Methods Although the focus of this article is on practising doctors, work based assessment methods apply to medical students and trainees as well. These methods can be classified in many ways, but this article classifies them in two dimensions. The first dimension describes the basis for making judgments about the quality of performance. The second dimension is concerned with how data are collected. View larger version: In this window In a new window Classification for work based assessment methods Further reading McKinley RK, Fraser RC, Baker R . Model for directly assessing and improving competence and performance in revalidation of clinicians. BMJ 2001;322:712–5 Miller GE . The assessment of clinical skills/competence/performance. Acad Med 1990:S63–7. Norcini JJ . Recertification in the United States. BMJ 1999;319:1183–5 Cunningham JPW, Hanna E, Turnbull J, Kaigas T, Norman GR . Defensible assessment of the competency of the practicing physician. Acad Med 1997;72:9–12