PurposeThis study aims at validating a scale for the perception of competences and attitudes of the Portuguese public administration employees. The sample of this study consists of 1,119 participants working in public administration and other labour sectors in Portugal. The psychometric qualities of this instrument were studied to assess its use in future studies. Design/methodology/approachAn initial exploratory factor analysis showed that the scale is composed of one factor, with a Kaiser-Meyer-Oklin value of 0.83. The subsequent confirmatory factor analysis performed in AMOS 27 confirmed the existence of a single factor. FindingsThe analysis of the psychometric qualities of the scale allows concluding that it can be applied in the context of the Portuguese public administration. Originality/valueGiven the universality of the competences and attitudes adopted, it can be extended to other work and cultural contexts.