How Can Credit By Exam Help Me Earn My Degree?

Earning a college degree can be one of the most demanding experiences of your life. You need every advantage that you can get. It can be especially challenging for busy working adults going back to school who manage a busy schedule, complete with work, study and family demands, and college costs. They often struggle to return to semester-long classrooms. Although such realities may result in some working students dropping or burning out, there is a way to make college education less stressful, less expensive and more accessible thanks to credit by exam. 

Students can graduate in as little as three years rather than four by successfully testing out of college courses with credits by exam. When you pass your credit by exam, you earn the same amount of credits for the course as if you had taken the full, semester-long classes. In this way, you can earn your college degree sooner and more affordably. With Achieve, you can study smarter, not harder, for your college degree because we help you test out of your college courses.   

What is Credit by Exam?

Credit by exam tests are supported by the US Department of Education to help adults going back to college earn their degree faster. When you pass an exam, you are allowed to receive full course credit at one of 2900 colleges that accept credit by exam so that you can graduate faster. 

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CLEP and DSST are the two types of exam formats nationally. Stacking these two kinds of exams can help maximize your CBE credits, but first ensure that your college or university accepts both testing options. Here are some distinguishing features for each exam:

How Can I Earn Credits By Exam?

Testing out of college courses through credit by exam is easier than you might think. You can earn college credit with less hassle and stress than the traditional route by studying four to ten weeks with Achieve rather than finishing an intensive semester-long course. Here is the easy, four-step process for earning your credits by exam: 

Step 1: Discover your test-out course credit options

Achieve Test Prep can help you discover your ideal college so you can apply your credits by exam to that accredited institution. We also work with you to identify the college courses you are eligible to test out of. You might even be pleasantly surprised how many courses are available for you to test out of at your college. 

Credit by exam course offerings include general college education and prerequisite courses including history and social sciences, composition and literature, science and mathematics, business, and world languages (including French, German, and Spanish). 

Step 2: Complete your Achieve Test Prep course

Prepare for your exam with Achieve’s online test prep from the comfort of your own home. Curriculum experts create and teach each course. You’ll experience a community of like-minded students looking to get ahead and on-hand instructors who are there for you when you need them. Because there are no wait lists for Achieve courses, you can begin in as little as one week.

Step 3: Pass your exam

Test at one of 2000 CLEP testing centers nationwide. Tests are administered year-round, typically once per month at a local testing center or online. When you enroll with Achieve, we pay for your exam on your first try. 

Although most exams are in multiple-choice format, some composition exams may require essays. Achieve clients have a 93% pass rate on their credit by exam tests. However, should you fail your exam, you must wait for 90 days before taking it again. 

Step 4: Transfer your credits

Remember to share a copy of your passing score with Achieve and your accredited college or university. When you do, your school will give you a “pass” or “complete” for that qualifying subject. 

How Can I Ace My Exam?

Even with foundational knowledge, passing a CLEP or DSST exam can sometimes be difficult. However, it can be done with the right preparation. Here are a six suggestions to ensure your credit by exam test prep is a success:

• Join a Trusted Tutorial Course: Select an instructive, convenient and experienced test prep program to study course materials and review test methods. Choosing the best test prep course can make the difference between a passing grade and a retake.
• Take Advantage of Helpful Resources: Review supplementary books and study guides often to ensure subject mastery. 
• Take Practice Exams: Prepare for your test with timed trial runs that simulate exam conditions and similar test questions. Remember, practice makes perfect.
• Accomplish SMART Goals Through Effective Study Habits: Your daily practice helps. So create a routine based on achievable goals. Never underestimate the power of dedication to everyday habits that guide you to exam success. 
•  Aim for “Good Enough:” Know that a passing grade is approximately 65% of complete competence so you don’t have to be an expert. And because you’re only receiving a “pass” on your transcript, you don’t need A+ subject mastery.
• Ask for Help: Remember, you’re not alone so if you need support with your test-taking skills, the subject matter or building exam confidence, reach out. 

What are the Advantages of Testing Out of College Classes?

Receiving credits by exam has many college education benefits. Here are just a few:

• Saved Time: Forget taking semester-long courses and graduate sooner. 
• Saved Expense: Don’t pay full price for semester classes but pay under $100 for a credit by exam test. This can yield  an overall college course savings of $18,000.  
• Saved Hassle: Manage your busy workload and family priorities by forgoing semester courses so you can give more attention to what matters most for you.
• Achieved Graduation: Because some working college students opt not to graduate because of the overwhelm involved in taking all college semesters, bypassing some of your college courses puts you on the fast track to actually graduating.
• Better Career Opportunities and Increased Salary Benefits: By graduating sooner, you open yourself up to more career options sooner. This also offers more wages than would be had from a traditional four-year-long education.