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WISC V Certification

Level Up Your Skills: BASC-3, ABAS-3 & WISC-V Certification for Mental Health Professionals in Alberta

Psychologists, provisional psychologists, and graduate students entering the mental health field face increasing demands for precision, evidence-based assessment, and client-centered interventions. In Alberta, professionals are expected not only to understand theoretical models of cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive functioning, but also to apply them accurately and ethically in real-world settings.

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS) in Calgary, Alberta, we offer specialized certification programs in BASC-3, ABAS-3, and WISC-V, designed to equip mental health professionals with the skills and confidence to deliver comprehensive, high-quality assessments. These programs are carefully structured to combine theoretical understanding, practical application, and individualized feedback, ensuring participants leave with the ability to implement these tools in clinical, educational, and research contexts.

Certification in these assessments does more than enhance your resume, it directly impacts the quality of care you provide, enabling you to make more accurate diagnoses, design targeted interventions, and support your clients’ holistic development.

The Importance of Standardized Assessment in Canadian Practice

Standardized assessments are essential tools in psychological practice, providing objective, norm-referenced data to evaluate cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive functioning. In Canada, and specifically in Alberta, clinicians must account for cultural and linguistic context to ensure results are valid and relevant.

The WISC-V (Canadian version), BASC-3, and ABAS-3 are each standardized for Canadian populations. This ensures that interpretations reflect culturally and linguistically appropriate norms, which is critical for avoiding misdiagnosis and developing meaningful intervention plans.

Beyond their technical utility, standardized assessments also support ethical and professional practice. The College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) emphasizes the importance of accurate and evidence-based assessment in all professional contexts. Professionals who are trained and certified in these tools are better equipped to meet these ethical standards while delivering interventions that are data-driven, measurable, and individualized.

Target Audience

RMPS certification courses are designed for:

  • Registered Psycchologists
  • Registered Provisional Psychologists
  • Masters-level Clinical, Applied, Educational, or Counseling Psychology students
  • Resource teachers (for BASC-3 and ABAS-3)

These courses are ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their assessment expertise, integrate evidence-based tools into practice, and meet continuing education requirements in Alberta.

Prerequisites

To ensure participants gain maximum benefit from these programs, RMPS requires:

  • Completion of a Masters-level introductory course in formal assessment for all WISC-V, BASC-3, and ABAS-3 courses.
  • Basic understanding of psychometric principles and test administration is recommended.

BASC-3: In-Depth Behavioral and Emotional Assessment

The Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3) is one of the most comprehensive tools for assessing emotional and behavioral functioning in children and adolescents. Unlike traditional behavior checklists, the BASC-3 gathers information from multiple informants, such as the teachers, parents, and the children themselves, to provide a multi-dimensional understanding of emotional regulation, social skills, and behavioral challenges.

Understanding BASC-3’s Clinical Relevance

Behavioral challenges in children often present differently across contexts. A child who is quiet and withdrawn in class may exhibit anxiety or depression that is not apparent at home, or a child who is disruptive at school may have underlying cognitive or social difficulties. BASC-3 allows psychologists to identify patterns of internalizing and externalizing behaviors, giving professionals a more nuanced understanding of the child’s functioning.

In Calgary, where classrooms are increasingly diverse and culturally varied, BASC-3 training ensures that professionals can differentiate between culturally normative behaviors and clinically significant patterns, an essential skill for ethically sound practice.

Comprehensive Training Outcomes

At RMPS, BASC-3 certification is more than a lecture; it is a hands-on, interactive learning experience. Participants engage in practice administration, scoring, and interpretation exercises that mirror real-life clinical situations. Trainees learn to:

  • Accurately administer teacher, parent, and self-report forms
  • Interpret composite scores, including clinical, adaptive, and composite scales
  • Integrate behavioral data with cognitive (WISC-V) and adaptive (ABAS-3) assessments
  • Develop clear, actionable reports that can guide educational or therapeutic interventions

Schedule & Cost:

  • 2025: November 3 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • 2026: June 1 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Cost: $175 + GST (10% discount for Master’s or PhD students)
  • Format: Virtual, small groups for hands-on practice

Location:
Rocky Mountain Psychological Services – 110–11 Ave SW, Suite 212

Register for BASC-3 training online at: https://rmpsychservices.com/basc-3-and-abas-3/

ABAS-3: Assessing Real-World Adaptive Functioning

While cognitive assessments evaluate potential, adaptive behavior assessments like the ABAS-3 measure how individuals function in daily life. The ABAS-3 assesses conceptual, social, and practical domains, offering insight into independence, problem-solving, and social integration.

Why ABAS-3 Matters in Practice

Adaptive functioning is a crucial dimension in understanding a client’s overall functioning. For example, a child with average cognitive ability (WISC-V) may struggle with self-care, community engagement, or social interactions, impacting school performance and family dynamics. ABAS-3 helps clinicians identify these gaps, making intervention planning more precise and meaningful.

In Calgary and Alberta, professionals increasingly recognize that cultural context, school systems, and community resources must be considered when assessing adaptive skills. ABAS-3 training ensures clinicians interpret scores with sensitivity to these factors.

