Welcome to our Area specific capability – FAQs section. These questions and answers are here to help you understand what the frameworks are, how they work, who they’re for, and how they support advanced practice across health and care professions.
Whether you’re a practitioner, educator, employer, or simply curious, this page will guide you through the key information in a clear and simple way. If you’re looking for more detail, you can also explore our full guidance documents and resources on the Centre’s website.
Understanding area specific capability frameworks
Area specific capability frameworks are endorsed by the Centre for Advancing Practice and support learning across different healthcare professions.
You can also watch our short animation to see how it all works!
Key Messages
- Focused learning: Each area-specific capability framework supports learning in a high-priority area of advanced practice.
- University-based: Taught mainly by universities as part of their advanced practice courses.
- Growing availability: It takes time for universities to start using these frameworks, but more will become available over time in more areas and more universities.
- Not for self-study: These frameworks are not for informal learning or self-assessment. They include structured teaching, supervision, and assessment.
- Workforce-focused: Designed to meet real workforce needs in advanced practice, helping professionals deliver better care.
- More information online: You can find full details on our website, including the official framework documents and more helpful resources.
Area specific capability – FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Non-urgent advice: What are area specific capability frameworks?
These are structured learning programs that help professionals gain advanced skills in a specific area. Each framework:
Follows national standards: It’s based on a national framework that guides how it should be taught and assessed
Maps: Aligns with teh Multi-professional framework for advanced practice in England
Focuses on key capabilities: It outlines the capabilities needed for advanced-level practice in a specific area
Is officially endorsed: Every framework goes through a careful review process by the Centre for Advancing Practice
A big part of each framework is the integration of academic and workplace-based supervision, learning and assessment. This helps learners apply what they learn in real healthcare settings
Who Are They For?
Area-specific capability frameworks are for professionals who:
- Have already completed a master’s in advanced practice, or
- Have successfully finished the Centre’s ePortfolio route.
They are not for beginners or for people looking to learn on their own without supervision.
How are they defined?
The Centre reviews and endorses each framework through a detailed specification document. It regularly updates these documents to keep them aligned with the latest healthcare needs.
What is the delivery method?
Usually taught by universities as part of advanced practice master’s degree programs.
Universities must show they have the right staff, resources, and experience to deliver the framework properly. The Centre checks and approves their plans, through the accreditation process.
What role does workplace supervision play?
Workplace-based learning and supervision are a key part of every framework. Employers must support learners by providing supervision and helping them apply their new skills safely and effectively.
Each framework includes guidance on what good supervision should look like, and the Centre checks that universities have strong plans in place for this.
Who can take part?
These frameworks are for registered health and care professionals who:
- Are studying for an advanced practice master’s degree, or
- Have already completed one, or
- Have shown equivalent experience through the Centre’s ePortfolio route.
Each framework has specific entry requirements based on your job, experience, and access to supervision. These help make sure you’re ready to succeed.
What are they not for?
They are not meant for:
- Self-directed or informal learning.
- People without the right support or experience.
Universities deliver these frameworks with effective teaching and structured supervision in place.
Can previous experience count?
These frameworks are to support future learning and development. If you already have relevant experience, it might count – but only if it fits with the framework’s supervision and assessment rules. Each university decides how to handle this, based on their own policies.
When will they be available?
Universities need time to decide if they want to offer a framework and to prepare their courses. They also need to go through quality checks with the Centre. Over time, more universities will offer these frameworks.
What are the quality checks?
The Centre accredits providers to ensure delivery of frameworks is to a high standard. It checks university plans and reviews them regularly to make sure they stay up to date and meet national expectations.
Is there funding?
There are different ways to fund your learning, including:
- Support from your employer (like through the Advanced Clinical Practitioner apprenticeship).
- Regional funding through the faculties for advancing practice.
The Centre is working with partners to make sure funding and support are available.
