Competency assessment and proficiency testing

Competency assessment is an ongoing, continuous process of monitoring indiv iduals' abilities to perform their specific job functions. A variety of met hods are useful in monitoring cytology competency, including rescreening st udies, descriptive monitors (abnormality rates), discrepancy rates, workloa d patterns, competency-based educational programs and programs using unknow n slide challenges. The goal of proficiency testing (PT) is to ascertain an d assess the ability of individuals beyond the particular items or challeng es presented. However, cytology PT faces many challenges for implementation as it cannot duplicate normal working conditions, and there is often no go ld standard to define the truth. PT is just one measure of performance and should be considered in conjunction with other quality assessment monitors. There is no consensus on the value or validity of a large-scale regulatory PT program. Any regulatory PT program should be field tested prior to impl ementation, and the grading system should be scientifically defensible. Sco ring of performance on PT should occur in a timely fashion, and there shoul d be an opportunity for educational feedback. The ultimate aim of both comp etency assessment and PT is to positively affect laboratory procedures and improve the cervical cancer screening process.