IFPTI, in partnership with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), has completed the development of a competency-based National Curriculum Standard (NCS) for Human and Animal Food Laboratory Professionals. The goal of the Laboratory NCS is a competent laboratory workforce doing comparable work across all jurisdictions as part of the Integrated Food Safety System.

The Laboratory NCS (visual shown below) spans four professional levels (Entry, Mid, Expert, and Director) and depicts the content or topic areas in which laboratory professionals must possess competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities).

The Laboratory NCS also includes content areas specific to Chemistry, Microbiology, and Specialized Laboratories.