What is a Competency Attainment Program?

Minn. Stat. 611.41, subd. 5. defines a competency attainment program as a structured program providing clinical and educational services. The programs are certified and designed to identify and address barriers to a defendant’s ability to understand the criminal proceedings, consult with counsel, and participate in their defense. The Board was also charged with creating and approving a statewide competency attainment curriculum. Effective September 28, 2023, and as required in Minn. Stat. 611.58, the Board approved a competency attainment curriculum. The curriculum is available for use by community and correctional facility providers. Competency Attainment Programs must ensure that defendants receive competency attainment education, as well as conduct regular assessments of the defendant's progress in attaining competency. 

Competency Attainment Curriculum Workbook

The Board approved an interim certification process in March 2024. This interim process will be used while the Certification Advisory Committee conducts more research, analysis, and discussion to recommend a long-term certification process to the Board. Programs and providers that are interested in becoming a certified competency attainment program may complete and submit the appropriate application form for review by the Board. 

Policy 401 Competency Attainment Program Standards and Interim Certification Procedures
Application – Interim Certification for Licensed Providers
Application – Interim Certification for New Providers

Certified Competency Attainment Programs
There are currently twelve (12) certified competency attainment programs.