iStudySmart.com
Credit By Examination &
Distance Learning Programs
Welcome to iStudySmart.com
What is Credit By Examination?
Who Benefits From Credit By Examination?
Who Earns Credit By Examination?
How You Benefit with iStudySmart.com ?
Why Employees Love iStudySmart.com ?
How Does It Work?
How Do Employees Get Started?
Testimonials
Call Us Today!
Endorsed by DSST/Prometric, HCA hospitals,
as well as other associations and companies.
Welcome to iStudySmart.com
Since 1986, Moore Educational Publishers has assisted thousands of people in the pursuit of their
college degrees. With study courses written by experts and tested with real students, our courses
provide complete preparation for the nation’s best Credit By Examination programs.
In January 2001 we introduced iStudySmart.com, our online solution for complete Credit By
Examination preparation. We’ve made education affordable, convenient, and flexible for any
willing student.
We provide collegiate textbooks, guided assignments, interactive forums, and thorough practice
tests with every study course to ensure passing scores. Available in workbook or computer
formats, our courses help you study in your own space at your own pace. And if the student
brings the motivation, we can ensure a successful score.
This guide will explain more about distance learning, Credit By Examination programs, and the
benefits your company can realize by offering an educational program. If your business does not
already offer educational benefits, I urge you to take the time to thoroughly read this guide and
investigate the subject. In recent employee satisfaction surveys, workers consistently rank
educational benefits close to health benefits in importance. If you already offer some kind of
educational program, iStudySmart.com can be an affordable supplemental option.
Finally, if you don’t find an answer to your questions, please visit our
website at www.istudysmart.com or call us toll-free at 800-737-2222.
Best wishes,
Debra Moore
iStudySmart.com
Since 1986...
We’ve assisted thousands of people in the pursuit of their college degrees.
What is Credit By Examination?
Over 30 years ago, educators developed standardized examinations to test knowledge of particular
subjects. The best known of these include:
ACT/SAT - to test college preparedness or,
AP (Advanced Placement)- for high school students to earn college credit for advanced work.
This concept is also recognized as applicable for testing proficiency at the college level.
CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Test)
DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)
ECE (Excelsior College Exams)
TECEP (Thomas Edison State College Examination Program)
Nationally recognized and accepted at over 3800 colleges and universities, these tests allow
students to demonstrate knowledge of a subject and receive college credit as a result.
Credit By Examination programs help students in three ways:
First - Time is flexible.
Rather than sitting in a classroom, reviewing subjects already learned through prior experience,
credit by examination enables the student to earn college credit for what they already know. Or a
student may choose to self-study on a schedule more convenient to themselves and test to show
knowledge learned.
Second - Save money.
Because the tests cost $70-$80 each (test prices are subject to change),
you can also afford to purchase practice tests or textbooks
and study guides to ensure a passing score on a test. Best of all,
these expenses are much less than traditional tuition.
Third - Graduate faster by testing-out of basic courses.
The college credit acquired through credit by examination
programs enables the student to advance quickly through
required courses to graduate more quickly and with less
expense. These three features make a credit by examination
program a great bargain for the motivated student.
Distance Learning is Expanding...
Over 3800 colleges and universities offer Credit By Examination.
Who Benefits from Credit By Examination?
Whether you’re taking online courses or listening to a videotaped lecture, distance learning is a
vital part of every educational institution. The United States Distance Learning Association reports
that nearly all schools, kindergarten through college, provide some level of distance learning.
Distance learning is the fastest growing segment of higher education in America. The growth isn’t
confined to new universities: eCollege.com predicts that 97% of all educational institutions will
offer distance education.
Who Benefits From Distance Learning?
"The image of the college student is somebody between 18 and 22 who attends college fulltime
and lives on a campus. That person now makes up 16% of the college population. The rest are
older, part-time, working..." said Arthur Levine, the President of Teacher's College at Columbia
University.
Recent studies uphold Mr. Levine’s research. Most students are over the age of 25, have some
previous college experience, and work full-time. And the common denominator in distance
learners is motivation. The course completion rate for these students
exceeds that of students enrolled in traditional campus courses.
As a result, the government and businesses are paying increasing
attention to the educational needs of working adults. The federal
government has eased financial aid rules to provide more funds for
distance learners. Meanwhile, smart businesses help workers with
their education through tuition reimbursement. A business can keep
its workers on-site and generate goodwill by bringing the classroom
to the employee, rather than forcing the employee to use personal
or vacation time to attend class at a campus on company time.
Who’s in College?
84% of college level students are over 25 years old and work full time.
Who Earns Credit By Examination?
Working Adults
Because most American college students are over the age of 25 and hold jobs, these students have
a commitment to working hard, and supporting their families. They need to work efficiently and
effectively to maximize study time. That means adults gain a great opportunity with credit by
programs such as CLEP and DSST (used by DANTES).
