Competency-Based Education

Your goals. Your pace. Your career.
A couple of students studying together in a public study area at Bow Valley College North Campus.

At Bow Valley College, we know that every learner is different. You bring unique experiences, strengths, and goals—and your education should reflect that.

Competency-Based Education (CBE) gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace. You advance by demonstrating what you know and can do, not by how long you’ve spent in class. Move quickly through what’s familiar, take extra time where you need it, and build confidence every step of the way—with guidance from instructors who are invested in your success.

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What is Competency-Based Education?

Competency-Based Education (CBE) gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace. You advance by demonstrating what you know and can do, not by how long you’ve spent in class. Move quickly through what’s familiar, take extra time where you need it, and build confidence every step of the way—with guidance from instructors who are invested in your success.

Here's what you can expect in CBE...

Move at your own pace

Receive personalized coaching and support

Advance once you’ve shown you can perform the skills with confidence and consistency

Competency-Based Education courses are offered in multiple formats—in-person, online, hybrid, or HyFlex—and in every format, your progression is based on demonstrated performance.

Personalized Learning

Learn in a way that fits your goals and your life. Speed through material you already know or take more time where you need extra support. Every learner’s pathway is unique.

Flexible Pacing & Delivery

Choose when, where, and how you learn—on campus, online, or both. CBE programs are designed to adapt to your schedule, not the other way around.

Performance-Based Assessment

Show what you can do through real-world tasks and projects.

  • Assessments are transparent, with clear expectations—no surprises.
  • You can practice, receive feedback, and try again if needed.
  • Meeting all criteria earns a 3.0 GPA (competent), and optional Mastery Assessments give you the chance to earn a 4.0 GPA by demonstrating professional-level skill.

No percentages. No partial marks. No averaging. Just proof that you can perform—competently or at a mastery level.

Why Choose Competency-Based Education at Bow Valley College

Personalized Learning

Flexible Pacing & Delivery

Performance-Based Assessment

How cbe works - step by step

A female student working on her laptop in one of the lounge areas available at Bow Valley College.

01.

Start where you are

Begin with a learning pathway or an assessment—it’s your choice.

02.

Learn with purpose

Explore resources, complete practice activities, and receive coaching.

Students sitting together in one of lounge areas at Bow Valley College.
Pharmacy Technician students working at the pharmacy set up at Bow Valley College.

03.

Demonstrate your skills

Complete a performance-based assessment modeled after real workplace expectations.

04.

Reflect and refine

Review feedback and improve through multiple attempts.

A student attending a classroom lecture in a theater hall.
A female students reading a book in one of the lounge areas at Bow Valley College.

05.

Advance confidently

Move forward as soon as you’ve met all criteria—no waiting for the end of term.

Why this matters now

Across Canada, employers are calling for proof of skills—not just credentials. CBE directly bridges this gap by embedding employer-validated competencies into every program and measuring success through performance-based assessments that reflect real-world demands.You'll graduate with:

  • Confidence grounded in practice and feedback.
  • A transcript and portfolio that clearly show what you can do.
  • The ability to talk about your skills with clarity and professionalism—ready for interviews, advancement, and career growth.
A female gradate at Werklund Centre.
Two students studying together, one of his laptop and the other writing notes in her notebook.

What sets us apart

While many institutions talk about flexible or skills-based learning, Bow Valley College has built an entire academic system around Competency-Based Education.Every CBE program includes:

  • Employer-defined competencies mapped directly to job expectations.
  • Guided learner pathways that support both experienced and new learners.
  • Performance-based assessments that validate skill, not seat time.
  • Instructor coaching and feedback to ensure you stay supported throughout

It’s education that adapts to you—not the other way around.

Programs available with CBE

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Administrative professional

Build advanced communication, organization, and technology skills to thrive in today’s fast-paced office environments.

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Health Data Analytics

Gain the technical and analytical expertise to transform complex health data into insights that improve decisions and outcomes.

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Education Assistant

Develop confidence step by step as you apply real strategies to support learners in classrooms—progressing once you’ve demonstrated readiness.

Students working in a computer lab.

Information Technology Solutions

Build advanced communication, organization, and technology skills to thrive in today’s fast-paced office environments.

Students working at the Center of Entertainment Arts area at Bow Valley College.

Cybersecurity Solutions

This diploma prepares you for entry-level analyst roles that protect organizations from cyber threats. You’ll start with core IT skills—networking, systems, cloud fundamentals, scripting, and security basics.

what cbe means for you

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Personalized Progress

Move at your own pace with clear milestones.

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Real-World Application

Every assessment mirrors professional expectations.

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Career Confidence

Graduate knowing your skills are verified and recognized by employers.

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Proof of Ability

Your transcript and portfolio highlight both competencies and GPA.

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Support at Every Step

Orientation, pacing guides, and coaching keep you on track.

With Competency-Based Education at Bow Valley College, you don’t wait to prove your potential— you live it every step of the way.

It's more than a credential.