Abstract

Competence to practice is regarded as fundamental for a professional psychologist. Competence generally captures the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to provide direct and professional services to human clients. The dictionary defines competence as 'ability; the state of being competent' and 'an area in which a person is competent; a skill'. Competent is defined as 'adequately qualified or capable'. There are also definitions of competence that are applicable in law. The dictionary therefore concurs with the commonly accepted description of an ability and skill.