Our aim is to move towards the position where capability at advanced practice level can be demonstrated through a portfolio of learning and competence assessment. This would not only address the key elements of advanced practice at a consistent level, but would also reflect the breadth of clinical and professional settings within which they can be demonstrated.

It is increasingly recognised that advanced practice requires a combination of education and practical expertise requiring the capability to apply indepth knowledge and make clinical decisions through high levels of analysis and critical thinking.  Advanced Practitioners are expected to demonstrate Masters level learning, and in the future it is anticipated that those appointed to advanced roles will have attained this level of education.  However, at present not every Advanced Nurse Practitioner will have undertaken a Masters level course. Often this is because appropriate programmes have not been available.  For individuals currently working in advanced practice posts who do not have a formal Masters level qualification compiling a portfolio of learning and competence assessment can help them to demonstrate their competence and capability.

Masters-level learning can be demonstrated in a variety of ways:

• Undertake a masters level module or programme (Masters level CPD module, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters programme).
• Put together a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate masters level learning (mapping against the SCQF Masters level descriptors may be helpful) and submit to a Higher Education institution for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Crucially, we must recognise that educational provision supports the development and recognition of advanced practice 'capability' in a practitioner. It prepares a practitioner to be able to fulfill the requirements and expectations of such a level of practice, but does not in itself grant the practitioner advanced practitioner 'status'.  Acieving and demonstrating competence, confidence and expertise in practice are also vital.

The primary driver for the development and maintenance of any 'advanced practice' post/role must be the demonstration of patient/client need for such a role.  Educational achievement does not, in itself, guarantee advanced practitioner status, individuals must be employed and capable of functioning in a role that requires them to practice at this level.

Benchmarking this level of practice and preparing practitioners appropriately so that we are able to consistently recruit to new posts/roles or succession plan for existing roles is therefore crutial.