Proficiency-Based Learning

The difference is time.  In a credit-hour system, a specified amount of time is required.  A student can pass or fail within that amount of time.
The only difference between a proficiency-based system and a credit-hour system is that the amount of time you spend is up to you.

Credit-hour System:  Time is specified.  When time is up, your learning is measured. 

Proficiency-based System:  Time is not specified. 

 

 

 

 

As a college professor, I disliked the term competency-based learning.  As many aspects of music learning are skill-based, I thought, "If everyone is competent, no one will be excellent.  If students can reach a minimum level of competence and then stop, all will be mediocre.  Hence, the preference for proficiency-based learning as 'proficient' indicates a high level of competence.