11 Accelerated Degree Programs and Their Time Frames

8. Credit-by-Exam and Prior Learning Assessment (PLAs)

Timeframe upfront: credit-by-exam options like CLEP or DSST and institutional PLAs can shave months or even years off a degree by converting existing knowledge into credit. CLEP, for example, lets students test out of undergraduate general-education courses; military service members frequently receive credit through recommended transcripts. Portfolio assessments let students document workplace learning for academic credit at participating colleges. Each institution sets limits on how many transfer or PLA credits count toward a degree, so request a credit-evaluation before you rely on this route. Use resources from CollegeBoard to learn about CLEP and talk to admissions about PLA policies. Align exams or portfolios with the school’s required courses to avoid earned credits that don’t apply to your major.