Competency-based Education Certification
Position your competency-based education program for success with Cognia Certification.
Recognizing individual mastery
Cognia Competency-based Education (CBE) Certification provides the framework for designing and successfully implementing competency-based education in a school or school system. In this era of educational innovation, Cognia CBE Certification stands out as a powerful model for educators to embed the key elements of competency-based education and promote learner success.
Working in collaboration with the Aurora Institute’s CompetencyWorks initiative, now FullScale, Cognia developed research-based standards for CBE certification that empower schools to:
- Demonstrate commitment to a unique learning plan for all students
- Recruit teachers and learners who are committed to CBE concepts
- Demonstrate to your community your pledge to innovative education practices
The Standards
A competency-based education success story
Westminster Public Schools (CO) embraces CBE certification and experiences positive growth.
Start your competency-based certification journey
The concepts of CBE blend with Cognia’s philosophy that teaching needs to meet individual learning needs. Our research-based performance standards drive continuous improvement and are specifically crafted to mirror an effective CBE program. Our expert evaluators provide personalized support as they look for these hallmarks of a quality CBE program:
- An approach that is thoroughly embedded in, and supported by, the institution
- A commitment to a unique learning plan for all students
- A foundation based on achievement of outcomes, not seat time
- A focus on using assessment as a learning opportunity
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Cognia Accreditation and Cognia CBE Certification?
The Cognia Accreditation process evaluates an institution’s overall ability to provide high-quality education and commit to ongoing improvement. Cognia CBE Certification evaluates whether and how a school has embedded key elements of competency-based education that promote deep thinking.
Does my institution need to be accredited to pursue Cognia CBE Certification?
Being accredited is not required to pursue Cognia CBE Certification.
How long does certification last?
Cognia CBE Certification is granted for a six-year term. Institutions pursue renewal through the certification review process at the end of each six-year cycle.