In competency-based education, course completion is accomplished when students have successfully demonstrated mastery in all necessary skills and competencies. For most courses prior to July 1, 2023, the instructor issued a course mastery (M) grade when all competencies had been completed or demonstrated. As of July 1, 2023, the college issues letter grades according to a either a letter grade scale or a competent/not competent scale.
Students may also prove competency in a course through a test out or challenge process for eligible courses. Students enrolled in a monthly tuition course must request a course challenge within five school days of the course start date. Tuition is paid for the hours the student is enrolled in the course. Students in an up-front tuition course must pay for the course and test out within the first five school days from the course start date. If the student successfully tests out of the course they will be taken out of the course, credited the course tuition, and charged the test out fee. Students do not receive a letter grade for test out or challenge exams.
Students may receive transfer course competency mastery credit (M) when official documentation that verifies that the same competencies have been completed is presented. Documentation may include official transcripts or industry certification credentials/documentation. Students are not issued a letter grade for transfer credit. Students must submit an official transcript from an accredited institution in its original sealed envelope or have one mailed to the college Registrar’s Office. College transcripts can also be received electronically through an approved transcript exchange provider (i.e. National Student Clearing House). High school transcripts will be considered official if received through fax if it is clear the document is received directly from the institution. (OTECH Policy 530.10 Transfer Credit) In order to receive possible transfer credit, courses for transfer on college transcripts must have a grade of ‘C’ or better, and courses for transfer on high school transcripts must have a grade average of ‘B’ or better.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Effective July 2010 | |
| M | Master Competency |
| N/A | Grade not applicable, master competency met |
| 1979 to June 2010 | |
| CR | Competency gained |
| OJT | On-the-job training |
| CH | Course completion through challenge examination. |
| AR/W | Course waiver upon initial assessment. |
| CF | Custom Fit is specifically designed training initiated by employers to meet particular company needs (grades/certificates are obtained through the employer) |
| AC | Accelerated classes are designed to upgrade a current skill and/or focus on one concept |
| TR | Competencies earned through course completion at another accredited institution |