Competency Assessments for Public Health Professionals

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Competency Assessments for Public Health Professionals

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 Assessment: Competency Statements Only (2021 Version)

Competency statements apply to across the public health workforce for those engaged in the practice, education, and research of public health.

Competency Assessment: Tier 1 (2021 Version)

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.

Competency Assessment: Tier 2 (2021 Version)

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.

Competency Assessment: Tier 3 (2021 Version)

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.

Competency Assessments: Based on the modified 2017 version, 2014 version, and the 2010 version of the Core Competencies also remain available

Competency Assessment for the Modified Version of the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (2017 Version)

Competency Assessment for Tier 1 Public Health Professionals (2014 Version)

Competency Assessment for Tier 2 Public Health Professionals (2014 Version)

Competency Assessment for Tier 3 Public Health Professionals (2014 Version)

Competency Assessment for Tier 1 Public Health Professionals (2010 Version)

Competency Assessment for Tier 2 Public Health Professionals (2010 Version)

Competency Assessment for Tier 3 Public Health Professionals (2010 Version)

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 competencies@phf.org.