Paper purpose: The aim of the present communication is to propose a procedure to assess the level of competence achieved by graduates. Design/methodology/theoretical approach: We propose to use a quality assurance procedure to assess and improve the level of competence achieved by graduates. Findings: Graduate students should exhibit hard competences -specific knowledge-in their field of study and, also soft or transversal competences that provide complementary abilities to use the former in any specific environment. Social responsibility is among the list of transversal competences. We found that transversal competences are difficult to assess. The method we propose provides a clear idea of the level of competence acquired. Practical implications: Social responsibility provides graduates a guidance to develop their activities as professionals within a framework of sustainable development, in such a way that projects include considerations concerning environmental, social and economic dimensions.