Competency Based Education

Wouldn't it be incredible if a college gave you a degree for all your life experiences? Although you can't earn a degree based just on your work and life experiences, you may be able to earn credit for those work experiences that parallel much of the content of some of our courses. The Competency-Based Education (CBE) program may be able to both recognize what you know and shorten the time you need to earn your degree.

CBE is a program for working adults who'd like college credit for work and life experiences. Through individualized planning and study, CBE can help you earn a two-year degree. There are two distinctive aspects to the program:

• CBE lets you plan a flexible program using community resources, job in-service training, supervised study, classroom instruction, internships and more.
• CBE also lets you present your experiential learning as competencies to be assessed for credit towards your degree.

Who participates in CBE?

CBE is designed for those who have work or volunteer experience beyond that of a traditional, fresh-out-of-high-school graduate. Candidates for this program are usually out of high school for approximately ten years or longer with some business related background. 

CBE may be for you if you. . .

• Have not had an opportunity to attend college
• Feel that traditional educational programs do not allow flexibility for your special needs and you want to make use of community resources, independent studies, internships, and individualized course choices
• Have had learning experiences which could be assessed as competencies for college credit
• Want a program that fits your time schedule

How do I apply for admission to CBE?

For admission to the CBE program, follow this process:

1. Contact Competency Based Education 763.433.1340.
2. Complete the College Admission Application Form.
3. Submit transcripts for work completed from each institution you've attended, including colleges, vocational or business schools, military training and CLEP exams. These will be evaluated to determine the number of your transfer credits that will be accepted.
4. See the course schedule for current CBE (ICBE 1101) course offerings.
5. Complete the Individualized Educational Planning Course before having your competencies assessed.

What are some of the basics of CBE?

As a CBE student you have responsibility for your education. The college has responsibility for teaching, for approving competencies, and for determining whether adequate evidence is given for your competencies.

• Your educational progress is measured in terms of competencies and credits achieved.
• You are encouraged to make use of community resources to achieve your educational goals.
• In order to earn a degree you need to demonstrate competencies in the areas required for the degree, and you are expected to be a lifelong, self-directed learner committed to excellence in your learning.

Do CBE credits transfer?

Competency credits from Anoka-Ramsey may be transferred to upper division colleges like Metropolitan State University, Bethel College and Concordia College toward a bachelor's degree. Students planning to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree should contact the Registrar .

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