Competency standards were developed as a tool to help the professionals assess their own learning needs. Gaps in knowledge, skills, attitudes and values are identified by comparing personal knowledge, skills, attitudes and values with those required by the competency standards. Competency standards have also been structured to assist with identifying areas, within current or future practice, that may require modification and/or improvement in knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.

As pharmacists practise in a variety of practice settings, each professional must evaluate whether or not a specific competency standard applies to their practice.