kompetansebasert

Kompetansebasert refers to an approach or framework that emphasizes a person’s actual competences—combinations of knowledge, skills og abilities—rather than solely formal credentials or time spent in learning. The concept is used to describe strategies that assess and develop what a person can do in real-world situations, often focusing on outcomes and demonstrable performance.

In education, kompetansebasert opplæring og undervisning centers on learning outcomes and the ability to apply what is learned. Students or trainees are expected to reach specific competences, which are described in advance in competence frameworks. Assessment often includes performance tasks, portfolios, and practical exams, with progress linked to demonstrated capabilities rather than completed durations of study. This approach can enable more individualized pacing and better alignment with work tasks.

In the labor market, en kompetansebasert tilnærming informs job design, recruitment, and development. Roles are defined by the competences required to perform them, and employees can advance by acquiring and validating relevant skills, sometimes through flexible pathways or modular learning. Validation of prior learning and recognition of informal or non-formal learning are common components, allowing individuals to gain formal acknowledgment for competences gained outside traditional education.

Advantages of kompetansebasert systems include clearer alignment between learning and workplace needs, transparent criteria for assessment, and potential for flexible learning trajectories. Challenges include the need for robust competence frameworks, consistent assessment practices, and resources to ensure quality and comparability across contexts.

See also: competence-based education, competency framework, validation of learning.