Finishing your degree can feel like a long journey, especially when you have a busy life. Between work, family, and other commitments, finding the time for school can be tough. That’s where competency-based learning comes in. This approach helps you earn your degree faster by focusing on what you already know and can do.

Competency-based learning allows you to move through courses at your own pace. If you are already familiar with a topic or have previous experience, you can prove your knowledge and skip those parts. This means you don’t have to sit through classes on subjects you already understand, saving you both time and money.

This type of learning is especially useful for students who have some college credits but never finished their degree. By transferring your existing credits and only studying what you need, competency-based learning offers a flexible and efficient way to complete your education. 

At Newlane University, we are excited to show you how this innovative method can help you achieve your academic goals quickly and affordably.

What Is Competency-Based Learning?

Competency-based learning is an approach that focuses on what you already know and what you are able to do. Instead of spending a set amount of time in a classroom, you move through coursework by proving your skills and knowledge. This means you can skip over topics you have already mastered and spend more time on subjects that are new to you.

In competency-based learning, your progress is measured by assessments and exams. Once you show that you understand a subject, you can move on to the next. This method is different from traditional education, where you have to complete all parts of a course regardless of your prior experience. With competency-based learning, the focus is on learning outcomes and practical skills.

This type of learning is especially helpful for adults who have gained knowledge through work or other experiences. You can turn what you already know into college credits, which can help you earn your degree faster. This makes competency-based learning an efficient and effective way to finish your education.

How It Saves You Time and Money

Competency-based learning can save you both time and money in several ways. First, because you can skip subjects you already know, you can complete your degree faster. This means you spend less time in school and more time moving forward in your career. The quicker you finish, the sooner you can start earning a higher salary or reaching your professional goals.

Secondly, this approach often means fewer classes, which can reduce the overall cost of your education. At traditional schools, you pay for every class you take, regardless of whether you already know the subject matter. With competency-based learning, you pay for the assessments that prove your knowledge. This can be much cheaper than paying for full courses.

Thirdly, flexible payment options, like the $39 monthly payments offered by Newlane University, help you manage your budget effectively. Instead of facing large tuition bills, you pay a small, predictable amount each month. This makes it easier to afford your education without taking on a lot of debt.

Lastly, because you can study at your own pace, you can work while you learn. This means you don’t have to give up your job to go back to school. You can keep earning money while completing your degree, which lessens the financial burden of further education. This way, competency-based learning offers a practical and economical path to finishing your degree.

The Flexibility of Competency-Based Programs

Competency-based programs are designed to be flexible and fit into your busy life. You decide when and where to study, making it easier to balance school with work, family, and other activities. This flexibility helps students who have complicated schedules stay on track to earn their degrees.

One of the biggest advantages is the ability to move at your own pace. If you understand a topic quickly, you can test out of it and move on. If you need more time, you can take it without worrying about holding up the class. This personalized learning approach ensures you get the education you need without wasting time on what you already know.

Additionally, online competency-based programs do not require you to attend live classes. You can log in whenever it’s convenient for you. This way, you don’t have to rearrange your life around fixed class times. You can fit your education around your existing commitments, making it a practical option for many students.

Steps to Get Started with Competency-Based Learning

Getting started with competency-based learning is straightforward. Here are the steps to begin:

1. Research Programs: Start by looking for schools that offer competency-based programs. Make sure the program fits your goals and needs.

2. Transfer Credits: If you have any college credits from previous schooling, find out if they can be transferred. This can save you even more time and money.

3. Enroll in the Program: Fill out the necessary applications and get enrolled in the program of your choice.

4. Assess Your Knowledge: Before starting your studies, you might take assessments to show what you already know. This helps place you in the right courses and lets you skip content you have already mastered.

5. Create a Study Plan: Plan when and where you will study. Set flexible goals to keep you on track.

6. Stay Focused: Stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals. Use the flexibility of the program to help you balance your studies with your other responsibilities.

By following these steps, you can make the most of your time and accelerate your journey to earning your degree.

Skill-Based Success: The Fast Track to Earning Your Degree

Competency-based learning offers a smart, flexible way to finish your degree quickly. It lets you focus on what you need to learn while skipping what you already know. This approach can save you time and money, making education more accessible and efficient. With flexible coursework, you can study at your own pace, fitting school around your busy life.

For those with some college credits but no degree, competency-based learning provides an excellent path to graduation. It values your prior knowledge and experiences, turning them into measurable progress. By transferring credits and offering a tailored learning plan, it helps you complete your studies faster.

At Newlane University, we are committed to helping you achieve your academic goals through our innovative programs. Explore how Newlane University can help you finish your degree quickly and affordably. Visit our accredited online university today to find out more and take the first step towards your future.