The CIA's skill-based competency curriculum recognizes a fixed standard of educational achievement, rather than a standard that compares a student's accomplishments to the rest of the group. Students must pass all courses to earn their degree or certificate. To pass a course, students must achieve a minimum mastery level for all of the skill-based competencies identified for that course. The criteria for the mastery level are listed in the course guide and explained by the instructor, based upon considerations such as reasonable expectations of student skill levels.
Students who are unable to master one of the skill-based competencies will have a chance to practice further with a Skills Remediation assignment to successfully master that skill-based competency. If students are unable to master the skill-based competency through Skills Remediation, they must repeat the entire course.