This paper examines literature of relevance to two specific constructs that are core to the current innovation and reform discussions and agenda of Health Workforce Australia (HWA). The two constructs are: • competency-based education and training frameworks • competency-based career frameworks. The topics are explored within the context of the Australian health workforce, and commentary is included on the scope of the workforce. The paper refers to literature pertaining to the following matters: • growing development and increasing use of competency-based education and training frameworks within the Australian health workforce • current considerations and options that are emerging in the development and use of competency-based career frameworks in the Australian context • inclusion of levels of both knowledge and competence inherent within all frameworks. (A hierarchy of such levels is commonly known as a taxonomy or classification system and is clearly modelled within the recently revised Australian Qualifications Framework.)