Table 4.

Functional competencies: assessment

Domain	Competency encompassed by domain
Knowledge-based competencies	The clinical neuropsychologist will have knowledge of: Neuropsychology of behavior, including information processing theories, cognitive/affective neuroscience, social neuroscience, cultural neuroscience, and behavioral neurology.
	Patterns of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impairments associated with neurological and related diseases and conditions that affect brain structure and functioning.
	Neurochemistry, neuropsychopharmacology, neuroendocrinology, and related areas relevant to practice.
	Neurodiagnostic techniques relevant to practice.
	Effects of common systemic medical illnesses on brain functioning and behavior.
	Patterns of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impairments associated with psychiatric disorders.
	Potential influences of motivational factors and assessment context on test performance.
	Medications used for common medical diseases and psychiatric disorders and their effects on brain functioning and behavior.
	Theories and methods of measurement and psychometrics relevant to cognitive abilities, social and emotional functioning, and brain–behavior relationships, including test development, reliability, reliable change, and validity approaches (e.g., construct, content, criterion, ecological).
	Potential functional implications of neuromedical conditions and neuropsychological impairments as they relate to everyday ability level, quality of life, and educational/working/social/living environments.
Applied competencies	The clinical neuropsychologist will be able to:
	Analyze and clarify referral questions based on the context, professional roles, and the patient/examinee presentation.
	Gather information key to addressing the referral question, including interview(s), targeted behavioral observations, and review of records.
	Appropriately select tests, measures, and other information sources consistent with best evidence and specific context of assessment, including assessment of performance and symptom validity, if relevant.
	Appropriately administer and score tests and measures.
	Interpret assessment results, with formation of an integrated conceptualization that draws from all relevant information sources (e.g., interview, test results, behavioral observations, records).
	Provide recommendations for management that are appropriate to the assessment context and consistent with evidence-based practices.
	Demonstrate written communication skills in the production of integrated neuropsychological assessment reports.
	Provide feedback, as relevant to the assessment context, to patients, families, or caregivers in a sensitive manner adapting to the needs of the specific audience.
	Address issues related to specific populations (e.g. cultural or linguistic differences, physical or mental disability, use of interpreters, educational level) appropriately by referring to other providers with specialized competence, obtaining consultation, and describing limitations in assessment interpretation.