The tool can also be used by supervisors and coaches to help people generate a rich and robust professional identity and a resource for self-affirmation at times of professional challenge. The tool first came into being when I was supervising a social work student who preferred to continue working in a Solution Focused way once she was qualified and needed a way to hold onto what she had learnt through her training (Wheeler, J. & Greaves, Y. Solution Focused Practice Teaching in Social Work. In Nelson, T. S. (ed.) Education & Training in Solution Focused Brief Therapy New York: Haworth). The tool has been further developed through freelance supervision of a variety of colleagues in the following ways:

At the beginning of a period of supervision

At the end of a period of supervision

At an interim point in supervision to collate what has developed and as a platform for further work

As an aide to job interview preparation

The PDF version provides an opportunity for others to use the tool. The following information helps to take you from the PDF to a working tool.

Step One

You will need to print the two pages seperately. Print the second page on the reverse of the first page UPSIDE DOWN.

Step Two

Cut the pages down the middle to make two certificates.

Step Three

Fold your certificate as shown below.

Step Four

Work out your replies to the questions.

Step Five

Unfold your certificate as explained below according to need.

Folding the Certificate of Competence

Using the Certificate of Competence