7 Most distance education programs allow nurses to take proficiency exams instead of courses in subjects in which they already have knowledge from work experience, training, and reading. This is particularly helpful for diploma nurses who may not receive transfer credits for some of their science courses when they enter more traditional programs. The exams cover subjects that freshmen or sophomores commonly take. Each college has its own acceptable passing score as well as how many credits will be given for each examination. Companies that administer the tests supply study guides that include suggested readings and sample practice questions.
Nurses can gauge their readiness to take exams by answering sample questions.
Privately published books, which are available in bookstores and the reference section of libraries, can provide further information on each test. CLEP offers five general-subject exams in social science and history, English composition, humanities, mathematics, and natural science. ACE recommends up to six credits for each test. ACE recommends three credits for most of these. 7 Examinations are usually given monthly at convenient locations.