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Finish College Faster: The Ultimate Guide to Testing Out of Classes

What would you do if you were about to start your final year of college, only to be told the classes you need to graduate are suddenly unavailable? For most students, this would be a nightmare scenario, potentially leading to a delayed graduation and thousands of dollars in extra costs. But for one student, it became an opportunity.

This is the true story of Jay Cross, a student who faced this exact dilemma. With his university unable to guarantee when his required senior-level courses would be offered again, he felt stuck. Instead of passively waiting and letting his future be dictated by administrative issues, Jay took control. He discovered the powerful world of credit-by-examination—a system that allows students to “test out” of courses by proving they’ve already mastered the material.

By strategically using exams like CLEP and DSST, Jay didn’t just complete his required coursework; he finished his entire senior year in a single semester. In doing so, he saved a fortune on tuition and walked away with his degree far earlier than planned. His journey proves that with the right strategy, you can accelerate your education, cut costs, and take charge of your academic path.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce student loan debt, free up your schedule for valuable internships, or simply graduate sooner, this guide is for you. We’ll explore exactly how you can follow in Jay’s footsteps, breaking down the process of testing out of college classes step-by-step.

What is “Testing Out of College” or Credit by Examination?

Credit by Examination (CBE) is a process that allows students to earn college credit for a specific course by passing a single comprehensive exam instead of attending the class for a full semester. It’s based on a simple but powerful idea: what matters is what you know, not how or where you learned it. If you can demonstrate proficiency in a subject—whether through prior work experience, self-study, or advanced high school courses—many universities will award you the same credits you’d get from sitting through months of lectures.

Think of it as an academic shortcut that validates your existing knowledge. Instead of spending 16 weeks on introductory psychology, you can take a 90-minute exam. If you pass, you get the credits, fulfill the requirement, and can move on to more advanced or interesting subjects. The benefits are immediate and substantial:

  • Massive Cost Savings: The fee for a standardized exam is typically around $100. Compare that to the cost of a single three-credit college course, which can range from $500 at a community college to over $3,000 at a private university. By testing out of just a few courses, you can save thousands of dollars.
  • Accelerated Graduation: As Jay’s story shows, CBE can dramatically shorten your time in college. Testing out of general education requirements or prerequisites can clear your path to graduate a semester or even a full year early.
  • Increased Flexibility: Earning credits through exams frees up your schedule. This extra time can be used to take on a part-time job, pursue an internship, double major, or simply focus more deeply on the courses that matter most to your career.

The Most Popular Programs for Earning College Credit by Exam

While some universities offer their own institutional challenge exams, most students use nationally recognized standardized testing programs. The two most popular and widely accepted are the CLEP and DSST programs.

CLEP Exams (College-Level Examination Program)

Administered by the College Board (the same organization behind the SAT and AP exams), CLEP is the most well-known credit-by-examination program. Over 2,900 colleges and universities in the United States accept CLEP credits. The program offers 34 different exams across five core subject areas:

  • Composition and Literature: American Literature, English Literature, College Composition.
  • World Languages: French, German, and Spanish Language.
  • History and Social Sciences: American Government, U.S. History, Western Civilization, Sociology, Psychology.
  • Science and Mathematics: Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, College Algebra, Precalculus.
  • Business: Financial Accounting, Principles of Management, Principles of Marketing.

CLEP exams are primarily multiple-choice, computer-based, and typically last 90 minutes. They are ideal for testing out of 100- and 200-level general education requirements, which are mandatory for almost every degree program.

DSST Exams (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)

Originally created for military personnel, the DSST program is now available to all students. It is recognized by over 1,900 institutions and offers a different slate of exams that often complement the CLEP offerings. DSST is particularly strong in applied subjects, including:

  • Business: Business Mathematics, Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior.
  • Humanities: Art of the Western World, Ethics in America.
  • Social Sciences: Criminal Justice, Foundations of Education, Lifespan Developmental Psychology.
  • Technology: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity, Management Information Systems.

