"I earned the majority of my credits via TECEP®, CLEP and DSST exams. Becoming comfortable with any of these testing programs opens the door to a whole world of course completion options."  —Parker Amstutz, BSBA '14

Quick Facts You Didn't Know About Taking TECEP® Exams Online.

Considering Credit-by-Exam?

Discover Why One Recent Grad Found It to Be a Winning Alternative to Traditional Courses

Students and alumni alike will tell you that there are many avenues to a successful TECEP® exam. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) June graduate Parker Amstutz revealed what type of exam preparation worked best for him and tells us why he thinks more students should consider this method of credit completion.

With no student or mentor interaction or assignments leading up to exam day, most people surmise that it takes a certain type of learner to be successful with TECEP exams. Do you agree?
Amstutz: Reasonably good test-taking and retention skills are definitely helpful traits, but you shouldn't be discouraged from taking a TECEP if you've never considered yourself to be a great test taker. I would urge most people to try at least one, especially in a subject area they already feel comfortable with.

On the exams you took toward your BSBA degree: Advertising (MAR-323); Principles of Managerial Accounting (ACC-102); Strategic Management (BUS-421) and Sales Management (MAR-322), what was your process for learning the material and retaining the information for your exam?
Amstutz: I definitely developed a system for taking TECEPs. My first step was to order the textbook recommended in the College's online test description. I relied heavily on the test descriptions to help me prepare and trusted that information more than any other resource regarding the exam content. I would then establish which chapters in the textbook correlated to the topics in the test description. This gave me a clear plan of the chapters on which to focus. I would read those chapters and take notes on the major concepts and ideas. These notes became my personalized study guide for the exam, allowing me to focus on areas I knew I was not as familiar with. As I neared exam day, I would review each topic and subtopic on the test description, ensuring I had a solid grasp of each one.

Do you have a personal method to improve your retention skills?
Amstutz: By reading the book, handwriting my notes and studying my own customized study guide, I had the information 'soaking in' via several different methods. Putting together a personal study guide also allowed me to study on the go without needing to bring along my textbook or find an Internet connection.

Other students have told us that once they became accustomed to TECEPs, they found them to be one of the most efficient ways to earn credits. Do you agree?
Amstutz: I completely agree. Being a student at TESC has provided me with an amazing amount of flexibility. TECEPs only further expand the possibilities of ways to earn credits. I was actually in Haiti working with a Christian nonprofit while studying for my final TECEP, Principles of Managerial Accounting (ACC-102). The flexibility I’ve been afforded has been a blessing.

Have you taken other exams of this type such as College-Level Examination Program (CLEP®) or Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support Subject Standardized Tests (DSST®)?
Amstutz: I earned the majority of my credits via TECEP, CLEP and DSST exams. Becoming comfortable with any of these testing programs opens the door to a whole world of course completion options.

Did you use the College’s online testing service, ProctorU, when taking your TECEP exams?
Amstutz: I used ProctorU for all of my TECEPs, and I was very impressed with the platform. Any time I had scheduling changes or technical difficulties I would contact one of their staff members and receive quick assistance in solving the problem.

What would you recommend to a student who feels a TECEP exam might work in their degree program, but is leery about proceeding?
Amstutz: I would suggest developing a plan and then going for it. Without a plan, you won’t have the highest possible chance of success and, by not giving credit-by-exam a chance, you are missing out on saving time and money. It is a great alternative to a traditional course.

In what ways will your BSBA degree in entrepreneurship enhance your career?
Amstutz: I volunteer for Connect2Ministries in Haiti, and I plan to continue to serve there. I started a small business in Haiti as well, allowing me to use some of the entrepreneurial skills I have learned at TESC. I am also looking forward to pursuing various entrepreneurial endeavors in the area of mobile application development.

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