Abstract
This article discusses competence from the viewpoint of the practitioner role. Concepts from two documents published by the American Occupational Therapy Association—Occupational Therapy Roles and Developing, Maintaining, and Updating Competency in Occupational Therapy: A Guide to Self-Appraisal—are integrated within the discussion. Discussed in this article are factors that affect competence, the interrelationship of competence and practice, and personal responsibility for competence; ways in which competence may be challenged during the practitioner’s career; common misconceptions about competence; and attitudes and actions in which the competent practitioner engages.Competence is described as a complex and evolving set of abilities that develops throughout the practitioner’s career.