1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Empowering Learners through Competency-Based Education Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Competency-based education, in which the measurement of learning in place of the measurement of time is a distinguishing feature, is an efficient, effective, and rigorous form of postsecondary education, the widespread adoption of which is necessary and desirable as a means of improving learning outcomes, student success, and reducing the cost of higher education in the United States, and it is therefore necessary to clarify the definition of and requirements for competency-based education so as to facilitate its application and availability. (2) Reputable and responsible institutions of higher education have for many years developed, offered, and demonstrated the academic rigor, effectiveness, and outcomes of competency-based education. (3) An increasing number of institutions of higher education now seek to develop and offer competency-based education. (4) The collection and dissemination of complete and reliable information respecting the impact of competency-based education on the quality of learning, employability and employer acceptance, retention, time to completion, graduation rates, and cost will significantly enhance the adoption of competency-based education as an essential component of postsecondary education in the United States. (5) It is in the public interest to improve the efficiency and value of postsecondary education and therefore support the offering of competency-based education. 3. General definitions Section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1003 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (25) Competency