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Core competency frameworks

Core competencies (also known as competency frameworks) define the minimum requirements for professionals to perform effectively in the areas of identification, assessment and communication of current and emerging threats to human health posed by infectious diseases. ECDC has coordinated the development of several lists of core competencies through comprehensive consultative processes.

Curriculum design and development of training materials of ECDC training programmes and activities are normally based on these core competencies.

Core competencies may be used in capacity-building, when designing training or conducting training needs assessments. They may also help employers when developing vacancy notices or job descriptions and for career development.

Competency self-assessment tool

This tool enables individuals to analyse their competency level in core competencies in applied infectious disease epidemiology in Europe.

Contribution to WHO-ASPHER competency framework for the public health workforce in the European region

This competency framework published in 2020 has a module on Health Security and One-Health and defines three competency levels (competent, proficient and expert). ECDC contributed to its review.