Continuing the competency-based assessment pilot at UNSW

Following a successful pilot in 2025, UNSW will continue expanding competency-based assessment (CBA) across selected courses in 2026 for Term 2 and Term 3, providing more students with the opportunity to experience this innovative approach to assessment and learning.

Unlike traditional assessment approaches that result in standard UNSW grades, CBA uses a different grading model that focuses on the level of competency a student demonstrates against clearly defined learning outcomes and capabilities. This approach places greater emphasis on student learning, rather than on how they perform relative to a numerical scale. 

Last year, more than 5000 students across 28 courses participated in CBA pilot courses. Feedback from students who participated in the pilot highlighted several key benefits, such as:

• less stress about grades, allowing them to focus more on learning and understanding course content
• clearer expectations about what they needed to demonstrate to succeed
• more helpful constructive feedback to support improvement throughout the term
• in most cases, more than one opportunity to demonstrate competency, helping them build confidence and continue developing their skills
• a stronger focus on developing practical skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to their future studies and careers.

As UNSW continues to explore new approaches to assessment, the ongoing CBA pilot will provide valuable insights into how competency-focused learning can enhance the student experience while supporting deeper learning and skill development. 

We look forward to working with participating courses and students as we continue this important initiative.

Further information about CBA at UNSW can be found on the UNSW Assessment Methods, Grading and Feedback webpage.

For further questions on CBA, please reach out to Associate Professor Helen Gibbon at helen.gibbon@unsw.edu.au or Professor Elizabeth Angstmann at e.angstmann@unsw.edu.au.