Competencies for Applied Epidemiologists in Governmental Public Health Agencies (AECs)

The Competencies for Applied Epidemiologists in Governmental Public Health Agencies (Applied Epidemiology Competencies, or AECs) were created in collaboration with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE).

Goal

To improve the practice of epidemiology in public health agencies.

Objectives

To create a comprehensive list of competencies that

• Defines the discipline of applied epidemiology
• Describes the skills of four different levels of practicing epidemiologists working in government public health agencies

Tiers of Practicing Epidemiologists

• Tier 1: Entry-Level or Basic Epidemiologist
• Tier 2: Mid-Level Epidemiologist
• Tier 3a: Senior-Level Epidemiologist, Supervisor, or Manager
• Tier 3b: Senior Epidemiologist, Senior Scientist/Subject Area Expert

Intended Uses

Epidemiology practitioners can use the AECs to assess current skill level, identify areas for training, and as a career-development plan.

Employers can use the AECs to create career ladders for epidemiology positions, write job descriptions aligned with the competencies, and assess overall epidemiologic capacity.

Educators can use the AECs to design competency-based education and training, and enhance existing coursework.

National organizations can use the AECs to further develop the epidemiology workforce by mapping the AECs to curricula.