Psychometric Properties of the Multicultural Counselling Competency Scale Among Malaysian Professional Counsellors: An Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach

ABSTRACT Objectives This research aimed to explore and confirm the factors contributing to multicultural counselling competence, as well as to establish the validity and reliability of the multicultural counselling competency scale among professional counsellors in Malaysia. Methods The research utilised a survey design, incorporating a questionnaire. The sample consisted of 150 professional counsellors from across Malaysia, selected through simple random sampling. The research instrument used was the Malay‐translated version of the Multicultural Awareness, Knowledge and Skills Survey—Counsellor Edition—Revision (MAKSS‐CE‐R). Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). Results Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed a three‐factor structure, namely awareness, knowledge and skills, comprising 18 retained items. The validated 18‐item instrument demonstrated robust reliability and validity, providing a culturally appropriate and psychometrically sound tool. Conclusion These findings underscore the novelty of extending this instrument beyond Western contexts and contribute to advancing the assessment of multicultural counselling competence in Malaysia.