Competency-Based Training
Competency-based training refers to a learning model where learners must demonstrate the required level of knowledge and skill (competency) on a task prior to advancing to the next task. At the end, learners have to demonstrate their competency to get the National Qualification Certificate.
These programs are designed and delivered by adopting a systematic approach, focusing on better employability of the trainees with strong market linkages. Through competency-based assessment, the trainees are assessed after completing the program and awarded high-quality national vocational certificates. Likewise, skills of individuals from outside the formal system are also recognized through Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies (RPL/RCC).
Advantages of CBT:
- Are focused on skills, knowledge, understanding, and attitudes/values.
- Describe observable, demonstrable, and assessable performance.
- Are broader in scope than a mere list of specific tasks or skills.
- Enable the learners to acquire competencies, which are recognized by the industry all over the country through competency standards set under NVQF.
- Offer greater prospective of employability to the learners.
- Enable the informal skilled workers to get their skills assessed and certified through recognition of prior learning and current competencies.
- Involve industry in all the steps of training delivery, right from designing the skills to assessment and placement of the skilled workers.
- Allow flexibility in the movement of learners from one institution to another.
Assessment
Assessment is an ongoing process to help stakeholders reach toward training goals. In Pakistan's NVQF CBT System, the vocational qualifications are modular, and the number of modules depends upon the complexity of the skills in a particular occupation; typically, the qualifications of Levels 1 to 4 have 6 to 8 modules. At the end of every module, the learner demonstrates his or her competency (skills, knowledge, and behavior) through FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT. At the end of training, the final assessment is held by the national assessor.
