Exploring competency evaluation rating forms for psychologists in training: a scoping review

Background Psychology accreditation is shifting towards competency-based training, but tools for assessing provisional psychologists have not kept pace with global policy. Following the implementation of the updated Psychology Board of Australia’s (PsyBA) competencies in 2025, new Competency Evaluation Rating Forms (CERFs) are needed, making this an opportune time to review and improve existing assessment tools.Objectives This scoping review examined CERFs used to evaluate provisional psychologists, particularly the competency domains they assess, their structural and procedural design, and the evidence supporting their psychometric properties.Methods The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was applied to search, screen, and extract information from eligible articles. Six databases (ERIC, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were reviewed, followed by a hand search.Results Sixty articles met the inclusion criteria, yielding 21 multi-domain and 17 single-domain CERFs. Each CERF was mapped against the PsyBA competencies, with its design features and psychometric properties reported.Conclusions CERFs assess competencies for psychologist registration but require ongoing updates to align with international practice standards. While many tools include competencies for working with diverse populations, the limited inclusion of skills for working with First Nations peoples reflects the use of the PsyBA framework as a reference point for this review. Findings provide a benchmark to inform future revisions and contextual adaptations of CERFs.