Austin Competency Analysis Profile (ACAP)

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to meeting the needs of business and industry by preparing students to be competent and employable when they complete an ACC associate degree or certificate program.

ACC uses a process called the Austin Competency Analysis Profile (ACAP) to identify and validate the skills and competencies that are required for entry into a field of study. These competencies form the basis for the curriculum in several programs.

The ACAP process brings together a group of subject matter experts (SMEs) — typically eight to 10 professionals in the field — and a team of trained facilitators. Together, they determine the competencies needed to be successful in that area of study. The result is an ACAP report that documents the competencies or outcomes required in the field.

The ACAP process

Before an ACAP session, facilitators develop an initial list of competencies or learning outcomes using a variety of resources.

During the session, the SMEs review that list and add, remove, or revise items to reflect current needs in the field. This ensures that the resulting competencies match real expectations in business and industry.

The ACAP report

The primary purpose of an ACAP report is to provide a basis for developing, validating, and revising curriculum so that ACC programs meet current workforce needs.

Because each ACAP report defines units, competencies, and competency builders, it creates a clear starting point for designing or updating course and program curricula.

Aligning ACAP with course curriculum

Courses can be aligned with ACAP competencies quickly using the outcomes identified in the report for that program area. ACC instructional design specialists have worked with several programs to complete this alignment.

In most cases, the alignment can be completed in a short working session.

ACAP report archive

The Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED) has conducted more than 60 ACAPs for academic and workforce programs across ACC. An archive of previous ACAP reports is available.

Request an ACAP

If you would like to discuss the ACAP process in more detail, or request an ACAP for your program, please email tledcomms@austincc.edu.