1 dda, (NAPSA)—One way many people are responding to the recent economic downturn is by examining their life choices, career goals and educational plans. As a result, many adults are returning to college to train for a new career or advance in their chosen field. If you’re one of the thousands hit by the economic downturn and are returningto college, then you need to know about CLEP*— The College-Level Examination Program. CLEP enables individuals to earn credit for college-level knowledge acquired in various ways such as independent study, on-thejob training or cultural pursuits. With qualifying CLEP scores, individuals can fulfill requirements and bypass introductory courses—cutting a direct path to the course work most relevant to their major or career. There are 34 CLEP exam titles that cover introductory college level material in subjects ranging from the Humanities to Business. CLEP exams are 90 minutes long and consist of multiple-choice questions. Since the exams are computerized, test-takers receive instant score reports. And at $50 per exam, CLEPis an affordable and efficient way to earn credit toward a college degree. Almost 3,000 colleges grant credit for CLEP and approximately 1,000 of those colleges offer the exam in their testing center. Eachcollege sets its own CLEP policy, so it is important to determine the specifics of an institu- a il Shortening Your Path To A College Degree @ Since CLEP exams are computerized, test takers receive instant score reports. tion’s policy, such as the examsfor which they grant credit and how many credits they grant. However, it is not necessary to be enrolled in college in order to take a CLEP test. Individuals should prepare for the exam by reading and studying a collegelevel textbook in the subject appropriate for the test they wish to take. CLEP is administered by The College Board, a national nonprofit membership association. The College Board’s mission is to prepare, inspire, and connect students to college and opportunity, with a commitment to excellence and equity. For more information about the CLEP Program and how it can help you shorten your path to a college degree, visit the College Board’s Web site at www.college board.com/clep.
