My work schedule won't fit with taking classes. I'm too old to go back to school. All of the above represent legitimate concerns for the adult learner. Nontraditional study may help you overcome some of the barriers facing you. Traditional students receive college credit by taking classes and passing exams.
Nontraditional students earn credit in a variety of ways.
Some of these methods have real advantages for adult students. It may enable you to document some of your prior learning and use that learning for credit. If you are trying to get a degree, it may allow you to get that degree in a shorter time. Some courses can be completed in a shorter time. It is not appropriate for students who need a more traditional classroom setting to succeed.