National Curriculum Standard Buildout: Advanced Level Core

IFPTI facilitated the first of a series of in-person meetings to complete the buildout of the National Curriculum Standard (NCS), which is a foundational element of the National Regulatory and Laboratory Training System (NRLTS) for human and animal food regulators. The NCS sets forth the competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities) needed by regulators for successful job performance across all jurisdictions.

This first meeting, held in Kansas City, focused on the Advanced Level Core area of the NCS visual (shown below), and comprised a subject matter expert working group representing FDA, State, and Local regulatory agencies, along with the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), a co-sponsor of the project.

The working group identified four content areas (Characteristics; Communication Skills; Hazards and Controls; and Inspections and Investigations) at the Advanced Level Core, and built out sets of competencies and behavioral anchors (indicators or evidence of competency) for each area.

Similar meetings are planned over the next few months, and will focus on Manufactured Food, Retail Food, Unprocessed Food, Animal Food, and Senior Administration/Management.

Pictured: (Left) Christine Sylvis (Southern Nevada Health District), Sue Brace (IFPTI), Belinda Clifton (FDA), Brian Scheuttler (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services), Vianca Philpotts (Washington State Department of Agriculture), Michael Antee (FDA).

(On the screen): Nancy Doyle (FDA), Kathy Taylor (FDA), and Bruce Taylor (FDA)

(Right): Jacob Fleig (AFDO), Kristin Shaw (Portsmouth Health Department), Kevin Klommhaus (FDA), Autumn Schuck (AFDO), Chris Weiss (IFPTI).