Evaluating the Utility of a Portfolio of Clinical Experience Assignment in the Training of Clinical Associates in Psychology

Markovich, Gabriel ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3967-7794, Steverson, Tom ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1814-1610 and Fisher, Paul (2026) Evaluating the Utility of a Portfolio of Clinical Experience Assignment in the Training of Clinical Associates in Psychology. The Psychology Teaching Review. ISSN 0965-948X (In Press)

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Abstract

The portfolio of clinical experience (PCE) is an assignment designed to provide a tangible means to support the development and assessment of apprentice Clinical Associates in Psychology (CAP) during their training. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which workplace activities reported in CAP PCEs provide evidence of alignment with professional competency domains. Results showed that over 92% of PCEs submitted offered evidence of clinical activities that aligned with the CAP professional competencies of psychological assessment, formulation, intervention, communication, organisational/systemic influence, and evaluation of practice/research. However, fewer portfolios reported activities related purely to risk assessment and continuing professional development. There was also a large variance in the type and number of activities reported per apprentice. These findings suggest that PCEs can function effectively as a record of engagement with competency domains. However, they require complementary assessment methods (e.g., supervision, direct observation) to support robust judgements of competence. The findings also highlight the need to balance guidance and autonomy, and quality over quantity in portfolio reporting.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	clinical associate in psychology,portfolio of clinical experience,workplace activities,workforce,apprenticeships,evaluation
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Education and Lifelong Learning
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Mental Health and Social Care (fka Lifespan Health)
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	29 Oct 2026 15:25
Last Modified:	29 Oct 2026 15:25
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/104917
DOI:	issn:0965-948X

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