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Proficiency Levels

CAs are expected to demonstrate competence at defined levels of proficiency. Four levels of proficiency (ranging from 1 (the lowest) to 4 (the highest)) are explained in this section and cover competency development from foundational to expert levels.

A proficiency level is specified for each of the professional values and attitudes, enabling competencies and technical competencies, as well as a view to progression through these levels.

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LevelsDimensions1234
Foundational level of competenceIntermediate level of competenceAdvanced level of competenceExpert level of competence
Professional values and attitudesDisplay professional values and attitudes:
FrequencyOccasionallyAlways under specific circumstancesAlways under all circumstancesAlways under all circumstances
ContextIn a simple context with straightforward situations and/or circumstancesIn an easily understood context with complexity limited to specific situations and/or circumstancesIn a difficult context with complex situations and/or circumstancesIn a demanding context with complex and ambiguous situations and/or circumstances
Enabling competenciesUse enabling competencies during task performance:
Type of taskDuring task involvementTo initiate tasks and perform tasks on a preliminary/preparatory basisTo complete all steps in tasksTo facilitate high-level strategic impact from task performance
Level of task understandingDisplaying a basic level of task understanding (key ideas and principles)Displaying an intermediate level of task understanding (detailed knowledge including some analysis/evaluation)Displaying an advanced level of task understanding (clear problem identification, thorough analysis/evaluation and useful recommendations are made)Displaying an expert level of task understanding (unique insights on the strategic impact)
Knowledge and skills neededUsing limited knowledge and skills needed to perform the taskUsing multiple knowledge sources and skills in certain areas and limited in others to perform the taskIntegrating multiple knowledge sources and skills in all areas to perform a taskIntegrating multiple knowledge sources and skills in all areas to perform tasks with strategic impact
DependenciesRelying on own actions rather than through othersRelying on own actions complemented by actions of others for which limited or informal responsibility is carriedRelying on own actions complemented by actions of others for which formal responsibility is carriedRelying on own actions complemented by actions of others for which formal responsibility is carried and have strategic impact
GuidanceObtaining frequent guidanceObtaining limited guidanceObtaining little or no guidanceProviding guidance rather than obtaining any guidance
Technical competenciesDisplay technical competence by:
Knowledge of the subject matterKnowing the core/essence of the subject matterHaving a sound conceptual understanding of the subject matterHaving an in-depth knowledge and rigorous understanding of the subject matterHaving specialist knowledge of the subject matter
ApplicationApplying the knowledge in simple to reasonably difficult situationsApplying the knowledge in difficult situationsApplying the knowledge in complex and integrated situationsApplying knowledge critically and creatively in complex, integrated and ambiguous situations that invite multiple interpretations
Problem solvingRecognising issues when encountered and seeking further depth/guidanceDealing with issues and solving problems central to the topicPerforming tasks and solving problems with a high degree of rigour, exercising sound judgementLeading a responsive decision-making process to solve problems and exercise sound judgement