business and industry, government,
assurance services, etc.). Within each of these categories there
are between 8 and 10 competencies. Also, for each competency
there is a descriptor (i.e., the knowledge, skills, and attitudes/behaviors)
for each level of proficiency (i.e., basic, intermediate and
advanced). |
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How
is the Competency Tool used?
The Competency Tool is used by future and current CPAs for continuing
learning and career development and planning. The individual
completes a self-assessment for all the competencies in the
four categories and receives a report, which lists the areas
that need development and areas of strengths. The individual
develops a learning plan based on this personalized report. |
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Who
would use the Competency Assessment Tool?
The Competency Assessment Tool was designed for use by anyone
who would like to complete a self-assessment and develop a learning
plan. It is suggested that the individual discuss their self-assessment
with their manager, coach, or mentor to obtain additional feedback
both on the self-assessment and the learning plan. For another
view of one's level of proficiency we suggest the use of the
360 Report. |
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Do
you have to complete the entire self-assessment at one time?
No, you do not have to complete the entire self-assessment at
one time. However, we do suggest that you complete an entire
category at one time since those competencies are related. |
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When
would an individual use CAT?
It is suggested that an individual complete a self-assessment
periodically to monitor their professional development. Also,
an individual can complete a self-assessment on current position
or another position for use in career planning. |
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Why
is it suggested that only three or four competencies be selected
at a time to include in one's learning plan?
Increasing a proficiency level in a particular competency requires
different levels of effort. For example, learning to use and
become proficient in utilizing a spreadsheet package could take
a year or more, depending on your opportunity to take a course
and actually use the program. Other competencies, such as negotiation,
could take several years to develop. |
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What
if I do not find a match for the position profile I want to
use in my self-assessment?
We suggest you use a close match, such as one that is directionally
correct. The benefit of using a default position profile is
that the desired level of proficiency is already in the database
(e.g., a benchmark). However, if you cannot find a close match,
you can select the No Default Profile selection and you or someone
else will have to complete the desired level in addition to
the current level. |
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Will
I receive a score for taking this assessment?
No, you will not receive a score; however, you will receive
a report based on your self-assessment. Note: this is a self-assessment
tool used for development and career planning and is not a
test. The report is divided into the following four areas:
- Needs
Development: Current Proficiency Below Desired Proficiency
- Competent:
Current Proficiency Matches Desired Proficiency
- Strengths:
Current Proficiency Above Desired Proficiency
- Competencies
not Accessed or not Applicable
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