For Educators | Competency + Readiness

Competency Doesn’t Always Mean Ready.

Demonstrating a skill is important. Independent practice requires more.

A learner may be able to perform a process correctly during training and still need guidance when priorities shift, something unexpected happens, or the answer isn’t obvious.

Understanding the difference between competency and readiness helps educators make better decisions about when someone is prepared to practice independently.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE ↓

Start with the distinction

They’re related. They aren’t the same.


Competency

Can the learner perform the defined skill or process correctly?

Competency focuses on demonstrated performance against established expectations.


Think:

Knowledge

Do they understand what they’re doing?

Knowledge

Readiness

Can the learner apply what they know with appropriate independence?

Readiness looks beyond an isolated demonstration and considers whether performance holds up in actual practice.

Think:

Consistency

Can they do it correctly over time?