It’s no secret that a college education is expensive. 

Tuition and textbooks rise in cost every year, not to mention hidden expenses such as commuting to class, grabbing coffee on campus, and paying for childcare if you’re a parent. 

Testing out of college courses with credit by exam is one way students can lower those costs, but before you take that route, it’s important to understand how the process works and whether or not it’s right for you. Let’s explore the top four myths about credit by exam. 

Myth One: You can transfer credits to any college

Not every college accepts transfer credits. 

Credit by exam (also known as a CLEP exam) is accepted by 2,900 accredited colleges and universities across the United States, but with nearly 6,000 schools in the country, that means there are many who don’t accept this option. 

When choosing a college, it’s important to verify whether or not the school accepts credit by exam. Many schools don’t make this information readily available because they want students enrolled in their program, not testing out. 

To find out if your chosen school accepts CLEP credits, you can either contact the school directly or work with a reputable source to map out exactly what credits are available for credit by exam.

Myth Two: You can get credit for any exam you take

Every institution has its own rules about allowed credits and how they are applied. Some degree programs limit how many credits you can test out of, while others may only allow credit for electives. 

Schools also vary on how many transfer credits they allow and in what fields. In most cases, credit by exam is available for general education or prerequisite courses, not core classes for specific areas of study. 

For example, a nursing student can test out of an American Government course, but not a higher level course relating to healthcare. 

There are 34 credit-by-exam subjects in areas such as: 

• History and Social Sciences
• Composition and Literature
• Science and Mathematics
• Business
• World Languages

Students who prioritize credit by exam for their prerequisite courses may be able to test out of up to one full year of college, saving significant time and money. Every test should be verified with the accredited school first to ensure that effort will be accepted.

Learn how to test out of prerequisite courses online

Myth Three: You don’t have to study as hard because it’s "just a test"

For some, this may be true. High school students who have recently received instruction in a specific subject may be able to test out with ease, as well as those who have a personal interest or field experience in a topic. 

But for most students, especially those who have been out of school for a while, preparing for a CLEP exam will take some time and effort. 

Each CLEP test costs $89 and takes anywhere from 90-120 minutes to complete. Tests are designed by curriculum experts to assess subject matter expertise. 

Going into a test without proper preparation can lead to a waste of time and money. If students don’t receive a passing grade of 63% or higher, they won’t receive credit, and will have to wait three months to retake the test. 

Studying for a CLEP exam is the best way to test out of college courses with confidence. One of the best ways to prepare is through a test-prep course that guides you through everything covered on the test. 

Test-prep courses typically take half the time of traditional college courses and cost significantly less. Because they teach you exactly what’s on the exam, you gain a significant advantage over those who don’t prepare ahead of time.

Myth Four: It takes four years to get a college degree

The traditional college schedule is built on a four-year plan, but in reality, most students are not able to succeed on this timeline. 

Studies show that only 19% of college students at public universities graduate on time, with many taking up to six years to finish their degrees. 

Why? Experts cite unnecessary courses and unclear planning as major issues, as students are unsure what they need to graduate. 

But other challenges such as inflexible schedules and insufficient support also contribute to graduation blockers. Parents and working adults often find the college structure too rigid for their needs; fitting classes and coursework into an already busy schedule leads to burn out and discouragement. 

Credit by exam creates a less stressful path towards a college degree, helping students earn the same credits in less time. Passing one test bypasses an entire semester-long course; plus, students can go at their own pace.

Fact: Credit by exam offers an efficient, affordable way to test out of college courses

Credit by exam helps students graduate sooner, which means less money, less time, and less stress. 

If CLEP credits are accepted at your accredited university, this education path could be an excellent way to work towards your goals while still balancing your work and home life. 

Achieve Test Prep offers supportive test-prep courses to help you pass your CLEP exams and earn college credit. Courses meet just one a week and give you everything you need to succeed.

Learn more about how we can support your education journey today!