Abilities with Caster Levels vs. Caster Levels

[ShadowcatX]

Is having an ability that you use with Caster Level = class level the same as having a caster level?

I'm pretty sure it is not, but I wanted to check, just in case.

[LazarX]

The answer to this question depends on the context.

Give a bit more detail as to an example, and what you're trying to corner with it.

[ShadowcatX]

Let's take wild shape for example. If i had wild shape, (and not druid spell casting) could I use that to give me a caster level for say improved familiar?

(The actual in game example is a taskshaper using his shape changing abilities to qualify for godling feats that require caster level X, but this isn't a third party question it is a rules question.)

[Cheapy]

Nope, you don't have a caster level.

[LazarX]

No. Having the wildshape ability by itself does not convey a caster level for any qualifying purposes. Abilities may have an effective caster for purposes of interaction with dispel magic, but that's as far as it goes.

[ShadowcatX]

That's what I figured. Thanks guys!

[Gauss]

The key wording in most SP and SU abilities is 'using X level as the caster level' where X is the class name. This would indicate to me that you are treated as having a caster level for that power but you do not actually possess a caster level from that power.

- Gauss