FAQs for Competency-Based Education

What Is Competency Based Education (CBE)?

Competency-based education courses (CBE) are designed to provide meaningful, project-based learning opportunities that encourage mastery of the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. With CBE, you can complete courses online when they fit with your busy schedule. You can move quickly through the material you already know, and take more time to focus on what you need to learn. With flexible course start dates and a learning coach to help you stay on track, you can complete the classes on your own schedule, at a pace that works for you.

Is CBE Right for Me?

CBE courses are for self-motivated learners who are seeking flexibility, can manage their time well, and enjoy learning independently. CBE students will work closely with their instructors with the support of a learning coach. 

What makes this program unique?

Course competencies align directly with learning outcomes focused on what you know and can do. In many cases, course competencies align with industry standards. This means the competencies you are learning in the course are meaningful skills necessary in the workforce. CBE courses are the most flexible modality of learning, removing the due dates and structure of traditional courses. Students can register for a CBE course up to week 3 in a 7-week term and week 7 in a 15-week term. 

How Is an Online CBE Course Different From a Traditional Online Course?

In a traditional online course, you work at the instructor’s pace and have deadlines throughout the semester. For example, you may have to read Chapter 1 in Week 1 and submit an assignment by midnight on the Sunday before Week 2. In a CBE course, you are able to work at your own pace and set your own schedule. The instructor and Learning Coach will provide guidance on when to submit your work to maintain a pace that works for you. NOTE: Currently all CBE courses at NECC are fully online with no set meeting times. 

What Kind of Assessments Can I Expect in a CBE Course?

Each class is set up based on the course competencies and designed in a way to help you succeed. There will be various learning activities (e.g., lecture, video, projects) to keep you engaged in your learning. Practice assessments allow you to practice, practice, practice, as much as you need until you are ready for the major assessment for each competency (e.g., exam, essay, projects). Final assessments are designed to prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need in the workplace. 

Are There Deadlines in CBE Courses?

Yes, there are some deadlines in CBE courses. You must meet two pre-determined progress points and complete your course prior to the end of the term. CBE courses are scheduled in both 7-week and 15-week terms. You are able to set a pace that works well for you and your schedule. Faculty will provide a recommended pace chart to complete the course within the scheduled term.  You are encouraged to set an accelerated pace in collaboration with your learning coach.

The required progress points are as follows:

1. Before completing your first CBE course at NECC, you must successfully complete a CBE orientation. A CBE staff member will reach out to you the month before your course begins to schedule your orientation.
2. You must log in and submit at least one assignment within the first week of the course to establish participation*. If you do not submit at least one assignment within the first week, you will be dropped from the course as a no-show.
3. You must make regular progress in your course; specifically meeting the following progress points: 

• • 30% of course assignments must be completed and submitted by Friday of week 3 in a 7-week term and Friday of week 7 in a 15-week term. 
  • 80% of the course must be completed by Friday of week 6 in a 7-week term and Friday of week 13 in a 15-week term. 

*Students registering after the start of the term will work with their instructor and coach to determine the required progress points. 

Can I Take a Mix of CBE Courses, Traditional Online, Traditional In-Person, and Hybrid Courses at the Same Time?

Yes! You can take courses in any format that fits your schedule whether CBE, hybrid, traditional in-person, and traditional online – or a combination of all four.

Can I Take Individual CBE Courses, or Do I Have to Pick an Entire Program?

You can take individual CBE courses. You can enroll in a CBE course if it is a part of your academic plan that you create with your advisor.

Are CBE Courses Graded in the Same Way as Other Courses?

You must pass each graded assignment in a competency-based course with a score of 80% or higher. If you are unable to earn a score of 80% or higher, you will be permitted to complete the course as if it were a traditional online course, but you may not be eligible for any future CBE courses.

• Pre-assessments: Successful completion of the pre-assessment may allow you to skip some of the assessments within the competency. 
• Practice assessments: Each CBE course will contain practice assessments to help you gain mastery of course topics. You must earn an 80% or higher on practice assessments, but you are allowed unlimited attempts.
• Final assessments: CBE courses generally offer multiple attempts on labs, projects and exams. If you achieve less than 80% on your first attempt, your instructor will provide feedback and guidance with further instructions.

What Happens If I Can’t Maintain an 80% or Above in My CBE Course?

If you are unable to earn a score of 80% or higher, you will be permitted to complete the course as if it were a traditional online course, but you may not be eligible for any future CBE courses.

What Is the Role of a Learning Coach?

The role of a Learning Coach is to provide guidance and support for academic success. 

Why Do I Need to Take the CBE Orientation?

CBE is a completely different style of teaching and learning. The CBE Orientation will provide you with more details and information on CBE courses that will help to ensure that you know what to expect and are prepared for success at the start of the term.   

What Does a CBE Course Cost?

A CBE course is the same cost as a traditional online course. For further information or questions, please contact the Student Accounts Office at 978-556-3900

When Can I Start?

You can enroll in a competency based education course before the first day of week 3 in a 7-week term and week 7 in a 15-week term. Seats fill up fast so contact us today!

I’m Interested! How Do I Get Started?

After you have met with your advisor to determine your academic plan, contact CBE at CBE@necc.mass.edu. We will orient you further to CBE and follow up with next steps. We look forward to helping you get your degree faster!