Competency-Based Equivalency (CBE) Portfolio
The Organizational Learning & Performance Department at Idaho State University offers students who have a minimum of 10,000 hours of work experience the opportunity to complete a CBE Portfolio and apply for 24 Competency-Based Equivalency (CBE) credits that can be used as electives in the B.S. Workplace Training & Leadership program.
We recognize the value and importance of knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom and during work experiences. Workplace competencies include the knowledge and skills acquired within specific work experiences. The CBE Portfolio is your opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities you acquired in the workplace in each of ten competencies.
CBE Steps and Timeline (Spring and Fall Semesters)
- Complete the CBE Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Petition. Your petition must be submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. in week 2. Late submissions will not be reviewed until the following semester. Be sure to use the “How to Complete the CBE PLA Petition” listed below to help you correctly complete the form. After you finish the document, it will be sent to the others to sign, the others will sign, and it will be submitted to the OLP department and then to the PLA Office.
- Complete your CBE portfolio before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. in week 8. Late submissions will not be reviewed until the following semester. The CBE Portfolio Template is listed below.
- Optional but recommended: Submit your CBE portfolio to your advisor to review it before you submit it before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. in week 5.
- Submit the CBE Cover Page with your CBE Portfolio attached before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. in week 8. Be sure to use the “How to Complete the DocuSign CBE Cover Page and Portfolio Submission” PDF handout listed below to help you correctly complete the form. After you finish the document, it will be sent to the others to sign, the others will sign, and it will be submitted to the OLP department and then to the PLA Office.
- You will receive an email with the results of your CBE portfolio review by the end of week 13 from olp@isu.edu.
CBE Documents and Resources
Online DocuSign Forms and PDF Instructions
- CBE PLA Petition (Online DocuSign Form)
- CBE Cover Page and Portfolio Submission (Online DocuSign Form)
Downloadable Forms and Templates
CBE Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the CBE?
- The Competency-Based Equivalency Portfolio (CBE) offers students who have a minimum of 10,000 hours of paid work experience the opportunity to complete a CBE Portfolio and apply for 24 Competency-Based Equivalency (CBE) credits that can be used as electives in the B.S. Workplace Training & Leadership program (these credits are not transferable to any other program).
- We recognize the value and importance of knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom and during work experiences. Workplace competencies include the knowledge and skills acquired within specific work experiences. The CBE Portfolio is your opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities you acquired in the workplace in each of the ten competencies.
- Who is eligible for the CBE?
- The CBE is an option for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree in Workplace Training & Leadership who have at least 10,000 hours of paid work experience (10,000 hours is the equivalent of 5 years of full-time work experience).
- Do I have to complete the CBE?
- The CBE is not required for the B.S. WTL degree. CBE is an option for WTL students who have worked a minimum of 10,000 hours of paid work experience who need additional WTL elective credits. If you already have sufficient WTL or approved advisor electives, you do not need to complete the CBE.
- How can I use the CBE credits?
- After successfully passing the CBE review, the CBE credits can be used for electives in the Workplace Training & Leadership degree. CBE credits are not transferable to other degree programs and can only be used for Workplace Training & Leadership elective credits.
- Can I transfer my CBE credits to another major?
- No. CBE credits are only applicable for the bachelor’s degree in Workplace Training & Leadership elective credits. They are not transferable to any other major.
- How do I sign up for OLP 2210 and 3310?
- You do not register for OLP 2210 and 3310. After you successfully complete the CBE process, and after you complete your final semester in the WTL program, the CBE will be added to your transcript as OLP 2210 and 3310.
- How many hours do I need to include in the CBE?
- To qualify for the CBE, you must have at least 10,000 hours of paid work experience (10,000 hours is the equivalent of 5 years of full-time work experience).
- Can I use more than one job to reach the 10,000-hour minimum needed to participate in the CBE?
- Yes. You can use a combination of full-time and part-time paid employment to reach the 10,000-hour minimum required to participate in the CBE. You will submit information and the 10 competency narratives for each job you are including in the CBE.
- What if I have more than 10,000 hours of work experience?
- The CBE requires a minimum of 10,000 hours of paid work experience to be eligible to participate, but you do not need to include all of your paid work experience. Start with your current position and total the number of hours. If it is not 10,000 hours, go to your previous position, total the number of hours and add it to the first job. Repeat until you reach 10,000 hours. These are the jobs you need to include in your CBE Portfolio.
- Example:
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Work History Hours Current Job [2020 - present] 5,000 Job #2 [2018-2020] 2,500 Job #3 [2017-2018] 3,000 Job #4 [2015-2017] 3,500 - You would use Jobs 1-3 for the CBE Portfolio since they represent at least 10,000 hours of paid work experience. It is not necessary to include job #4 since the 10,000 hour minimum was met with job #3.
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- How do I know if my work experience qualifies for the CBE?
- Contact your Workplace Training & Leadership degree advisor to discuss if your work experience qualifies for the CBE, or with any other questions. You can find your Workplace Training & Leadership advisor (major advisor) listed in BengalWeb, or you can call the OLP Office Administrator, Veronica Garcia (veronicagarcia@isu.edu, 208-282-3906).
- Can I use volunteer work for the CBE?
- No. Although volunteer experience may provide valuable development, it does not qualify towards the minimum 10,000 hours of work experience required for the CBE.
- Can I use military service for the CBE?
- Yes. Military service counts towards the minimum 10,000 hours of work experience required for the CBE.
- Can I use a mission for the CBE?
- No. Although a mission may provide valuable development, it does not qualify towards the minimum 10,000 hours of work experience required for the CBE.
- What is the process to complete the CBE?
- You can find detailed instructions with dates and links on the top of this webpage (www.isu.edu/olp/cbe/).
- Can someone review my CBE Portfolio before I submit it?
- Your Workplace Training & Leadership (major) advisor will be glad to discuss any of your CBE questions as well as review your CBE Portfolio before you submit it.
- What if I cannot get an Employer Verification Form?
- If you cannot get an employer verification form because the company is no longer in business or for some other reason, contact your Workplace Training & Leadership (major) advisor to discuss your options.
- How many of the 10 competencies do I need to include in the CBE Portfolio?
- You will write about all 10 competencies. These competencies apply to employment in most workplaces. If you have a question on this, contact your Workplace Training & Leadership (major) advisor.
- When can I submit my CBE Portfolio?
- You can submit your CBE during any Fall or Spring semester in your junior and senior year and will receive a letter with the results of your CBE review at the end of the semester you submit your CBE.
- When will the CBE credits appear on my transcript?
- Your CBE will appear on your transcript after you complete your final semester.
- How much does the CBE cost?
- There is currently no charge for the CBE.
- What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for ISU is facilitated by the ISU Career Center. Three advisors work with the six colleges to administer the PLA process. PLA advisors and their associated colleges can be found here.
- If I don’t pass my CBE, will I have time to fix it that semester?
- No. You will need to make edits and resubmit your CBE the following semester. This is why we recommend submitting your CBE prior to your final semester, and having your advisor review it in advance of submitting it.