The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists updated the Applied Epidemiology Competencies (AECs) in 2023. The AECs define the role of an epidemiologist and serve as a resource for workforce development activities, including job descriptions, career portfolios, and training plans.

In 2023, CSTE updated the AECs to align with the Public Health Foundation’s Core Competencies. This revision emphasizes data science, communication science, pandemic preparedness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The updates also include improvements to domain titles, structure, and progression across competencies.

The competencies were cross-referenced with Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accreditation standards to meet the needs of the applied epidemiology workforce.

AECs Toolkit

Launched in May 2024, the AECs Toolkit is a free, interactive resource designed to help applied epidemiologists put the 2023 AECs into practice. It provides resources for health department supervisors and individuals to:

• Assess knowledge, skills, and abilities across AEC domains and identify areas for development.
• Inform performance reviews and training plans.
• Support career progression, recruitment, and retention.

Reports and Resources

• Applied Epidemiology Competencies Report: 2023
  
• Applied Epidemiology Competencies Report and Resources: 2008
• View other workforce activities
• CSTE Media Statement: AEC 2023 Release
• CSTE Blog Post: Five Fast Facts on CSTE’s Updated AECs

We Want to Hear From You!

Complete the AECs Feedback Form to share how you've utilized or plan to utilize the AECs or the toolkit in your agency.

For more information about the Applied Epidemiology Competencies, please contact WFResources@cste.org.

This project is funded by Cooperative Agreement number NU38OT000297 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Infrastructure Center (PHIC).