Like CLEP, DSST exams are a fantastic way to fulfill lower-level requirements. However, they also offer several options for upper-level credit (300- and 400-level courses), which can be incredibly valuable for students trying to complete their major requirements faster.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Out of Your Classes

Feeling inspired? Getting started is more straightforward than you might think. Follow these steps to begin your journey toward a cheaper, faster degree.

Step 1: Research Your School’s Policy

This is the most important step. Do not spend any time studying until you know your college’s specific rules. Search your university’s website for “Credit by Examination,” “CLEP Policy,” or “Prior Learning Assessment.” Find the official policy document or contact your academic advisor directly. You need to know:

  • Which exams (CLEP, DSST, etc.) do they accept?
  • What is the minimum passing score required for each exam?
  • Which specific courses can each exam give you credit for? (e.g., Does the CLEP Biology exam grant credit for BIOL 101?)
  • Is there a limit to the total number of credits you can earn through exams?

Understanding these rules is critical to building an effective strategy.

Step 2: Identify Target Classes

Once you have your school’s policy, pull up your degree plan. Look for general education requirements first. Courses like “Introduction to Psychology,” “American History I,” “College Algebra,” and “Principles of Sociology” are perfect candidates for testing out. Cross-reference these requirements with the list of accepted CLEP and DSST exams to find matches.

Step 3: Choose Your Exam and Prepare Diligently

After identifying a course-exam match, it’s time to study. While these exams cover introductory material, they are comprehensive. You cannot expect to pass without dedicated preparation. Fortunately, there are many excellent resources available:

  • Official Study Guides: Both CLEP and DSST sell official guides that outline the content of each exam and provide practice questions.
  • Online Courses: Websites like Modern States Education offer free, comprehensive online courses designed specifically to prepare you for CLEP exams.
  • Practice Tests: Taking practice tests is the best way to gauge your readiness and identify weak spots.
  • Textbooks and Videos: Use free resources like Khan Academy or check out a used textbook for the course you’re targeting.

Give yourself a few weeks of focused study before scheduling your exam.

Step 4: Register, Test, and Send Your Scores

You can register for CLEP and DSST exams online. You will then need to schedule a time to take the test at a certified testing center, many of which are located on college campuses. On test day, you can designate your university as the score recipient. Your results are usually available immediately after you finish the exam, so you’ll know right away if you passed.

Is This Strategy Right for You? A Balanced Look

While testing out of classes offers incredible benefits, it’s not the perfect solution for every student or every situation. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

Why You Should Absolutely Consider It

The advantages are clear. You can save an enormous amount of money, potentially graduating with little to no student debt. You can graduate significantly earlier, allowing you to enter the workforce and start earning a salary sooner. It also allows you to skip redundant introductory material and focus your energy on advanced courses that are more engaging and relevant to your career goals.

Potential Downsides to Keep in Mind

Despite the benefits, there are some potential drawbacks. First, you miss the classroom experience. This includes valuable discussions with peers and the opportunity to build relationships with professors who can become mentors or write letters of recommendation. For this reason, it’s often wise to avoid testing out of core classes within your major. Second, it requires significant self-discipline. There are no professors or deadlines to keep you on track; your success depends entirely on your ability to study independently. Finally, be aware that while the credits will appear on your transcript, they usually don’t come with a letter grade and may not factor into your GPA.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your College Education

Jay Cross’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible when a student is proactive. Faced with a roadblock, he found an alternative path that was not only faster but also more efficient and affordable. Testing out of college classes is a legitimate and highly effective strategy for students who are motivated, self-directed, and eager to make the most of their time and money.

The traditional four-year college path is not the only option. By leveraging tools like CLEP and DSST exams, you can customize your education to fit your goals, knowledge, and budget. Start by researching your school’s policy today. You might just discover that you’re much closer to graduation than you think.