Abstract: Specifying instructor competencies has become complicated in the current public, private and academic instructional and training environments made possible by the Internet. Great debates have ensued arguing the viability of a common set of competencies versus separate sets for face-to-face, blended and on-line learning contexts. Keeping up with the debate and establishing competencies required in all three learning environments is a challenge for staff developers, online teachers and trainers as well as instructional designers. Experienced professionals associated with the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction recently validated an updated list of instructor competencies This paper and presentation will present different points of view on the debate and the final evolution and validation of 5 foundations, 18 competencies and 98 performance statements for certifying instructors.