Pursuing a degree can be time-consuming and expensive, but what if there were a way to earn college credits without stepping foot in a classroom? Credit-by-Exam now makes it possible. Credit-by-Exam allows you to take exams on subjects covered in your program and earn college credits. With Credit-by-Exam, you can save time, save money and possibly knock a semester or more off your degree program.
Read on to learn more about Credit-by-Exam, how it works, and how you can leverage Credit-by-Exam opportunities to accelerate your degree program.
What is Credit-by-Exam, and How Does it Work?
Credit-by-Exam is a program you can use to earn college credits if you pass subject-specific tests. For example, using this process, you can take a Sociology exam and, once you pass, earn credits that you can transfer to the college of your choice. How many credits you can earn and how those credits are applied will vary based on the college. Check with your academic advisor to find out your college's exact policy on Credit-by-Exam.
Who Uses Credit-by-Exam?
Usually, you'd use Credit-by-Exam to take and pass tests on subjects you've already studied. But, with a bit of preparation, like the prep courses offered by Achieve Test Prep, you can take and pass exams on subjects you aren't familiar with! This isn't as daunting as it sounds. For one, Credit-by-Exam tests usually cover a general overview of the subject. And secondly, the resources, study guides, and virtual, live instruction offered by Achieve Test Prep will give you a solid head-start in prepping for your exams.
Different Types of Credit-by-Exam Tests
CLEP
- Exam fee: $89 for each subject test
- Credits: 3 - 6 credit hours per exam
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is has been around for decades and is trusted by thousands of accredited colleges and universities across the country. The College Board, the company responsible for CLEP exams, also manages other tests you may have heard of, SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) tests.
CLEP offers 30 exams across a variety of subjects. Each exam falls into these five major categories:
- World Languages
- History and Social Sciences
- Science and Mathematics
- Composition and Literature
- Business
CLEP has thousands of testing centers nationwide, and thanks to recent developments, you can now even take your CLEP exam from the comfort of your home.
Prep for CLEP Exams with Achieve Test Prep. Learn more here.
DSST
- Exam fee: $85 for each subject test; free for test-takers in the military
- Credits: 3 per exam
When the DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Test) program started in 1974, it was exclusively for military personnel. The program started as a way for active service members and their spouses to earn college credit for training received on the job.
In 2006, DSST tests became available to the general public. Now anyone who wants to can take DSST tests and earn college credits.
Like CLEP exams, the DSST offers over 30 exams on different subjects. The cost of each exam is $85, but members of the military and their spouses can still take DSSTs for free.
UEXCEL
- Exam fee: $95-$445, depending on the course
- Credits: 3 - 8 credit hours per exam
Excelsior College* is an online school that focuses on helping working adults seeking to advance their education. Excelsior College offers UExcel Exams, a Credit-by-Exam test that allows you to receive course credits in exchange for passing proficiency exams.
You can take these computer-based exams at thousands of testing centers nationwide. UEXCEL subjects include business, education, humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, nursing, social sciences, and history.
While students at Excelsior are encouraged to take UExcel exams, the exams are also eligible for transfer credits at nearly 2,000 colleges. Every college has rules about transfer credits policy, so before you take a UEXCEL exam, find out if your college will accept UExcel credits.
Why Choose Credit-by-Exam?
If you're short on time and want to get your degree fast, Credit-by-Exam may be right for you. With Credit-by-Exam and Achieve Test Prep, you can test out of college courses in as little as 4-6 weeks. How?
Usually, at a traditional college, each course would take a semester—that's 16 weeks. You'd meet several times a week, complete multiple assignments, possibly do group projects, write research papers, take several exams, and much more. If you're a busy working adult, this is nearly impossible to manage with a regular workday and family obligations.
Achieve Test Prep is different. You'll meet just once per week online to prepare to pass a Credit-by-Exam test. Plus, you'll get one condensed ebook free of charge.
And there is no need to worry if Credit-by-Exam tests are legitimate. Over 3,000 accredited colleges and universities accept credits from CLEP, DSST, and UExcel exams.
Prep for Credit-by-Exam with Achieve Test Prep
If you've always wanted to go back to get your degree but never thought you had the time to start, Achieve Test Prep may fit your needs.
Here are just some of the benefits of our program:
- No waiting list with courses starting in as little as a week
- Live virtual instruction in a classroom-like environment
- Convenient courses that meet once a week
- Zero term papers, quizzes, or written assignments
- Feel secure knowing 94% of our customers pass their exams
There's no better option than Achieve Test Prep for those who want to save time on their degree and advance in their careers. Credit-by-Exam makes it easier and more convenient for any working adult to earn their degree finally.
Are you ready to get started with Credit-by-Exam? Contact one of our dedicated advisors and get started today.
* Excelsior College is not affiliated, not a sponsor, nor associated with Achieve Test Prep.
