The National Health Educator Competencies Update Project (CUP) addressed the degree to which the existing role definition of the entry-level health educator is still up-to-date, along with the development and validation of advanced-level competencies. This research has important implications for workforce development. The national research project used a 19-page questionnaire sent by postal mail to health educators in six practice settings during the 2000-2001 pilot phase (76% adjusted response rate), and during the 2001-2003 major research phase with 4030 practicing health educators responding (70% adjusted response rate). Respondents were from every state and the District of Columbia, resulting in the largest national dataset of its kind, with 1.6 million data-points. Based upon the findings from extensive quantitative data analyses coupled with ongoing professional judgment offered by members of the National CUP Advisory Committee, the competency-based model has evolved into three levels of practice (Entry, Advanced I, and Advanced II), with seven Areas of Responsibility and some new competencies and sub-competencies. This model will be compared with the original frameworks developed during the 1978-1981 national research and through the work of the Graduate Standards Committee, in order to review similarities and differences. Implications for applications of the CUP research will be discussed, particularly as they impact professional preparation, credentialing, and professional development.