Do's And Don'ts Of Passing A Performance Assessment

At WGU, learning is measured by how well students demonstrate their knowledge and skills. With WGU’s competency-based model, students complete coursework and then show proficiency through assessments, rather than progressing based on time spent in a traditional classroom. 

Assessments play a central role in how students pass courses, move through programs, and earn a degree online. These evaluations are designed to reflect comprehension, real-world application, and practical skills, and serve as an important measure of student achievement within WGU’s competency-based model. 

Understanding how performance assessments work, and how to approach them, can help you prepare with confidence and succeed in WGU’s degree and certificate programs.

Understanding WGU’s Assessment System 

Assessments are how WGU students show they have mastered course material and move forward in their degree programs. Instead of relying on one type of exam, WGU uses three different assessment types to measure student learning and proficiency. Understanding the differences between performance assessments, objective assessments, and preassessments can help you choose the right study strategy and approach evaluations with confidence.  

Performance Assessments (PAs) 

Performance assessments measure how well you can apply what you’ve learned. They’re a key part of WGU’s competency-based model.  

Instead of taking a traditional exam, students complete a performance task such as a paper, presentation, or project to demonstrate applied knowledge. These performance assessments allow you to apply real-world skills such as critical thinking and clear communication, rather than relying on standardized testing or multiple choice questions.  

Objective Assessments (OAs) 

Objective assessments are exam-based evaluations designed to measure student knowledge. They’re usually timed and include multiple choice or scenario-based questions. Unlike performance assessments, which focus on applied skills and original student work, objective assessments are designed to measure student understanding, knowledge recall, and concept application. These exams may be proctored depending on the course. 

Preassessments 

Preassessments are formative assessments that help measure student readiness before attempting an exam or performance task. They identify strengths and areas where additional study may be needed. While not required to pass a course, preassessments are a helpful way to focus preparation and improve student performance before an assessment attempt. 

Tips for Passing a Performance Assessment 

So, how does a WGU student tackle a performance assessment that requires you to show what you know? Below are some of the do’s of taking a performance assessment effectively and ethically.  

Do start with the rubric. Before beginning a performance assessment, be sure to review the rubric, which outlines what is required and how your work will be evaluated. Using the rubric as a checklist can reduce revisions and help ensure each requirement is addressed. 

Do your research. WGU’s course materials and learning resources introduce key concepts needed to pass a performance assessment. Students can also use outside sources such as books, scholarly articles, and trusted websites. Just be sure any sources you use are properly cited. 

Do cite all your sources. Anytime you use ideas, data, or verbiage from another source, be sure to provide proper attribution. This includes course materials, books, articles, and online resources. Clear citation protects your academic integrity. When in doubt, don’t leave it out.  

Do write in your own words. Performance assessments are about showing what you’ve learned, not how well you can copy and paste or use AI. Submissions should reflect your voice and original thinking. If you quote a source directly, use quotation marks and a citation. Review WGU’s AI policy. 

Do review your similarity score before submitting. All performance assessment submissions are automatically run through WGU’s integrated AI and grammar checker. If the report indicates a high similarity or AI-generated content score, take time to revise your work before submitting.  

Do rely on your Course Instructors. Every WGU course has subject-matter experts whose goal is student success. Look to these mentors for guidance and clarification. 

Do use WGU’s writing support resources. If writing isn’t your strong suit, WGU’s Academic Coaching Center offers both self-service tools and live assistance. These resources can help with organization, citations, and overall clarity before you submit your performance assessment. 

What to Avoid During a Performance Assessment 

Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. Here are some common mistakes to avoid during a performance assessment.  

Don’t use paid services or unauthorized assistance. Your performance assessment should reflect your understanding of the material. Paying for papers or answers is considered cheating, and carries serious consequences. If you’re unsure whether a service or resource is allowed, check with your Program Mentor or avoid it altogether.  

Don’t submit unoriginal work. WGU takes plagiarism and academic dishonesty very seriously. Always cite your work when necessary, and be sure to put ideas into your own words and avoid the temptation to copy and paste. This includes AI tools. While you can use them to support your process, your final submission must be your original work.  

Don’t rely on unreliable sources. Not all sources are appropriate for academic work. Stick to credible, trustworthy references. Work by other students is never considered an appropriate reference for your academic work at WGU. Review the difference between primary and secondary sources if you need a reminder.  

Don’t share completed assessments with others. Sharing your work with other students puts you both at risk. Once you submit an assessment, it should be kept private. 

Get Support for Your WGU Journey 

Explore WGU support resources there to help you succeed, from your first assessment to graduation.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

How is my assessment evaluated? 

Performance assessments are scored using detailed rubrics that clearly outline the required competencies for the course. Evaluation faculty review student work against these rubrics to measure proficiency, critical thinking, communication, and applied skills.  

Who are WGU evaluators? 

WGU evaluator faculty are subject matter experts with relevant academic credentials, professional experience, and any required licensure for the courses they evaluate. They follow an anonymous evaluation process for giving students objective feedback. 

How do I use evaluator feedback on my performance assessment? 

Evaluator feedback can help you strengthen your work and resubmit with confidence. You may refine and resubmit your performance evaluation until you pass, so lean into instructor support when you need it.