How in the world do you pay for all of these exams?!

[Ohrenberg]

I completely understand that the clep tests are the absolute cheapest form of college credit, and I totally understand. I never said that I didn't think they weren't cheap. I just said that even though they are cheap, I can't really afford them all that much, so I was asking how other people paid for them.

[DigitalSam]

I completely understand that the clep tests are the absolute cheapest form of college credit, and I totally understand. I never said that I didn't think they weren't cheap. I just said that even though they are cheap, I can't really afford them all that much, so I was asking how other people paid for them.

I have a job, where I am given an income, you know, a stream of money. Some of that money pays for the exams I take.

[sanantone]

This is one of the few times I wish we had a thumbs down function.

[Jonathan Whatley]

Excelsior College Examinations, and their sister UExcel Test program – and the two programs are merging soon – offer 3 semester hour tests in many subjects for $95 each. This is inclusive of test center cost: they're offered through Pearson VUE testing centers and there is no additional proctoring cost. ECEs in some subjects are more expensive.

The TECEP program from TESC offers 3 sh tests for $99 each. These are pencil-and-paper tests which are sent to a proctor local to you, which can include an ALA-accredited public library. You may be able to find a qualifying proctor with a low or even no additional test center fee.

[jmichelle79]

Hello,

Cost is one of the reasons why I'm not further along. It sucks to always have to make your pennies scream so that you can make ends meet and try to save a little to get ahead.

Some of my tips are (as other have mentioned) * Reduce the amount of money you spend. Everyone is different and has different income levels/needs. A few things I do are 1) VIOP, I paid $178 for the device which is a chunk. But my phone bill is now less than $5 per month. 2) I tend to shop at international markets for groceries. I know this might not be an option for all due to location, but if you can these stores is where you will get the most bang for your buck. 3) I don’t have a car, cell phone, cable, ect… (yeah, I’m strange that way )pretty much I try to keep my bills as low as possible.

I completely understand how things can be difficult. Sometimes even small expenses can seem overwhelming.

My advice is to do what you can, slowly plug away at it and you will reach your goal. Even if you take 1 exam every two months, you would only have to save about $50 per month. If that is unattainable, you can always donate plasma and fund your testing that way. I believe you can make a couple hundred per month. You might be able to find gigs in craigs list for extra work, they are located towards the bottom right of the site.

How much have you completed? The people on this board are great, and will share information.

[Ohrenberg]

DigitalSam,
I'm going to ignore that comment.

As for everyone else, thanks for everything. I think it was just sticker shock of doing several tests a month, which I don't have to do. I will take it slow for now, at least I will be getting somewhere.

[SKMDC]

I spoke to my HR department and was able to get my job to reimburse me for my exams. It has helped a lot, I have to have the money upfront but I get it back on my next paycheck. Tuition reimbursement is a great benefit and it doesn't hurt to ask if your job would be willing to cover part of the expense of the exams if they offer reimbursement for standard classes.
Good luck!

[Ohrenberg]

I am so excited because I totally forgot about the program my work has. I work at a well respected Fortune 500 company and they have this online "University" of classes that you can take and get one of their certifications, and when you complete it they give you $500. I'm eligible for it next month in July, so I"m going to start studying now!

[rebel100]

I am so excited because I totally forgot about the program my work has. I work at a well respected Fortune 500 company and they have this online "University" of classes that you can take and get one of their certifications, and when you complete it they give you $500. I'm eligible for it next month in July, so I"m going to start studying now!

See if its ACE evaluated.