Competency-Based or Marks-Based? How Laureate LMS Lets Providers Choose Their Assessment Model

Different sectors across Australian and international education use very different assessment systems. VET qualifications rely on competency-based assessment, while ELICOS, higher education, corporate training, and many theory-driven programs use marks-based grading.

Laureate LMS is designed to support this diversity.

During configuration, each provider selects one assessment model—competency-based or marks-based—and the platform is set up accordingly. This ensures every organisation can deliver training in the format that best aligns with their regulatory environment, academic structure, and learner needs.

Competency-Based Assessment (CBA)

Purpose-built for Australian VET and industry-standard skill development

Competency-based assessment is the foundation of Australia’s vocational education system. Learners are assessed against defined performance benchmarks, not against each other.

How competency-based marking works in Laureate LMS

• Tasks are marked as Satisfactory (S) or Not Yet Satisfactory (NYS).

• Units automatically calculate to Competent (C) or Not Yet Competent (NYC).

• Trainers upload evidence: photos, videos, documentation, observation notes, third-party reports.

• All evidence is mapped directly to performance criteria and knowledge evidence.

Advantages

✔ Fully aligned with ASQA, training package requirements, and audit expectations

✔ Ideal for hands-on, skills-based, and workplace assessments

✔ Simple, clear, and consistent for trainers

✔ Strong evidence trail for compliance

✔ Supports multiple attempts and continuous improvement

Limitations

✘ Does not differentiate levels of performance—only “meets standard” or “does not yet meet standard”

✘ No percentages, marks, or GPA-style data

✘ Less suitable for academic learning structures requiring detailed grading

Best suited for

• Nationally recognised VET qualifications

• Trades, construction, engineering, community services, and practical skills

• Workplace performance tasks

• Licensing, compliance, and industry competency programs

Marks-Based (Numerical) Assessment

Ideal for ELICOS, higher education, corporate training, and theory-based units

Marks-based assessment uses numerical scores (e.g., marks out of 100) which can convert into grades, academic bands, or organisational scales. This method is standard in universities and widely used in many non-VET programs.

How marks-based assessment works in Laureate LMS

• Tasks and questions are assigned point values.

• The LMS automatically calculates totals, percentages, and grades.

• Grade systems (e.g., HD, D, C, P, N or custom provider scales) are fully configurable.

• Trainers and managers access robust performance analytics and reporting tools.

Advantages

✔ Detailed insights into learner performance and achievement levels

✔ Supports GPA, weighted grades, academic transcripts, and progression rules

✔ Ideal for quizzes, written assessments, exams, and theory-heavy units

✔ Allows clear differentiation between levels of achievement

✔ Well understood across higher education and international education sectors

Limitations

✘ Cannot replace competency outcomes for VET qualifications

✘ Requires consistent rubrics and marking guidelines to ensure fairness

✘ May encourage focus on grades rather than skill mastery

✘ Less suitable for practical performance assessments

Best suited for

• Higher education subjects

• ELICOS programs

• Pathway and academic preparation courses

• Corporate training and professional development

• Theoretical or knowledge-based subjects

• Non-accredited short courses and micro-credentials

Why Laureate LMS Supports Both Models Exceptionally Well

When an organisation onboards, Laureate LMS is configured specifically for the assessment model they choose:

Competency-Based

— S/NYS and C/NYC

— Evidence mapping

— Compliance-focused reporting

— Industry-aligned trainer workflows

Marks-Based

— Percentage or points grading

— Grade bands (HD–N or custom)

— Data-rich dashboards

— Academic-style progress calculations

Other platform settings—certificates, workflow rules, training plans, and reporting—are aligned to the model chosen during setup.

This means providers never have to force their training model to fit the LMS.

The LMS is adapted to the provider, not the other way around.

Whether your organisation delivers vocational qualifications, higher education subjects, ELICOS courses, corporate development, or theory-based programs, Laureate LMS ensures your assessment model is supported from the ground up.

Competency-based for compliance, performance, and industry standards.

Marks-based for academic clarity, analytics, and detailed performance measurement.

Laureate LMS gives providers the freedom to choose the method that aligns with their training approach—ensuring smooth delivery, accurate reporting, and exceptional learning outcomes.