The National Competency Framework (NCF) is the first of two documents that are meant to address the needs
of a number of audiences. The NCF focuses on high-level outcomes that combine knowledge, skills, and attitudes
that are required for safe, effective practice. Attitudes underpin all competencies, and are expected of all practising
respiratory therapists; as such, they are embedded within the competencies themselves rather than being
expressed as distinct statements.
The Education and Examination Resource is an expanded list of foundational knowledge and minimum
entry-to-practice skills for the more “clinical” aspects of the respiratory therapist’s practice: Clinical Assessment
and Care Planning (Domain G), Therapeutic Interventions (Domain H), and Prevention, Health Promotion, and
Education (Domain I).