This document contains a set of four integrated competency profiles that define the competencies of paramedic and emergency medical responders within Canada. It is important to note that the NOCP is not intended as a curriculum blueprint, or a teaching plan.

The Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC) introduced the National Occupational Competency Profile for paramedics along with the professional titles in March 2000. This was done to define the profession, promote national consistency in paramedic training and practice, and lastly, to facilitate job mobility for practitioners.

The 2001 National Occupancy Competency Profile was reviewed and refined to produce the new profile contained in this document. The review process for a new National Occupational Competency Profile for paramedics, began in 2006 with a future vision conference, and culminated in 2011 with an agreement between the the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators and the Paramedic Association of Canada to adopt the 2011 National Occupational Competency Profile as a foundation document in the development of a National Examination for paramedics. initial competency profiles were reviewed and refined to produce the new profiles contained in this document. This document also reflects important change driven through a collaborative feedback process that included representatives from key stakeholder groups. The Board of Directors of PAC approved the new profiles on October 29, 2011.