Competence Model for Psychologists Recommended by the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations

Adam Tarnowski

Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Wydział Filozofii i Nauk Społecznych, Instytut Psychologii
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6687-8420

Kamila Łaszewska

Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Wydział Filozofii i Nauk Społecznych, Instytut Psychologii
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4861-3928


Abstract

Objective
The aim of this work is to present the newly developed framework of psychologist competencies recommended by the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations (EFPA). This framework is a modification of a concept previously proposed in the USA by Rodolfa and replaces the relatively complex European system of Bartram and Roe (2005). The competency system is significant for academic institutions as it defines the profile of graduates in terms of practical professional skills. It is also crucial for academic institutions and supervisors overseeing internships for psychology trainees entering the profession. When designing the curriculum at Polish universities, it is advisable to base it on the framework model of competencies to enhance the clarity of equivalency assessments and improve the quality of professional psychological services.

Theses

  • Discussion of the changes in the framework model of competencies and their significance.
  • Analysis of the stages of psychologist training within the model proposed by EFPA.
  • Presentation of the division of competencies into complementary categories: functional competencies (what a psychologist does) and foundational competencies (how a psychologist works), along with the concept of stages of professional development.

Conclusion
The competency framework adopted by EFPA in 2023 defines the goals of psychological education. It was developed through years of work by psychologists associated with EFPA, resulting in an effective and realistic system for ensuring the quality of training for future psychologists. Clear definitions and specified learning outcomes allow for objective and standardized assessments of readiness for independent practice, which is the final stage of five years of study and a one-year postgraduate internship.

 

Keywords:

kompetencje psychologa, Europejska Federacja Stowarzyszeń Psychologicznych, kształcenie psychologa, EuroPsy


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Published
2025-06-27

Cited by

Tarnowski, A., & Łaszewska, K. (2025). Competence Model for Psychologists Recommended by the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations. The Review of Psychology, 68(1), 111–126. https://doi.org/10.31648/przegldpsychologiczny.10910

Adam Tarnowski 
Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Wydział Filozofii i Nauk Społecznych, Instytut Psychologii
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6687-8420
Kamila Łaszewska 
Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Wydział Filozofii i Nauk Społecznych, Instytut Psychologii
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4861-3928