Final answer:
Specialty competencies are usually gained through the completion of approved educational programs and obtaining professional certification, confirming a professional's expertise in a specific area.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specialty competencies are indeed typically acquired through the completion of approved programs and obtaining certification. This is a common process in various professional fields such as medicine, law, and engineering, where specialized knowledge and skills are essential. By completing an accredited program, professionals demonstrate that they have met the required standards of knowledge and skill in a particular area. Subsequently, acquiring certification often includes passing an exam and meeting other criteria set by a professional board or association, which then formally recognizes the individual's competency in their specialty.