While the concept of competency development has been around for quite some time (R.H. White, 1959), it has increasingly come into focus in clinical research as clinical trials continue to become more complex. Competencies can be defined as a set of related skills, knowledge and abilities that enable individuals to act in accordance with the prescribed performance requirements for their roles. Ultimately, these skills enable us to respond effectively to different situational inputs and issues encountered in our jobs. By focusing on employee competencies, organizations can better align business goals and objectives and ensure that the appropriate employees are recruited and selected. Effectively, focus on competencies (vs. only experience) provides employers with the opportunity to distinguish potential for superior job performance vs. average or below average results, and ultimately to better define and control performance in clinical research organizations.