This publication addresses the different components in which any well trained nuclear medicine physician must be competent. It stresses the importance of providing support for the implementation of the prescribed programme, thus meeting the individual needs of trainees. Likewise, it emphasizes the appropriate duration of training necessary to acquire the competencies needed to provide adequate care to patients and ensure the safety and quality of clinical practice. Moreover, the principles and practice of physics, radiochemistry, anatomy, physiology and clinical nuclear medicine, including hybrid imaging are discussed.