The act of testing out of a class is like relieving yourself of some academic burden that often accompanies making wrong choices. So, in this class, we shall be identifying the list of answers that fit the question, what classes can you test out of in college?
Number of Classes or Courses You Can Test Out of In College
These are some of the classes or courses or programs that you as a student can test out of in college:
- College Level Examination Program
If your college or university accepts credit by examination, chances are that they accept the College Level Examination Program, commonly known as CLEP. This exam is accepted at over 2,900 schools across the nation, and it’s basically the gold-standard for credit by examination.
All of their tests are also reviewed and accepted by ACE Credit, which is the organization that determines the general standards for how schools handle credit for prior learning.
- Excelsior College Exams
Excelsior College Exams, also known as ECE, is a less popular form of credit by examination course. ECE covers a wider variety of subjects than the DSST or CLEP, with over 50 different tests available to take for college credit.
The cost is a bit higher, however, and each exam will run you around $195 plus testing center fees and study guides. Luckily, there are options for payment plans and financial aid to help you balance the costs of taking these tests. Not as many colleges in the U.S. accept this type of exam, so be sure to check with your school about their policies before registering for a test.
- Advanced Placement (AP)
Although not “technically” the same as other credit by examination options, Advanced Placement in a degree program serves the same purpose of helping you save time and money on your college education. Essentially, AP credit can be earned by passing an examination with a required score.
- DSST
One of those courses or classes you can test out of is DSST. Like the CLEP, DSST is another course that allows students to take exams in order to earn credit for their higher education. Although it is not as widely accepted as the CLEP, there are certain benefits to taking this test. First-attempt exams are fully-funded for veterans and military members.
- University Challenge Exams
CLEP, DSST, and ECE may be the most widely available programs for earning credit by examination, but your specific college may have options available. University Challenge Exams, or Institutional Exams, are offered by some schools as a way for students to gain credit or advanced standing in their degree program.
This type of exam takes the form of a final test that would be given to students enrolled in the course, and if you pass the test, you will be exempt from having to complete that class for your degree program.
Advantages of Testing Out of Classes
Testing out of classes and earning credits by examination can be difficult, but there are many rewards to it. Below are some advantages to testing out of college classes:
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Save Money
While some exams have mandatory exam fees, testing out of college classes can save you a lot in the long run. Since you won’t need to take the classes, you won’t be paying for them. Depending on how many credits you test out of, you can end up saving on a semester or more worth of tuition.
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Graduate Faster
If you’re eager to hit the ground running, testing out of college credits can get you closer to graduation faster. Students who earn a large number of credits by examination may be eligible to graduate a semester or even a whole year earlier.
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Skip General Education Courses
One advantage of college is being able to focus on your major and the subjects you’re most passionate about. Testing out of general education courses through credit by examination makes this even easier, allowing you to skip introductory classes to subjects you’re less passionate about.
