What Is Competency-Based Learning?

Imagine you’re a college student enrolled in a class where the subject is something you understand well. Normally, you’d have to wait until the final exam to prove your knowledge. With competency-based education, you don’t have to wait.

Competency-based education is a learning model where students progress as soon as they can show they understand the material. Students must pass well-defined learning objectives before earning credit, similar to colleges that award credit for work experience.

Competency-based colleges and programs allow you to move at your own pace. You can spend as much time as you need mastering the material, or move through it more quickly. This flexibility allows you to graduate faster.

It can also potentially cost less. Competency-based programs typically charge a flat rate, so students can save time and money by completing more courses each term. These programs are often eligible for financial aid, as well.

Explore this guide to learn more about competency-based learning and see if it might work for you.

Competency-based programs work by awarding college credit to students demonstrating they mastery of a particular set of skills or “competencies” specified by their courses of study rather than through the typical credit-hour unit. In contrast, traditional learning follows a set curriculum with fixed timelines.

There are many other differences. Let’s review the biggest examples:

Competency-based learning offers many advantages, such as flexibility, personalized learning, and real-world applicability. But, there are challenges to consider as well, including the learning style, standardization concerns, and potential gaps in knowledge.

The balance between the benefits and drawbacks of competency-based education varies. Your learning style, goals, and ability to adapt to self-paced learning may be a perfect fit. But it’s important to weigh the challenges before making a final decision.

For service members in particular, this model affords them the ability to translate into credit whatever training they may have received. They can then apply that credit to competencies in their respective programs of study. The more training a service member has, the more theystand to gain in applying that training toward a related degree.

As with many online schools in general, working adults and those with family obligations benefit from the ability to make competency-based programs fit a schedule that works for them. Moreover, working adults can directly apply whatever relevant skills and competencies they’ve acquired in the workplace to their courses of study.

For returning students who already have substantial transfer credits, a competency-based program can represent one of the fastest pathways to obtaining a degree.

Competency-based programs are primarily focused on a specific career path or a field of occupations, so it is best suited to a student who is either aiming to work in a particular career or advance in their current career.

There are many things to look for when researching competency-based colleges. They include:

Make sure that any program you are considering is accredited by a federally-recognized accrediting institution. This guarantees your degree is honored by other schools if you elect to transfer or advance your education elsewhere. This is also a requirement for eligibility to receive federal aid, such as grants and loans.

Look for a program that offers a high level of academic, technical, and career support. Even if you are a self-driven student with a talent for organization, odds are at some point in your program you will need help.

Search for a program that will develop competencies that are specific to your career or to the one you are pursuing. As part of your search, ask for a degree plan or a course of study to see the most detailed information.

Calculate and contrast the costs of obtaining a degree from a competency-based program with that of your local college to see which program is the most economical for your situation.

Some programs offer a free look at some of their resources and assessments. Whenever possible, take advantage of these opportunities. If a school doesn’t already offer a free trial, try asking an admissions representative to provide one.

Find a school that works for you and your unique situation. Any program is useless if you don’t have the time or the life structure to complete it.

Some schools offer testimonials from graduates of their programs. Whenever possible, also look for reviews on online sites or forums to see what current students and graduates have to say about the school.

Programs that accept a large number of credits from your prior education are programs that will cost you less in the long run. When researching a school, be sure to thoroughly investigate the program’s policy and process for transferring credits to your degree.

Look for schools that are willing to grant credit for your previous training and career experience. Also, many programs will allow you to take direct assessments for credit to demonstrate your prior knowledge and base of skills.

Unlike traditional schools that are built on a widely-recognized system of credit hours, competency-based programs award credit that is inherently difficult to transfer to other schools if you decide to move elsewhere. For this reason, make sure to find a program that you are reasonably confident you can complete.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed April 26, 2024.