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.
 
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).
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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