The CPSC Accreditation Project is an initiative that supports the non-violent resolution of conflict and recognizes the distinct skill set this work requires, CPSC is the first in the world, to our knowledge, to develop and apply a standardized methodology for formally accrediting peace professionals.
After years of rigorous research and consultations, in 2008 CPSC developed a comprehensive and ground-breaking framework for assessing peace professionalism based upon the essential values and competencies widely considered to be necessary for successful work in the field. The development of this framework included an extensive literature review, testing and modification with input by seasoned international conflict resolution experts, and a conference in 2007 with renowned peace researcher and practitioner, Johan Galtung, for further review of the proposed set of values and competencies.
Using a competency-based approach, CPSC’s accreditation assessment consists of two distinct stages, both comprised of several steps. Stage one begins with an assessment of potential candidates against the Core Values identified as essential for serving effectively in areas of conflict.
Seasoned peace and conflict professionals agree that while Key Competencies can be learned, Core Values – those underlying traits that underlie, motivate, and help predict effective performance – need to be in place from the start as an entry qualification. At issue is not whether candidates have “faulty” or “deficient” values, but rather whether their particular value set is appropriate for the kinds of work being contemplated for peace professionals. Consequently, if Core Values are not identified during rigorous initial screening, candidates are not invited to continue the assessment process.
Core Values assessed as part of the CPSC methodology are:
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Stage two of the accreditation process is designed to assess the candidate’s training, experience, and performance in a broad range of disciplines identified as essential to professional peace work.
Key Competencies assessed as part of the CPSC methodology are:
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For further information on the development of these values and competencies as the basis of CPSC’s assessment methodology, see the Core Values and Key Competencies Report.