If you’re looking to go to college to finish your degree in a field that you already have some experience in, you might want to check into the CLEP, or College-Level Examination Program. This is an exam-for-credits program that is run by the College Board, the same company that designed and provides the SAT’s and the AP’s. By successfully testing out of training that you are already acquainted with, you can save a lot of both cash and time on your degree.
1. Who are they for? The CLEPs are usually recommended for learners with some real-world experience in the subject they are being tested on. Army members, those who have served internships and those who have developed on-the-job skills make strong applicants for getting credits through exams. It’s essential to know beforehand that the assessments are usually identified as being pretty challenging, so you’ll want to ensure that you have an excellent knowledge of the subject, or you’ll end up wasting cash on the test and then having to take the course anyway.
2. How much do they cost? Each test is $80, obviously more affordable than a college course, but it can add up if you’re trying to test out of a lot of topics. While the CLEPs are definitely a less expensive choice than a conventional college course, this is certainly not a simple way out of college sessions. If you don’t have a strong knowledge on the subject, it’s probably not suggested to try testing out of something that is required knowledge in your field.
3. What colleges and universities accept them? While the College Board indicates that CLEP credits are approved by some 2,900 colleges and universities, it might be of interest to note that there are about 4,600 degree-granting organizations in the U.S., which means there is a very excellent possibility that your university won’t take these credits. Many of the top U.S. educational organizations have ceased getting these credits completely and many more have put a limit on the number of credits that you can get in this way. The best way is to check out your college or university’s web page and look for details on Credit-by-Examination. If they don’t have it posted, you can get in touch with the registrar’s office and they should be able to help you.