What is Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)

This chapter summarizes the background and current status of competency-based education (CBE) in higher education. After briefly reviewing the history and current state of CBE in higher education, the authors address the more recent uptick in CBE options in higher education as well as potential drivers of demand, including changing demographics, demands from the public and employers for reduced costs and evidence of outcomes, and rapidly evolving technologies. The chapter includes examples of CBE programs in operation or development at selected post-secondary institutions and concludes with a brief look at barriers and challenges higher education faces in implementing CBS as well as possible opportunities for the future.