Competency-Based Education (CBE)
We know your journey is unique. CBE gives you the flexibility to earn credits as you demonstrate the skills needed to be successful on the job.
Earn Credit through Practice and Experience
In our CBE programs, progress depends on your experience, effort and mastery. Accelerate through topics you already know, and practice new skills until you master them, even if it takes a few attempts. Supportive instructors and your CBE success coach will be by your side to help plan your academic pathways and manage your time in the program.
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.
CBE Delivery Formats
CBE courses are delivered in different formats:
CBE On-Campus
These courses provide campus-based instruction, lab experiences and/or instructor support while allowing flexbile pacing and competency progression. The learning management system and other instructional technologies may also be used to support learning and communication.
CBE Hybrid
These courses combine required asynchronous online content and in-person or virtual live sessions that support competency development, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Coursework is delivered through the learning management system, on campus, or via Zoom, while maintaining flexible pacing and instructor support.
CBE Online
These courses allow students to complete coursework and demonstrate competencies 100% online and asynchronously. Instruction, communication, and assessments are delivered through the learning management system and other digital technologies with regular instructor support and consistent academic rigor.
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
How CBE Compares to a Traditional Course
Show what you already know, move ahead as soon as you master the material and build a schedule that fits your life—without giving up the credit, the content or the support.
| Traditional Course | Competency-Based Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | The whole class moves through the material at the same speed. | You set the speed—accelerate where you are strong, slow down where you need time. |
| Schedule | Assignments are due on a set weekly schedule the instructor builds. | Suggested dates keep you on track, but you choose when the work gets done. |
| Mastery | Passing requires an average final course grade, allowing you to pass with knowledge gaps. | Passing requires demonstrating competency proficiency by earning an 80% on each module. |
| Learning | Every student receives the same lesson at the same time. | Learning is personalized; you spend your time on the skills you have not mastered yet. |
Business Administration AAS CBE, '28
"It took away a lot of the worry I had about going back to school. I can choose a manageable number of classes each semester and work through assignments as my schedule allows. I also have time to connect what I鈥檓 learning to real situations instead of just trying to get an assignment turned in by a deadline."
CBE Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our Competency-Based Education programs.
A competency is a skill, knowledge area or ability you learn and master. At SA国际传媒, these are built into our Educational Learning Outcomes (ELOs)—clear descriptions of what you will be able to do by the end of your course. ELOs align directly with local industry recommendations, ensuring your coursework is practical, relevant and career-ready.
You have the flexibility to learn at your own pace while completing your course by the end of the semester. If you already possess certain skills, you can demonstrate mastery early and move quickly through those modules. Instead of daily due dates, we provide suggested pacing guidelines to help you stay on track. Finishing on time is required; finishing early is a unique advantage of CBE courses.
CBE courses focus on complete skill mastery to meet industry standards—which means there are no C or D grades. Passing a CBE course requires earning a minimum grade of 80% (B) on each module and in the overall course.
- A (90%–100%): Earn a cumulative course average of 90% or higher and successfully master all required modules.
- B (80%–89.9%): Earn a cumulative course average of 80%–89.9% and successfully master all required modules.
- F (Below 80%): Earned if your cumulative course average falls below 80% or if you do not demonstrate mastery of all required modules.
You are never on the journey alone. As a CBE student, you will work with a designated success coach who checks in regularly to keep you motivated and on pace. You also have access to on-campus and online Learning Center services, student support services and Brightspace technical assistance.
Yes! Standard financial aid rules apply to all semester-based credit CBE courses. We strongly encourage students to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible—regardless of income or financial need. Learn more by visiting Financial Aid.
Yes. You may receive college credit for completed coursework or prior learning based on your work/life experience. Learn more on the Credit for Prior Learning page.
Yes. Your Success Coach will help you build a personalized schedule that fits your life and keeps you on pace. While many programs offer flexible online options for part-time students, some courses may require specific on-campus lab or lecture times.
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.