Background

 In January 2021, the ACA Board of Directors approved the terms of reference for the Professional Competencies for Archivists Working Group (PCAWG). PCAWG was responsible for examining and identifying the core competencies required for practicing archivists and developing a professional competencies document for approval by the ACA Board and membership. In 2021-2022, PCAWG examined and identified core competencies and developed a draft competency framework. This work was impacted by difficulties recruiting volunteers for the working group and by pandemic-related delays. In 2023, PCAWG resumed its efforts to complete the competency framework with four new working group members. The Competency Framework was developed using a mixed-methods approach, including literature reviews, focus groups, and a survey.