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What Is Testing Out?

After determining what credits you already have through previous college and professional licenses, you will explore the many opportunities for obtaining credits through examination. CLEP, DSST, ECE exams. I know, the thought of taking tests on the broad categories required for a college degree probably seems frightening. But remember, “You know more than you think you know”. The average mature adult has cultivated a good deal of general knowledge on many subjects just going through life. In fact, credit by examination is the “Secret Sauce” in the recipe for getting your degree quickly and inexpensively.

As a middle aged adult I am amazed at how much general knowledge I have picked up just living. If you have ever sat in a traditional college class as an experienced adult and discovered you already knew most of the material and suffered through the boredom and expense just to get your credit then I am here to tell you there is another way.  Credit by exam is a very inexpensive way to earn credits from subjects you already know a little something about (and you would be shocked at how many subjects you know a little something about).

Who Can Benefit From Testing Out?

High school students wanting to get a head start - I have personally worked with high school seniors that have completed their freshman year of college before graduating high school and it only cost them less than $500 (that's including study material)!

New high school graduates that must go straight to work - Some new grads don't have the luxury of heading off to college. Testing out provides an inexpensive, flexible way for them to get a college degree.

Working adults - This group seems to have the most success in testing out. Mature adults who have benefited from the school of life. They may have some college and just need to finish up the degree or job and family obligations may prevent them from attending traditional scheduled classes.   

Full time moms and dads - One of the most important jobs of all. This is the most family friendly ways to earn a degree that I know of. Study when and where you want. You just need to make a few hours available when you are ready to test.

Home Schoolers - With the rising popularity of home schooling I have come across a lot of interest in continuing the process through college.

Retired people - Just because you stopped working doesn't mean your mind has. With the ability to work at your own pace and with Liberal Arts degrees giving tremendous latitude in subject matter this is a great way to continue a fulfilling and enriched life.

People with disabilities - Although almost all colleges and universities have accommodations for persons with disabilities testing out provides a terrific alternative in regards to flexibility of time an environment.

Anyone wanting to save money -  According to the College Board, the 2005-2006 average costs were $11,692 for students attending two-year public colleges, $15,566 for students attending four-year public colleges and universities, and $31,916 for students at four-year private colleges and universities. Out of state students attending public colleges and universities pay an average total cost of $23,239. That's just tuition! No books, junk fees, room and board . . .

You can complete a four year accredited degree through credit by exam for less than $8,000 sometimes much less. That's including books, test fees, enrollment and graduation fees!

It is not unusual for folks of average intelligence to complete a full 4-year accredited degree in 12 months or less entirely through examination. Many of you will find that you can pass these exams with little and sometimes no studying! Of course some exams are more difficult than others and preparation will vary among individuals, but there should be no case where an exam would take an entire semester to prepare for. In fact, most exams can be passed with no more than one week of study. The materials needed to prepare for most exams are generally free or very inexpensive and can be found in your local library or purchased online or most second-hand bookstores. See Study Materials.

The best part is that most exams take between 1 and 3 hours to finish and can yield anywhere from 3 to 30 credits per test!

Below are few of the exam providers that are accepted by most colleges and universities in the United States. Each organization has a number of different categories of test to choose from in the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Professional Studies.

CLEP - College Level Examination Program
DANTES - Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support
ECE - Excelsior College Examinations
TECEP - Thomas Edison State College Examination Program
GRE Subject - Graduate Record Subject Exams

Most exams can be taken at local colleges and testing centers at a fraction of the cost of a traditional college course. See The Exams page for more information.