What is “competency based training”?
A “competency” is a “skill performed to a specific standard under specific conditions”.1 Competency based training defines specific skills to be learned in each training module, and then sets up methods to validate whether those specific skills were learned by participants. In other words, competency based training allows the facilitator to confirm that participants have the required knowledge and skills to do their jobs or take more advanced training.
Why conduct competency based trainings?
Competency based training is more effective than traditional, time-based training, for several reasons:
- It is easier to evaluate and adapt.2
- It builds on existing participant knowledge and skills.
- It allows for the curriculum to be tailored to participant needs.
- It includes, as an essential component, a skills assessment/validation at the end of each training segment.3,4 If competencies are not demonstrated by participants, it allows for participant-specific recommendations to be made regarding future training and mentoring needs.
- It allows for specific strengths of each participant to be recognized and used to help others. For example, if a particular participant in an organization is really strong at something, they can mentor others.
- Competency based training materials can easily be improved. If it is found that participants generally do not learn what was intended from a specific module, the module can be revised and strengthened.
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1Reproductive Health Online Reading Room. The Competency-Based Approach to Training. Available at: http://www.reproline.jhu.edu Accessed on August 15, 2007. JHPIEGO, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University.
2Shepard, L.A. (2005). Linking Formative Assessment to Scaffolding. Educational Leadership. pp.66-70. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
3Ibid.
4Sullivan, R. (Downloaded August 17, 2007.) A Competency based Approach to Training. Available at: http://www.reproline.jhu.edu/english/6read/6training/cbt/cbt.htm JHPIEGO.
