The Infection Control Nurses Association (ICNA) has developed a robust framework for infection prevention and control practitioners to demonstrate their competence. This article describes the process of developing these competencies from the first edition (in two parts) to the integrated competencies and assessment framework, which may be useful to other specialist groups considering the development of competencies relevant to their area of interest. It describes how the competencies have been used and how they may be used in the future to accredit ICNA members.