The Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (Core Competencies) represent a set of skills desirable for the broad practice of public health that professionals may want to possess as they work to protect and improve the nation's health. The Core Competencies offer a starting point for public health professionals in identifying professional development needs and developing a training plan.
These Competency Assessments can help you determine your level of knowledge and skill with respect to each of the competencies that comprise the Core Competencies. Assessments are available at three tiers – Tier 1, 2, and 3 – that correspond to the three tiers of the Core Competencies. To use these assessments, download and save the appropriate PDF assessment document before entering your scores. Instructions for completing the assessment are provided within each document.
Competency Assessments
Tier 1 public health professionals are those who carry out the day-to-day tasks of public health organizations and are not in management positions. Responsibilities may include basic data collection and analysis, fieldwork, program planning, outreach activities, programmatic support, and other organizational tasks.
Tier 2 public health professionals are those with program management or supervisory responsibilities. Other responsibilities may include program development, implementation, and evaluation; establishing and maintaining community relations; managing timelines and work plans; and presenting arguments and recommendations on policy issues.
Tier 3 public health professionals are those at the senior/management level or leaders of public health organizations. These professionals typically have staff who report to them and may be responsible for the major programs or functions of an organization, setting a strategy and vision for the organization, and building an organization’s culture.
These Competency Assessments were developed by Janet Place, MPH, North Carolina Public Health Academy, University of North Carolina, and modified by the Public Health Foundation. They are provided through the
Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice. Assessments may be modified as necessary to meet local needs. For questions, please contact Kathleen Amos at
kamos@phf.org.