The nature and extent of processes and programmes for the development of skills and knowledge required by members of Vietnams elected bodies, including the National Assembly and provincial Peoples Councils, are examined in this article. Professional development of Deputies occurs as a response to challenges for the National Assembly and Peoples Councils in fulfilling their roles as the only institutions empowered with the peoples legitimacy at the national and local levels. Special expertise and skills are needed, particularly for activities, in representation, law-making, parliamentary oversight and decision-making. The article provides a short review of the broader context of political, social–economic and institutional environment in which parliamentary development occurs. It then addresses the special approach to parliamentary training in Vietnam and examines the training process provided to Deputies, including training needs assessment, curriculum development, delivery and monitoring and evaluation. Comparative international and regional perspectives will be taken into account while addressing Vietnams parliamentary training. The conclusion is that professional development for Deputies should be a balanced combination of best practices in modern parliamentary training with special approaches to the Vietnamese context.