What is a Continuing Competency Program (CCP)?

The Continuing Competency Program (CCP) is a formal system of assessing the ongoing knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment of a professional health care provider.

CCP promotes safe, ethical and competent practice, and identifies opportunities to pursue and achieve professional growth throughout a professional’s career. Ultimately, continuing competence contributes to public protection.


Why does the College have a CCP?

The Health Professions Act (HPA) states that all health professions through their regulatory body, “must establish, by Regulation, a continuing competency program” and it “must provide for regulated members to maintain competence and to enhance the provision of professional services” Health Professions Act, Section 50 (1) (2a), 2000. (Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) have been regulated under the HPA since April 2003.)

Is the CCP mandatory?

Yes, LPNs are expected to assess, maintain, and/or enhance competence through life-long learning including annually reporting. Participation in CCP demonstrates commitment by members of the profession, to maintain and/or improve knowledge and skill.

How is the Competency Profile related to the CCP?

The Competency Profile for LPNs in Alberta is a description of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgments ranging from novice to expert. The role of a LPN in Alberta varies depending on the setting, job description, and agency policy while the Competency Profile clearly delineates all the competencies performed by LPNs. The Competency Profile states which competencies are expected of the new graduate and the LPN who has advanced education and experience.

All the identified competencies are within the LPN Regulation and within the LPN scope of practice. The 2008 Standards of Practice are congruent with the Competency Profile.

A key purpose of the Competency Profile is to provide the foundation for the CCP. It is the fundamental assessment tool within the program.


How is the CCP related to the Standards of Practice?

Standards of Practice are defined as statements that describe the desirable and achievable level of performance expected of nurses, against which actual performance can be measured. Standards are necessary to demonstrate to the public, government, and other stakeholders that a profession is dedicated to maintaining public trust and upholding the criteria of its professional practice. The Standards provide a framework for the CCP.

Why Annual Assessment of Competence?

Annual assessment of competence is a process of determining your areas of strength and identifying any learning needs through self-reflection. In our evolving health care system, nurses must continually enhance and expand their knowledge and skills to maintain a level of competence commensurate with their role.

The LPN should retain the booklet of Guidelines, the Self-Assessment Tool as part of your CCP Binder materials. The Self-Assessment Tool can be used for a five year period. Your Learning Plan should be reviewed regularly and used when establishing next year’s Learning Plan. The CCP Binder becomes your Professional Portfolio and should hold records of education that has been accessed during the year.

It is important to maintain these documents as CLPNA can request copies of the Self-Assessment Tool and the Record of Professional Activities for Validation through an annual random audit process. Because the selection process is random, it is possible a member may be selected for Validation each year. The Validation process requests documents for the previous two year period; therefore, it is advisable to maintain records for a minimum of three years. Maintaining all records in the CCP binder or another organized format is recommended.

What is a Learning Plan?

A Learning Plan is an outline of how a nurse will meet their learning needs. It should include:

• At least 2 specific learning objectives, chosen from the Competency Profile, to provide overall direction for learning
• Resources or strategies for meeting the objectives such as; books, videos, articles, workshops, in-services, conferences, courses, etc.
• A timeline for completing the learning plan
• Success indicators outlining how the nurse will know that s/he has met the learning objectives and how this learning has changed his/her practice.

When should I start the process?

You can begin the CCP as soon as you obtain registration with the College. It is a continuous process. Begin the process by familiarizing yourself with the Program before you begin your self-assessment.

If you currently hold an Active Practice Permit and your registration expires at the end of the year, be sure to complete your identified learning goals from the previous year. You must meet those requirements before you renew your registration for next year. If you completed learning goals other than what you projected, identify that, indicating what you learned instead and why you changed objectives.

How can I get more information regarding the CCP and the Assessment Process?

Contact the CLPNA if you have questions or comments at info@clpna.com, 780-484-8886 or 1-800-661-5877.