Detailed Training Objectives

RMPS ABAS-3 certification emphasizes practical mastery:

  • Administration of parent, teacher, and self-report forms
  • Accurate scoring and interpretation of General Adaptive Composite (GAC) and domain scores
  • Integration with cognitive and behavioral assessments for a comprehensive client profile
  • Writing professional reports with clear recommendations for educational and therapeutic interventions

Schedule & Cost

  • 2025: November 10 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • 2026: June 8 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Cost: $175 + GST (10% discount for Master’s or PhD students; non-cumulative)
  • Format: Virtual, limited enrollment for personalized feedback

Location:
Rocky Mountain Psychological Services – 110–11 Ave SW, Suite 212

Register online at: https://rmpsychservices.com/basc-3-and-abas-3/

WISC-V: The Cornerstone of Cognitive Assessment

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V) is widely regarded as the gold standard for evaluating intellectual functioning in children aged 6–16. The Canadian version (WISC-V CDN) provides norms specific to Canadian populations, ensuring culturally and linguistically accurate results.

Clinical Importance of WISC-V Certification

WISC-V certification is crucial for psychologists who assess cognitive development, learning challenges, or neuropsychological conditions. Mastery of the WISC-V allows professionals to:

  • Administer and score subtests accurately
  • Interpret FSIQ, Index, and ancillary scores
  • Identify meaningful cognitive discrepancies and patterns
  • Translate results into targeted educational, clinical, and therapeutic interventions

In Calgary, where schools and clinics require standardized, locally normed assessments, WISC-V certification ensures that professionals provide valid, reliable, and actionable evaluations.

RMPS WISC-V Training Program

The WISC-V certification at RMPS is delivered in a two-part, in-person series:

Part I – Introduction to WISC-V Administration: Participants practice standardized administration, learn to build rapport with children, manage materials, and adhere to strict procedural guidelines.

Schedule & Cost

  • Date/Time: March 14–15, 2026 | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
  • Cost: $700 + GST (10% discount for Master’s or PhD students)
  • Format: In-person, limited to 10 participants

Part II – Interpretation and Report Writing: Participants learn to interpret composite scores, understand meaningful discrepancies, and translate cognitive data into clear, client-centered recommendations. Case-based exercises help solidify learning, ensuring participants can immediately apply skills in practice.

Schedule & Cost

  • Date/Time: April 18–19, 2026 | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
  • Cost: $700 + GST (10% discount for Master’s or PhD students)
  • Format: In-person, limited to 10 participants, follow-up to Part I

Location:
Rocky Mountain Psychological Services – 110–11 Ave SW, Suite 212

Register for WISC-V training online at https://rmpsychservices.com/wisc-v/

Integrating BASC-3, ABAS-3, and WISC-V for Holistic Assessment

When combined, these three assessments provide a 360-degree understanding of a child’s functioning:

  • WISC-V: Cognitive strengths and weaknesses
  • BASC-3: Emotional, social, and behavioral functioning
  • ABAS-3: Real-world adaptive skills

This integrated approach allows clinicians to:

  • Identify strengths and deficits across multiple domains
  • Develop evidence-based, targeted interventions
  • Communicate findings effectively to families, schools, and interdisciplinary teams

By mastering all three tools, psychologists in Calgary and Alberta can deliver more nuanced and actionable recommendations, enhancing outcomes for clients across clinical and educational contexts.

Professional Development and Continuing Education

RMPS certification courses are not only skill-building, but they also support continuing education requirements. For registered psychologists and provisional psychologists in Alberta, these courses contribute to CAP and CPA continuing education standards, ensuring that training is relevant, recognized, and applicable to professional growth.

Participants benefit from:

  • Small-group learning for personalized feedback
  • Case-based exercises rooted in local clinical and educational contexts
  • Opportunities to network with other Calgary and Alberta mental health professionals
  • Practical experience that translates directly into improved client care

Certification also strengthens professional credibility, demonstrating advanced assessment competence to colleagues, employers, and clients.

Why RMPS is the Choice for Calgary Mental Health Professionals

RMPS is uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality, locally relevant assessment training:

  • Courses led by experienced practicing psychologists
  • Focused on hands-on learning and applied skills
  • Tailored to Calgary and Alberta contexts, including local school and clinical systems
  • Small class sizes to ensure individualized attention and guided feedback
  • Emphasis on integrated practice, combining cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive assessments

By choosing RMPS, professionals gain more than a certification; they gain confidence, competence, and credibility.

Next Steps and Registration

  • Location: RMPS, Suite 212, 110 – 11 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta
  • Course Options: BASC-3 (virtual), ABAS-3 (virtual), WISC-V (in-person, two-part)
  • Pricing: Varies per course; discounts available for graduate students

Take the next step in your professional development. Register for BASC-3, ABAS-3, or WISC-V certification at RMPS today and elevate your clinical expertise in Calgary and Alberta.

Closing Note

Certification in BASC-3, ABAS-3, and WISC-V is more than a credential. It represents a commitment to excellence, evidence-based practice, and client-centered care. Psychologists and graduate students in Calgary and Alberta who complete RMPS training leave with:

  • Practical, hands-on skills in assessment administration and interpretation
  • Confidence in producing integrated, actionable reports
  • Competence in evaluating cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive functioning
  • The ability to deliver meaningful interventions across clinical, educational, and community settings

Invest in your expertise, elevate your practice, and make a measurable difference in the lives of the clients you serve.

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Rocky Mountain psychological services Calgary

MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle.MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher.She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary.Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta.Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions.John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge.Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.