In 2005, The Society of Consulting Psychology (SCP), a division of the American Psychological Association argues that a consultant must develop knowledge, skills, and abilities to intervene at three levels in organizations: individual, group, organizational. Given the consulting competencies promulgated by SCP, this is an ideal time to understand the actual use of the proposed competencies.

A total of 140 participants completed an online survey regarding their reported use of competencies as defined by the SCP. This study assessed practice differences in the frequency of usage of consulting competencies among consultants. The following associated with frequency of usage were evaluated: years of consulting experience, consultant role (internal/external/sole proprietor), sex, consulting approach preference (process vs. expert), consultant training, and interaction of experience and approach.

Results indicated that years of experience and consultant role were significant predictors of group and organizational competency usage. Consultant sex was a significant indicator of group competency usage. Results also revealed a combined influence of consultant role and sex on usage of organizational competencies.

Exploratory analysis revealed that usage of organizational level competencies in consulting efforts were related to the greatest satisfaction with consulting. Frequency of consulting efforts that aimed to increase efficiency and effectiveness were significant predictors of overall satisfaction with consulting efforts. Frequency of consulting efforts aimed at enhancing individual well-being was a significant predictor of overall satisfaction with consulting efforts.

It has been 14 years since the publication of a comprehensive study into the working practices of consultants. Most importantly, this study is the first attempt to better understand the reported use of the Society of Consulting Psychology/Organizational Consulting Psychology competencies.