The current study aimed to introduce and discuss the theoretical backgrounds and
evaluating methods related to the competency-based evaluation which has emphasized
in social work education in England and America. Thus, this study tried to suggest
foundational knowledge to develop effective assessment tools to assess students'
achievement in social work education in Korea. As conceptual frameworks for
understanding the competency-based assessment, this study suggested two frameworks
such as the 'Framework for clinical assessment' and the 'Utility model'. Through a
careful review of the published literature regarding the assessment methods used in
social work education, this study found that assessment tools used in social work
institutions have limitations. By a careful definition and operationalization of the
competency and multiple tests for various samples, reliability, validity, educational
impacts, acceptability and costs issues could be improved. This study suggests that
using of multiple measurement tools is the best way to assess students' competency.
By the fact that as an applied discipline, social work education has traditionally
required students to integrate classroom learning with fieldwork, this study suggested
that the competency-based evaluation focused on student outcome is valuable concept
in social work education.