Earn a high school diploma, complete the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) or earn a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Colleges and universities that grant competency-based degrees demand this basic requirement before accepting students for enrollment.
Consider those competency-based colleges and universities that have received either regional or national accreditation from a board recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For example, Western Governors University, an online competency-based school which offers students learning and training materials rather than traditional courses, is fully accredited and supported by 19 state governors.
Choose those programs that are the right educational fit, and apply to multiple competency-based schools to increase your enrollment chances.
Demonstrate your knowledge bases and skill sets after enrolling. Most competency-based university degree programs are unique in that students do not take traditional courses. Instead, competency-based schools provide students with a portfolio of skills that must be mastered before graduating and offer examinations through which students can demonstrate mastered skills. Professional students in a given field can immediately, upon enrolling, take competency-based examinations to prove mastery of already acquired skills.
Use supplemental learning materials provided by the competency-based school for those areas in which you need additional study or training. Not all students will be able to pass every competency examination in a given degree based upon past experience. Since competency-based schools offer training materials rather than courses and credit hours, students should use those materials geared toward preparing students for competency-based examinations.
Declare your intent to graduate after demonstrating mastery of all skills in a given area of study. This is a necessary bureaucratic step for many institutions before they will release a diploma.