The purpose of this study was to identify PHN's specific core competencies which need to be acquired to strengthen position in PHN's field recently. Qualitative data was collected from 7 scholars of erudition and experience, 7 PHNs and 2 health care related experts through focus group discussion and one to one interviews. Competencies were classified and integrated by researchers. The validity and priority of competencies were investigated by 225 PHNs who were in charge of PHN's education working in both Public Health Departments and Community Health Centers, by mailing out questionnaires. As a result of analysing the qualitative data, the following 5 competencies were refined: a) Protecting equality of health/well-being of the population, b) Empowering the population's capacity for promoting community health development, c) Creating strategic policy and resources from the clients' view point, d) Demonstrating the necessity and the effects of action, e) Developing and sustaining PHNs' professionalism. As a result of investigation, all competencies met with over 90% of subjects' approval and competency c) and d) were thought high priority by about 70% of subjects. Five competencies were identified with consensus. These results showed that it is necessary for PHN to acquire these competencies, especially c) d), we have to develop an effective education program and system as soon as possible.