The IAEA has introduced a methodology and an assessment tool – Systematic Assessment of Regulatory Competence Needs (SARCoN) – which provides practical guidance on analysing the training and development needs of a regulatory body and, through a gap analysis, guidance on establishing competence needs and how to meet them. The current publication provides information on the use of the SARCoN methodology to support the implementation of the IAEA safety standards for ensuring regulatory competence in respect of radiation facilities and activities. It is to be used in conjunction with IAEA Safety Reports Series No. 79. It can also be used in conjunction with IAEA TECDOC-1757 by regulatory bodies regulating both radiation and nuclear facilities.