Competency-Based Education (CBE)
Earn your credential by demonstrating what you know, not by how much time you spend in a classroom.
What is Competency-Based Education (CBE)?
At SA国际传媒 (SA国际传媒), we know your journey is unique. Competency-Based Education (CBE) gives you the flexibility to earn a degree, diploma or certificate while valuing the real-world knowledge and life experiences you bring to the table.
Pass assessments as soon as you are ready to prove your skills, and finish courses faster to save time.
Progress depends on your effort and mastery. Practice real-world skills until you feel confident and if you do not pass an assessment on the first attempt, you can try again. Your background, job experience and skills matter, turning that prior learning into official college credit and speeding up your path to graduation.
You won't be walking that path alone. A personal success coach and supportive faculty will work alongside you to build a learning plan that keeps you on track.
Learn at a Flexible Pace
- Progress quickly through material you already know.
- Focus on mastering new skills at a flexible pace.
- Optimize study time to fit your schedule.
- Choose lab times that work for you.
- Receive personalized support from instructors and a dedicated success coach.
Explore CBE Programs
Advanced Manufacturing
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist Technician, Diploma
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator, Career Pathway Certificate
- Engineering Technology, Associate of Applied Science
- Industrial Automation and Mechatronics, Associate of Applied Science
- Industrial Maintenance Technician, Associate of Applied Science or Diploma
- Welding, Diploma
- Welding (Basic), Career Pathway Certificate
- Welding (GMAW), Career Pathway Certificate
Business
- Applied Management, Associate of Applied Science
- Business Administration, Associate of Applied Science or Certificate
Health Sciences
- Emergency Medical Technician, Career Pathway Certificate
- Paramedic, Associate of Applied Science or Diploma
Steps to Completing Your CBE Program
Enroll in Your Program
Apply and enroll in an approved SA国际传媒 Competency-Based Education program to launch your career.
Complete Online Orientation
Learn how the flexible CBE format works and how to easily navigate your online courses.
Partner with Your Success Coach
Work with your CBE success coach to register, build a learning plan and schedule your Flex Lab hours.
Prove Your Skills
Work through the course modules at a flexible pace and demonstrate your mastery of each competency.
Graduate and Launch Your Career
Once you have mastered all program competencies, you complete your coursework and earn your credential.
Competency-Based Education Student
"I really enjoyed the CBE format, it allowed me to work at my own pace on my own time. I have been working in Finance for many years, so there was an overlap of information. I was able to move quickly through the material I knew, and I was able to spend more time on what I didn't know. The CBE format fit perfectly into my busy schedule. I would recommend CBE for anyone needing flexibility in finishing their education!"
Traditional vs. Competency-Based Education
At SA国际传媒, we're adapting the traditional classroom to better fit the needs of the next generation of students. You cover the same high-quality academic content regardless of the format. Plus, you have a dedicated success coach backing you up every step of the way.
How the Traditional Classroom Compares to CBE
| Feature | Traditional Classroom | Competency-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Class times are set for you by the College. | Flexible scheduling options to fit your life. |
| Deadlines & Pace | Pace and semester deadlines determined for you. | Flexible deadlines and milestones to keep you on track while strengthening time management skills. |
| Grading & Progress | You move forward only after passing the course at the end of the term. | You move forward when you prove mastery of a specific skill or competency. |
| Learning Environment | The same classroom setting for all students with group lectures and discussions. | Individualized, hands-on learning with one-on-one faculty support and small group focus. |
Explore More About Competency-Based Education
Choosing the right educational format is important. A conversation with a success coach can help you determine whether Competency-Based Education fits your learning style, schedule and goals.
- Email: haasl@nicc.edu
- Phone: 563.562.3263, ext. 1306
- Email: marcuss@nicc.edu
- Phone: 563.562.3263, ext. 2327
Ready to get started?
Apply today! We're here to help you every step of the way as you begin your educational journey in Competency-Based Education.
This material is based upon the work supported by the National Science Foundation award no. 2500615.