Career professionals apply guidance theories, taking into account the individual and their context in a client-oriented manner. Competency relating to guidance theories provides the career professional with a foundation for creating goal-oriented enabling and learning processes. In addition, through theoretical competency, the career professionals construct guidance as an encounter, working methods and dialogue used in various interpersonal professions.

The career professional has knowledge and understanding of

• the underpinning theories of the methods and tools used in guidance, and their time and context constraints (see also section A1.3 Ethical principles)
• approaches to building and maintaining a guidance relationship
• approaches and methods to help clients strengthen their agency, well-being and career management skills
• theories related to individual guidance
• theories related to group formation, group membership and group activities
• the importance of screening clients' readiness and guidance needs from the perspectives of the outcome and impact of the guidance process
• the client's career management skills are influenced by individual, relational and contextual factors
• the importance of clients´ cultural background in career planning and the guidance process

The career professional is able to

• describe and justify how they plan, implement and evaluate guidance and guidance processes by applying guidance theories and models
• evaluate the suitability of the chosen theory of use in relation to the client's needs and situation
• evaluate the applicability of their theory of use to the respective guidance process (see also section A1.3 Ethical principles)
• provide guidance in acquiring career management skills by utilising various guidance methods and tools in a versatile way
• provide guidance in finding employment and at different phases of job search by utilising various methods and tools in a versatile way