Select Page

Competency based learning is a trend in adult education that recognizes life experiences. 

It is described it as a type of education based on predetermined competencies which focuses on outcomes and real-world performance. It is often seen as an alternative to traditional and formal education that focuses on cognition and in the case of drivers: multiple choice tests. 

BC campus states:

“Competency-based learning is particularly appropriate for adult learners with life experience who many have developed competencies or skills without formal education or training.”

It is a way for people to be recognized for what they can do.

ICBC now requires that anyone who wants to become a class one truck driver to go to school.

There are many people who have been driving for years and are fully capable of driving safely. They would likely pass a road test and safety test with flying colours and yet are expected to go to school with a hefty cost of 15K in order to pass a multiple choice test.

This keeps very competent and capable drivers from being able to work and deters them from trying. Trade industries are deeply impacted by these policies as traditional and formal education is a barrier to employment. Often folks pursuing a career in commercial truck driving did not enjoy formal education and refuse to partake in it.  

Will industry standards be able to adapt to include competency based learning?

Or will they stay stuck in archaic learning methods that are exclusive in nature?

It’s not as simple as saying “I’ve done this for 20 years, so I should be able to keep doing it.”

But I would argue that there’s a way to measure someones capabilities outside of formal, and very pricy, education.