The Core Competencies are the result of more than 20 years of work by the Council on Linkages and other public health practice and academic organizations, beginning with development of the Universal Competencies by the
Public Health Faculty/Agency Forum in 1991. The
current version of the Core Competencies was unanimously adopted by the Council on Linkages on June 26, 2014, following a yearlong
review and revision process. Previous versions were adopted on
May 3, 2010 and April 11, 2001. The Core Competencies are regularly reviewed and revised by the
Core Competencies Workgroup to ensure these competencies remain relevant in an evolving field of public health and continue to meet workforce needs.
Used by health departments and academic institutions across the country, the Core Competencies provide a framework for workforce development planning and action, and can serve as a starting point for public health professionals and organizations as they work to better understand and meet workforce development needs, improve performance, prepare for accreditation, and enhance the health of the communities they serve. Organizations are encouraged to interpret and adapt the Core Competencies in ways that meet their specific organizational needs.
A number of additional resources exist to support public health professionals and organizations in using the Core Competencies:
Council on Linkages staff are also available to answer questions about the Core Competencies and can be reached at
competencies@phf.org.