The Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (Core Competencies) represent foundational or crosscutting knowledge and skills 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 training plans.
These Competency Assessments are based on the
2021 version of the Core Competencies and can help you determine your level of knowledge and skill with respect to each of the
eight domains that comprise the Core Competencies. Assessments are self-scoring PDF forms, and four separate assessments are available: one containing competency statements only and one for each of the
three tiers within the Core Competencies. These assessments were designed for use with Adobe Acrobat/Reader. Scoring and other functions may not operate properly in other PDF viewers. To use, download and save the appropriate form before entering your scores. Instructions for completing the assessment are provided within each form.
Competency Assessments
Competency statements apply to across the public health workforce for those engaged in the practice, education, and research of public health.
Tier 1: Front Line and Program Support Responsibilities – These may include responsibilities such as collecting and analyzing data, conducting restaurant inspections, assessing environmental hazards, providing health education, building community relationships, providing customer service, delivering services, coordinating meetings, organizing records, supporting programs, and providing technical expertise.
Tier 2: Program Management and Supervisory Responsibilities – These may include responsibilities such as developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving programs; supervising and mentoring staff; establishing and maintaining community partnerships; recruiting a diverse workforce; managing timelines, work plans, and budgets; advocating for program resources; making policy recommendations; and providing subject matter expertise.
Tier 3: Senior Management and Executive Leadership Responsibilities – These may include responsibilities such as overseeing major programs or operations of the organization, setting a strategy and vision for the organization, building an equitable and inclusive organization, creating a culture of quality within the organization, collaborating with policymakers and politicians, advocating for organizational resources, partnering with community leadership, and leading organizational efforts to achieve health equity and social and environmental justice.
These Competency Assessments were originally developed by Janet Place, MPH, University of North Carolina (now at the University of South Carolina), and were adapted by the Public Health Foundation. They are provided by the
Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice. Assessments may be modified as necessary to meet local needs. For questions or Word versions of the assessments, please contact Kathleen Amos at
kamos@phf.org.