The value of competency assessment in accounting and auditing certification: Conceptual foundations and implications for Vietnam

Competency assessment constitutes a critical component of certification, licensing, and professional practice in accounting and auditing, as examination outcomes determine individuals’ eligibility for practice. In high-stakes assessments, the central challenge lies not in question difficulty but in ensuring that scores consistently reflect candidates’ competence (reliability) and provide a sound basis for interpretation and decision-making within the certification process (validity). This study offers a structured conceptual synthesis of assessment principles grounded in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, linking them to the requirements of International Education Standard IES 6 (Revised) on formal professional competence assessment, effective from July 1, 2026. The analysis conceptualizes validity as the extent to which evidence and measurement theory support the intended interpretation and use of scores, while reliability refers to the consistency of measurement under comparable conditions. These constructs are closely associated with examination administration, procedural transparency, and the development of technical assessment documentation that underpins the legitimacy of certification decisions. Building on this framework, the study outlines an applied model for Vietnam and the Vietnam Association of Certified Public Accountants (VACPA), emphasizing the alignment of exam blueprints, the development of question and case banks, the standardization of scoring processes, and the publication of periodic technical reports to enhance public confidence in the quality of professional practitioners.