Competencies refer to the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that an individual develops through education, training and work experience. A competency framework is a blueprint that combines competencies and behaviours expected of a professional in their role.

The PSI's Core Competency Framework (CCF) reflects the practice of pharmacists in the early stages of their career, i.e., 0-3 years registered. It is also used to provide structure and guidance for pharmacists when reflecting on their CPD needs throughout their career.

You can download this Core Competency Framework here.

Each domain is underpinned by several competencies and each competency contains indicative behaviours. These indicative behaviours describe some of the ways in which the competency may be demonstrated. However, competencies may also be demonstrated in other ways and pharmacists are encouraged to reflect on their practice and decide if the behaviours provided are relevant to them, or if there are other ways they meet a competency.

The first CCF was published in 2013. Following a review, an updated CCF was published in 2023. Throughout 2023, the IIOP delivered the CPD & the revised Core Competency Framework Roadshows, to provide information on the updated CCF and it's CPD implications. A webinar was recorded which contains this information and is available to view on the IIOP website here. (Please note - access to this section of the IIOP website is only available to pharmacists registered in Ireland).