There is already much educational activity in this area and considerable experience within the higher education sector on assessment of competence at this level. What has been lacking is agreement across the sector about the core and context-specific requirements for any advanced practice development programme.

Defining the appropriate academic level of educational programmes to support advanced practice has generated considerable debate, and we are aware that many practitioners and service leads are wary of some kind of 'grade inflation'.

Agreement has now been reached in NHSScotland that individuals working at advanced practice level should show evidence of Master's-level learning, such as studying at postgraduate certificate or diploma level while working towards Master's level. Achievement at this level could be demonstrated either by academic award or through mapping portfolio outcomes against the level. The ICN definition and characteristics of the advanced practice role (ICN, 2001) reflect this aspiration.

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level descriptors provide good benchmarks against which advanced practice competencies can be mapped. The SCQF Level 11 (Master's) descriptors for 'practice' and 'autonomy, accountability and working with others' are particularly characteristic of advanced practice competence.

The Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries resource shows how the SCQF levels can be articulated against the Educational Frameworks of the other three UK countries.

Clearly, agreement on this educational level must articulate with any requirements defined by the professional regulator as/when any regulatory requirements emerge.