What is a key feature of competency-based education?

A key feature of competency-based education is the emphasis on the mastery of skills. This approach prioritizes what students can actually demonstrate in terms of knowledge and abilities rather than how much time they have spent in a classroom setting. In competency-based education, students progress through their curriculum by proving they have achieved specific competencies or skills, allowing for a more personalized and effective learning experience that caters to individual pacing and needs.

This method contrasts sharply with traditional education models that often focus on attendance and the time students spend in class, which does not necessarily correlate with their understanding or skill mastery. By allowing learners to advance upon showing they've grasped the necessary competencies, educational institutions can better align their programs with real-world applications and industry needs.