'COMPASS®: Competency Assessment in Speech Pathology' is a psychometrically validated based assessment tool that is used across participating Australian and New Zealand universities to assess speech pathology students' competency against Competency Based Occupational Standards (CBOS 2001) during field placements. This initial paper-based tool began its use in 2006. 

The COMPASS® assessment approach has been meticulously validated and is based on sound educational theory and practice. In addition, COMPASS® includes a scoring system that generates an interval level score placing student performances along a continuum of competency – providing data that can be subjected to statistically based research.

The COMPASS® resource folder includes the following items in hard and electronic copy:

1. Assessment Booklet: The booklet that the student and his/her clinical educator use to assess his/her performance
2. Assessment Resource Manual: Resources to assist the student and his/her clinical educator to make valid judgements
3. Technical Manual: Used by the university program to score the Assessment Booklet rating
4. Training Modules: A comprehensive set of 3 training modules including PowerPoint slides with the option of voice over, materials for learning activities, and instructions for conducting the training with a group or as a self-study activity.

Universities wishing to use COMPASS® must complete an order form which includes terms and conditions of the licence to use materials, contained within, for the purposes of clinical assessment teaching and research. COMPASS® is protected by copyright. No part of the publication may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or disseminated, in any form or by any means, without prior written permission from Speech Pathology Australia, to whom all requests to reproduce copyright material should be directed in writing.

Appropriate citation of COMPASS® is as follows:
McAllister, S., Lincoln, M., Ferguson, A., McAllister, L. (2006)
COMPASS®: Competency Assessment in Speech Pathology.
Melbourne: Speech Pathology Association of Australia Ltd.

For more information or to place an order for the COMPASS® Assessment and Resource Folder, please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it