Final answer:
Competency-based systems benefit from focusing on relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities over formal educational credentials, ensuring qualified hires and expanding job access to a diverse pool of candidates.
Step-by-step explanation:
An advantage of competency-based systems is that they focus on the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required for a job rather than on the educational credentials alone. This approach aligns with the merit-based system where individuals are evaluated and hired based on their proven competencies, which ensures that the most qualified applicants are awarded the position. It caters to experts who dedicate their lives to their work and allows for organizations to be composed of highly capable personnel dedicated to the organization's success.
Moreover, competency-based systems can increase access to job opportunities for a wider pool of applicants by focusing on practical abilities rather than traditional degrees, contributing to a more equitable workforce. This system allows employers to consider candidates who may have acquired their skills through non-traditional means but are nonetheless highly capable, thus encouraging diversity and efficiency within the workspace.