Academic Certifications

Parents Forum
1

<p>There are a lot of professional certifications out there, like A+ Microsoft certification, which allow people to show that they know something without requiring expensive formal education. In many introductory math, science, and social science classes tests are the primary or only thing used in grading, which would lend it self well to a simple certification test. So do these exist?</p>

2

<p>There are [url=&lt;a href=“http://www.ets.org/praxis]Praxis[/url”&gt;The Praxis Tests]Praxis[/url</a>] tests (from the ETS), for example.</p>

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<p>Many popular second languages have certification tests (eg JLPT, CERT, etc).</p>

4

<p>The College Board offers the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) test in 33 subjects, if that is what you mean. Test scores are good for 20 years, I believe.</p>

<p>Our son took the CLEP Calculus I test a few weeks ago. Cost was $77 to CLEP and $30 to the local university’s testing site since he will be attending another school. Test took 90 minutes and the results are instanteous since it is a computer-based test. Got 5 hours of credit for it from our state flagship.</p>

<p>[About</a> the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>Earn College Credit with CLEP – CLEP | College Board)</p>

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<p>Not quite what I was thinking olderwisermom. The only reason someone would take a CLEP exam is so they can transfer it to a university to use towards a bachelors degree. I am looking for stand alone certifications.</p>

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<p>Vladenshlutte, are you thinking about “trade school”?</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.delhi.edu/academics/catalog_10/certificates/index.php[/url]”>404;

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<p>No. I am looking for academic certifications. There are tons of trade school types (there’s a whole wikipedia page listing hundreds) out there. I am wondering if something similar exists for academic subjects.</p>

<p>Also, specifically not school. Just certifications. The “study on your own and take a test” type.</p>

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<p>I’ve never heard of any certifications that relate to academics alone…only certifications that relate to professions. Many college engineering seniors start the professional engineering certifications but again this is not related directly to academics more to the profession…you can take them or not take them. Many certifications require an education component…take a class, take the test or take a class, renew the certification but not anything like the OP is thinking.</p>

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<p>[About</a> the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>Earn College Credit with CLEP – CLEP | College Board)</p>

<p>not really a certification however.</p>

10

<p>Well, a passing score on a CLEP test would “certify” that you had achieved proficiency in a college-level math, science or social studies test without “expensive formal education.” The CLEP instructions are to purchase a college text book (and it provide recommendations). Download sample questions for $10. Take the test. You leave the testing center with a paper that verifies your grade.</p>

<p>Maybe what you are looking for doesn’t exist?</p>