Competency-based instruction provides the mechanism necessary to implement the democratic and humanitarian philosophies espoused by community colleges. This document discusses the need for competency-based instruction, identifies instructional methods, and provides insights into the curricular ends of this type of instruction. An instructional methodology for competency-based instruction is presented in a five-phase model involving: (1) analysis of course requirements; (2) development of objectives; (3) preparation of instruction; (4) presentation of instruction; (5) evaluation and validation. These five phases are dynamically linked by feedback. Next, procedures for deciding what competencies ought to be acquired are identified. Finally, five advantages of competency-based instruction are discussed, including: (1) humanism; (2) developing student personhood; (3) accomodating the adult learner; (4) providing equality of educational opportunity; and (5) providing educational accountability. (NHM)