Credit-by-Exam
Credit-by-Examination (proficiency testing) is a method of earning college credit at a faster pace than in a traditional college, and for a fraction of the cost of traditional college. It is sometimes referred to as Accelerated Distance Learning (ADL). This method is flexible since study time can be scheduled around the rest of life. Also, a student can choose to earn few credits or a lot of credits prior to enrolling in a college degree program. While many homeschool students are successful with the credit-by-exam method, it's not a one-size-fits-all.Click here for an older, but informative overview of credit-by-exam or ADL .
TYPES OF TESTS AVAILABLE
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Take at a local CLEP exam site such as Mt. Hood Community College
DSST (formerly known as DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) Take at a local DSST exam site. Warner Pacific?
Thomas Edison State College Credit-By-Exam Program (TECEP) Take online through Thomas Edison State College for college credit there
Excelsior College Examination Program (UExcel) Take online through Excelsior College for college credit there
HELP & SUPPORT
If a student plans to earn a small amount of credit before college it's pretty straightforward to figure. However, planning a student's pathway to an associates or bachelor's degree is a much more complicated process. It's wise to work with an organization or company to vet out a plan, and to provide the student with ongoing mentoring/coaching and student community. Earning credit-by-exam requires a great deal of diligence and strong support is necessary for success.
Dual Credit at Home A program of 49 weekly study plans for use in high school as a dual enrollment program. These same plans can also be used after high school. Students can earn up to 51 college credits by successfully completing 13 exams. The specific credits work well for students earning an affordable degree through Charter Oak State College, but could also be used at other colleges. See the Credit-by-Exam page for more information about this method.
Lumerit Scholar/Unbound This was originally CollegePlus, the company that put online distance learning on the map for homeschoolers. Their outstanding program includes degree planning, mentoring, learning communities, and more. There are three enrollment plans.
CLEP STUDY RESOURCES
TYPES OF TESTS AVAILABLE
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Take at a local CLEP exam site such as Mt. Hood Community College
DSST (formerly known as DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) Take at a local DSST exam site. Warner Pacific?
Thomas Edison State College Credit-By-Exam Program (TECEP) Take online through Thomas Edison State College for college credit there
Excelsior College Examination Program (UExcel) Take online through Excelsior College for college credit there
HELP & SUPPORT
If a student plans to earn a small amount of credit before college it's pretty straightforward to figure. However, planning a student's pathway to an associates or bachelor's degree is a much more complicated process. It's wise to work with an organization or company to vet out a plan, and to provide the student with ongoing mentoring/coaching and student community. Earning credit-by-exam requires a great deal of diligence and strong support is necessary for success.
Dual Credit at Home A program of 49 weekly study plans for use in high school as a dual enrollment program. These same plans can also be used after high school. Students can earn up to 51 college credits by successfully completing 13 exams. The specific credits work well for students earning an affordable degree through Charter Oak State College, but could also be used at other colleges. See the Credit-by-Exam page for more information about this method.
Lumerit Scholar/Unbound This was originally CollegePlus, the company that put online distance learning on the map for homeschoolers. Their outstanding program includes degree planning, mentoring, learning communities, and more. There are three enrollment plans.
CLEP STUDY RESOURCES
- College Textbooks on a Subject (can sometimes be found at Goodwill)
- CLEP Official Study Guide (available at the library)
- Study.com - Use their study materials to prepare for exams, or take exams for college credit through them.
- CLEP Professor
- InstantCert
- Kahn Academy
- SpeedyPrep.com
- CLEP for Homeschoolers
- Free CLEP Prep.com A short introductory video is available from the site author.
- Peterson's CLEP Practice Tests
- Research & Education Association (REA) CLEP Test Prep Books (a few are available at the library, and many on Amazon)
