FAQs for Competency Based Education

General FAQs

What is Competency-Based Education (CBE)?

Competency-Based Education (CBE) is an approach to learning that emphasizes the abilities students demonstrate instead of the amount of time they spend in class. At UWA, CBE programs empower students to set the pace of their learning by completing a course as soon as they’ve demonstrated mastery of the required competencies, significantly reducing their time to graduation. Learn more in our article explaining CBE. 

How are Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs different from traditional teacher education programs? 

CBE programs allow students to progress at their own pace, demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge through assessments rather than time spent in class. This flexible option allows students to receive the quality education UWA is known for while completing as many courses as they want each term and reducing their time to graduation. Learn more on the CBE page. 

What competencies will I need to demonstrate to graduate?

The core competencies required for graduation vary between CBE degree programs, but they include foundational teaching skills, content knowledge in core subjects, special education strategies, classroom management skills, educational technology and best practices in education. Contact an academic advisor for more information about your specific program. 

Are UWA’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs fully online, in-person or hybrid?

UWA’s CBE programs are designed for working adults and are offered fully online, allowing students the flexibility they need to continue working and to complete their fieldwork in a PreK-6 environment. 

How long will it take to complete the CBE program? 

UWA’s CBE programs are designed to let students set the pace of their own learning and complete as many courses as they want each term. Completion times can vary depending on how quickly a student demonstrates mastery of the required competencies. Learn more on the CBE page. 

What academic support services are available for students in UWA’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs? 

UWA supports student success through academic advising, online tutoring, instructional technology support and personalized feedback from course instructors. Learn more about student resources.

How do I interact with faculty?

Faculty will work with you individually to provide the guidance, instruction and support you will need to succeed and graduate. Interactions may be via phone, Zoom or course feedback in Blackboard. 

Learning and Assessments FAQs

Do Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs include group projects, or is all the work individual?

UWA’s CBE programs award credits based on individual mastery of core competencies, so group work is not used to measure student competency. Learn more on the CBE page.

How do I demonstrate mastery of a core competency?

UWA’s CBE programs emphasize personalized learning and differentiated instruction, so assessments vary between courses and instructors and may include projects, portfolios, performance assessments or other evidence-based evaluations. Learn more on the CBE page. 

How will my work be evaluated? 

UWA faculty who are subject matter experts will review your work to determine whether it meets the requirements to demonstrate mastery. You will receive instructional feedback to support your learning and to help you meet evaluation standards. Learn more on the CBE page. 

What happens if I fail to demonstrate mastery of a core competency on my first attempt?

If you fail to demonstrate mastery of a core competency on your first attempt, you will receive instructional feedback, be directed to review the resources provided and complete additional formative assessments in preparation for a second attempt at mastery. You are permitted a maximum of three attempts at mastery. 

How are grades calculated in a Competency-Based Education (CBE) program?

In UWA’s CBE programs, students receive grades for summative assessments. To demonstrate mastery and earn course credit, students must obtain a score of 80% or higher.

What happens if I fail my second attempt to demonstrate mastery of a core competency?

If you fail to demonstrate mastery of a core competency on your second attempt, your instructor will provide further instruction and support. You will then have a third and final opportunity to demonstrate mastery.

Field Experience and Licensing FAQs

Do UWA’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs meet my state’s teacher licensure requirements?

UWA’s CBE programs meet the requirements for teacher licensure in the state of Alabama. Upon completing course requirements and passing the state-required assessments, you will qualify for initial licensure.

Through reciprocity and possible testing requirements, candidates in other states can obtain licensure in states outside of Alabama. Learn more about state teaching licensure requirements.

How are fieldwork and student teaching components structured in a Competency-Based Education (CBE) program?

Hands-on experiences such as fieldwork and student teaching provide valuable practical learning opportunities for future educators. Students in UWA’s CBE programs may complete their fieldwork and student teaching experiences in any UWA-approved PreK-6 school setting.* Instructors will measure CBE students’ learning through reflections and assessments.

*Note: For students seeking a PreK-6 certification, placements in both an upper grade and a lower grade are required.

What support do CBE students receive during student teaching?

During student teaching, UWA supports students with an assigned University supervisor and a cooperating teacher to provide Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) and other internship support.

Costs and Financial Aid FAQs

How much do the Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs cost?

Tuition is $325 per credit hour, and the CBE programs include 127 credit hours. Courses are typically 3 hours each. Books and fees are additional costs and may vary by course.

Is financial aid available for Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs?

Yes, students may utilize financial aid for CBE courses.

Do I have to pay for each competency assessment?

No, UWA does not require additional fees for competency assessments. However, you are responsible for licensure exam costs to earn your state’s teaching license.

Flexibility and Pacing FAQs

What will my schedule be like in a Competency-Based Education (CBE) program?

Students in a CBE program will register for four courses (12 credit hours total) to be completed one at a time within a 16-week term. Students may take additional classes in a term if they complete their courses before the start of the next term. Learn more on the CBE page.

Can I take breaks if needed?

CBE students are allowed to take breaks but should complete their courses before the term ends to avoid receiving a grade of “Incomplete.”

Can I accelerate the Competency-Based Education (CBE) program if I already have relevant experience?

Yes, UWA’s CBE programs empower students to set the pace of their own learning. Students who have relevant work or life experience may already possess the expertise to demonstrate mastery of some core competencies required for their degree. As part of the CBE program, these students may take a competency assessment for each course as soon as they believe they have mastered the required competencies. If they pass the assessment, they will receive a grade for the course and can move forward in their studies.

In this way, UWA’s CBE programs enable students who have relevant work or life experience to finish their courses faster and significantly reduce their time to graduation. Learn more on the CBE page.

What happens if I fall behind?

UWA offers personalized advising from academic advisors and CBE faculty for CBE students throughout their program. If students fall behind, their adviser will work with them to develop a plan of action to get back on track.

Career Opportunities FAQs

Do UWA’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs include endorsements or certifications?

Yes, CBE students can complete the academic requirements for initial teacher certification in the following three areas: 

• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education (P-3/K-6)
• Special Education Collaborative Teacher (K-6 or K-12)

Additional field experiences will be required. Learn more on the CBE page.

Are career services available for CBE students?

UWA supports students in finding career success with opportunities related to job placement, career fairs and networking. Learn more about career resources.

Technology and Resources FAQs

What technology or software will I need for the Competency-Based Education (CBE) program?

Students will need a laptop with a webcam to complete the CBE program. Students will also need access to Microsoft Office 365, which is provided at no additional cost by UWA. Additionally, all teacher education students utilize the software Tevera for assessments. 

Will I have access to the library and other university resources?

Yes, CBE students have full access to the Julia Tutwiler Library online, where they can access electronic databases as well as books and articles. Additionally, students can access other university resources such as virtual tutoring, instructional support, counseling and career services and more. Learn more about student resources.  

Program Accreditation FAQs

Are UWA’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs accredited?

Yes, UWA’s programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Visit the accreditation page for more information. 

Will I be able to transfer credits or competencies to other institutions?

The CBE curriculum is designed to deliver the quality education UWA is known for, and students may be able to transfer courses to other institutions. However, transfer credit is dependent on the receiving institutions; due to accreditation policies, UWA cannot guarantee that all courses will be transferrable. Students seeking to transfer should consult with the institution that would receive transfer credits.