Many students want to speed up their education and avoid spending time on classes they already know well. If you’re wondering how to test out of college courses, you’re not alone. Testing out can save you both time and money, allowing you to skip certain courses and move straight to advanced subjects or even graduate sooner.
In this article, we will explore the various methods and exams you can use to test out of college courses, as well as tips on preparing for them. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to start testing out of courses at your college.
Why Test Out of College Courses?
Testing out of college courses is a great option for students who already have knowledge in a particular subject. This can be helpful if you’ve taken advanced courses in high school, learned skills on your own, or gained experience through work. Instead of taking a class you already understand, you can take a test to prove your knowledge and earn college credit. This can help you:
- Save Money: College courses can be expensive. Testing out of a class means you don’t have to pay for the course itself, and in many cases, the cost of the exam is much lower than the cost of tuition.
- Save Time: By testing out, you can skip over introductory or general education classes, allowing you to focus on more advanced coursework and potentially graduate sooner.
- Avoid Redundancy: If you’ve already mastered the material in a course, testing out lets you avoid sitting through a class where you won’t be learning anything new.
- Flexible Scheduling: Testing out allows you to adjust your schedule and free up time for more important classes or other activities like internships or part-time work.
How to Test Out of College Courses: Methods and Exams
There are several ways you can test out of college courses. Different colleges may offer different options, so it’s important to check with your school to see what’s available. Below, we cover some of the most common methods for testing out of college courses.
1. CLEP Exams (College-Level Examination Program)
The CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) is one of the most popular ways to test out of college courses. Administered by the College Board, CLEP exams allow students to earn college credit for a wide range of subjects, from history and math to business and foreign languages. There are 34 CLEP exams available, and each one tests your knowledge in a specific subject area.
- How it works: You register for a CLEP exam in the subject of your choice, study for it, and then take the test at an approved testing center or online. If you pass, you can earn college credit for that subject, depending on your school’s policy.
- Why it’s useful: CLEP exams are affordable, usually costing around $90, and are accepted at over 2,900 colleges and universities in the U.S.
- Best for: Students who have a solid understanding of a subject and want to test out of general education or introductory courses.
2. AP Exams (Advanced Placement)
If you took AP (Advanced Placement) classes in high school, you might already be familiar with this method. AP exams are offered in a variety of subjects, and high scores can often be used to test out of college courses.
- How it works: After taking an AP course in high school, you take the AP exam. Colleges use the exam scores (usually a 4 or 5) to determine if you can skip equivalent college courses.
- Why it’s useful: AP exams are commonly accepted at many colleges and can save you from retaking subjects you’ve already mastered in high school.
- Best for: High school students who want to earn college credit before even starting college.
3. DSST Exams (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
The DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) is another option for students looking to test out of college courses. Originally created for military personnel, DSST exams are now available to all students and cover both lower- and upper-level college subjects.
- How it works: You choose a DSST exam from one of the 30+ subjects offered, register, and take the test at an approved location. Like CLEP, passing the exam can give you college credit.
- Why it’s useful: DSST exams are especially helpful for nontraditional students or those with work experience, as the subjects are often career-focused.
- Best for: Military personnel, adult learners, and students with job experience looking to earn credit for what they already know.
4. Institutional Challenge Exams
Many colleges offer Institutional Challenge Exams, which are exams developed by the school itself. These exams are often tailored to the specific courses offered at that institution and allow students to “challenge” a course by proving they already know the material.
- How it works: You contact your college to see if they offer a challenge exam for the course you want to skip. If they do, you’ll take the test, and if you pass, you’ll earn credit for that course.
- Why it’s useful: Since these exams are specific to your school, they’re a great way to test out of courses that might not be covered by national exams like CLEP or DSST.
- Best for: Students looking to test out of specialized courses offered at their particular college.
5. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Some colleges offer Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), which allows students to earn credit for knowledge gained outside of the classroom, such as through work experience, military training, or independent study.
- How it works: You’ll typically need to submit a portfolio or take an assessment to demonstrate your knowledge of a particular subject. Some colleges may also allow you to take a formal exam.
- Why it’s useful: CPL can help adult learners or those with professional experience bypass courses they already know well, saving time and money.
- Best for: Adult learners, military veterans, and working professionals who have gained substantial experience outside of a formal classroom.
Steps to Prepare for Testing Out of College Courses
Now that you know the various ways to test out of college courses, you’ll need to prepare for the exams. Testing out requires a good understanding of the subject, so it’s important to study and plan ahead.
1. Check Your School’s Policies
Before signing up for any test, check with your college to ensure they accept the exam or method you plan to use. Some schools have limits on how many credits you can earn through exams or may only accept certain types of tests, like CLEP or AP.
2. Choose the Right Exam
Select the exam that best matches the course you want to skip. For example, if you want to test out of a general education requirement like psychology or algebra, a CLEP exam might be the right choice. If you’re testing out of a more specific or advanced course, an institutional challenge exam could be a better option.
3. Create a Study Plan
Even if you’re confident in your knowledge, studying is still important. Review the exam content and structure so you know what to expect. There are many study guides, practice tests, and online resources available to help you prepare. For CLEP and DSST exams, the official websites often offer sample questions and study materials.
4. Take Practice Tests
One of the best ways to prepare for a test is by taking practice exams. Practice tests can help you identify areas where you need to improve and get comfortable with the format of the exam.
5. Stay Organized
Testing out of multiple courses can be a lot to handle. Keep track of exam dates, study schedules, and your school’s deadlines for submitting test scores. Staying organized will help you avoid any last-minute surprises.
Conclusion: How to Test Out of College Courses
In conclusion, if you’re looking for ways to save time and money in college, learning how to test out of college courses is a smart option. From CLEP and AP exams to institutional challenge exams and credit for prior learning, there are many ways to prove your knowledge and skip over courses you already know. Just remember to check your school’s policies, choose the right exam, and prepare thoroughly. By testing out, you can focus on the courses that truly challenge you and move one step closer to graduation.
FAQs
1. Can I test out of any college course?
It depends on your school’s policies. Many colleges allow students to test out of general education or introductory courses but may have restrictions for upper-level or major-specific courses.
2. How do I know if my college accepts CLEP or DSST exams?
You should contact your school’s academic advisor or registrar’s office to confirm which exams are accepted for credit.
3. Do I need to take a prep course before testing out?
While not required, a prep course or study guide can help you prepare for the exam and increase your chances of passing.
4. How much does it cost to test out of a college course?
Costs vary depending on the exam, but CLEP exams typically cost around $90. Some schools may charge additional fees for administering institutional challenge exams.
5. What happens if I fail the test?
If you fail, you won’t earn credit for the course and may need to take it in the traditional classroom setting. Some schools allow retakes after a waiting period.
