More College Students Use Non-traditional Methods, Such As CLEP Exams, To Complete College Degrees

The face of today’s college student is quickly changing. Fewer and fewer college students are “traditional” college students, those who are between the ages of 18-22 and complete their degree at a brick and mortar university in about four years. More students are taking advantage of non-traditional ways of completing college degrees, such as distance learning programs, independent studies, online degree programs, credits earned through prior learning assessment, PLA, (also known as Recognition of Prior Learning, RPL), and credits earned through CLEP exams. Although many students are eager to learn about the multiple options they have for earning credits toward their college degree, they can be unsure of how to go about earning credits through non-traditional ways or intimidated by the multiple options for earning college credits. Often, college students hear about non-traditional ways to earn credits through their peers. Hearing of others’ positive experiences using non-traditional means of obtaining college credits can be both enlightening and encouraging to students.

One college graduate who obtained over half of his degree requirements using non-traditional methods is Dave from San Jose, California. Dave summarized his approach toward college when he stated, “Because I chose a career where seniority is everything, I decided to complete job training I needed to enter my desired career and then work on completing my college degree after I began my career. Because my rigorous work schedule did not give me time to attend a traditional brick and mortar university, I opted to obtain my degree through a reputable university that allowed me to earn credits using PLA, CLEP, and online classes.” Taking advantage of skills and proficiencies earned through job training and career experience, Dave earned some credits through PLA. Online classes lent flexibility to Dave’s busy schedule. In addition, after finding out about CLEP (College Level Examination Program), Dave was able to achieve almost half of his degree requirements through CLEP exams.

CLEP is a program that allows students to earn college credits by demonstrating college-level proficiency on a standardized test. These exams cover material that is usually taught in lower-level college courses. There are 34 different tests for students to take in subjects such science, history, and business. CLEP tests, which cost $70 to take, generally contain approximately 80-140 multiple choice questions, and are 90 minutes long, are administered at over 1,400 CLEP testing centers located throughout the U.S. and abroad. Dave found a testing center about 30 minutes away from his home and was able to prepare for and take CLEP tests as his schedule allowed.

When describing the methods he used to prepare for CLEP tests, Dave stated, “In order to learn what I needed to know to pass, I had to thoroughly study and learn the material. Unlike some students, I was unfamiliar with most of the material that would be covered on the CLEP tests. For me, the CLEP test prep process involved going through study questions multiple times each day until I could answer each question correctly.” Dave recommends online programs that students can use to quickly and affordably prepare for CLEP exams, such as www.SpeedyPrep.com. Dave encourages other students to use www.SpeedyPrep.com to prepare for their CLEP exams because this affordable, online CLEP test prep system uses a question-based approach to learning that eliminates the need to read and memorize thick and expensive study guides and textbooks. Dave also recommends www.SpeedyPrep.com because the system features tracking software that gives a visual indication of studying progress on a progress bar and notifies students when they have reached a level of learning required to pass their test. Dave noted that, in order for him to quickly master a large amount of unfamiliar material, he had to study diligently and not let too much time pass between study sessions. Although he often prepared for each CLEP test over several weeks, Dave was able to prepare for one exam in two days by studying 12 hours each day.

CLEP exams not only helped Dave to save time and money, but they also helped him to graduate on time. When Dave’s college informed him prior to his graduation audit that he would be unable to transfer in a class taken at a prior school, he was able to meet one of his final degree requirements testing out. Having earned numerous college credits using CLEP exams, Dave now tells other students about how they, too, can benefit. Students are advised to talk to their academic advisor in order to find out their college’s CLEP test policies prior to taking CLEP exams. CLEP exams are one of the many ways that students can earn college credits! With college tuition on the rise, and time an increasingly valuable asset, more and more students like Dave are taking advantage of affordable, flexible, and often creative ways of working toward a valuable college degree.