Licensed Medical Personnel
The typical on/off shift time for Licensed Medical Personnel excludes them from traditional classroom
schedules. Many health-care-related programs have been developed to meet their scheduling needs.
These programs usually include credit by examination options.
Corporations
Businesses have learned that credit by examination programs can enhance employee retention
without having a significant impact on educational budgets. With affordable study courses and
testing fees as low as $70_$80 (test prices are subject to change), businesses find it’s easier to
bring the classroom to the worker than to send a person into a classroom.
High School Students
High school students have the ability to supplement high school offerings with credit by examination
programs. While high schools try to accommodate the most advanced students, they cannot always
offer college level courses or a wide range of Advanced Placement courses. Credit By Examination
programs like CLEP and DSST enable high school students to earn college credit before entering
college. That saves parents money and students time. College students have the exact same
benefits: graduate faster, for less money.
College Students
With proficiency tests designed by collegiate scholars in designated fields, universities feel safe in
awarding credit for passing scores in credit by examination programs. Plus, colleges often use
credit by examination programs to recruit and retain great students, since those using credit by
examination are most likely to graduate and succeed.
Military Personnel
Recognizing that many enlistees have getting an education
as a primary goal, the Department of Defense has made
credit by examination tests available on most military
bases free of charge.
Who is earning credit by exam?
Anyone who wants to advance through required courses to graduate faster and with less expense.
How You Benefit with iStudySmart.com
If you don’t invest in your best employees, someone else will.
Studies show that educational benefits are a major factor in the recruitment and retention of great
employees. And iStudySmart.com is one critical piece you can’t afford to miss.
Benefits to your company:
• Give Employees New Skills
With over 60 college-level courses available, your employees learn new skills that can be
applied directly to the workplace.
• Attract and Retain Employees
iStudySmart.com courses help employees earn college credit from local colleges or from one of
our accredited partners. That flexibility helps you improve and reward your workforce.
• Reduce Your Education Budget
Because we offer courses in Internet, workbook and CD-ROM formats, we’re able to pass along
cost savings that will broaden your educational benefits.
• Solve Time Management Problems
iStudySmart.com gives employees power to control the goals, pace, and location of studying. No
scheduling problems, no missed work.
• Custom Solutions
We’re so convinced that iStudySmart.com will benefit your organization
that we’ll design a custom solution for you. Whether you have 5
employees or 5,000, you’ll get an affordable education option that
inspires employees and creates loyalty.
Why invest in your employees?
If you don’t invest in your best employees, someone else will.
Why Employees Love iStudySmart.com
Benefits to your employees:
• Earn credit for what they already know
Today, many colleges give credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom, such as on the
job training. Now your employees can earn college credit for that knowledge. iStudySmart.com
provides the study guides that make it easy to pass the necessary college tests.
• Save valuable time
Since employees aren’t required to spend time in a classroom, they have the flexibility to
schedule work, time at home, and study time in a way that best fits their lives.
• Save money
When compared with the cost of normal tuition, iStudySmart.com courses are quite affordable.
• Enrich the experience
For employees working toward a degree, iStudySmart.com enables them to “test-out” of some
prerequisite courses and advance to courses that can be put to immediate use.
The great benefit to using credit by exam...
...Earning credit for what they already know!
How Does It Work?
Set your goals.
Determine the motivation for learning, and think about what expectations you have
for distance education.
The first step is to verify what your school accepts.
This is VERY IMPORTANT. Simply call the school’s testing center or admissions office and ask:
1. Does the school accept credit by examination?
2. Are there restrictions on the number of credits accepted
and does that vary by degree program?
3. How much credit is awarded for passing scores?
4. What score is considered a passing score?
The second step is crucial: Study, learn, and
master the material upon which you will be tested.
While distance learning removes a number of barriers that impede the non-traditional student,
you will be held to the same rigorous standards expected of an on-campus student. You need to
learn the academic material and take practice tests. Helping you in this area are study courses
and textbooks that assist you in identifying key topics, as well as mastering those concepts.
The third step is to select a testing
center and an available testing date.
Because of the vast reach of credit by examination programs, you’ll find that
there is at least one testing center in or near your town. For a complete list
of testing centers, click here. Some testing centers may require you to
schedule an exam, while others have open testing hours.
The last step...Take and pass the test!
Once you’ve mastered the material for your test, all you need to do is arrive
at the test location on time with the necessary supplies and go for it. Again,
be sure to determine the format you will use as well as how many pieces of
identification will be required at the testing center. Usually two forms of
identification are required.
Check with your school to determine the procedure for the transferring
credit once you have received your score. Some exams are computerbased and scored immediately. Other exams are paper based and your
score will be mailed to you. The testing center can tell you in advance
which format your test will be.
How does it work?
>>Verify college accepts course>
>>STUDY>
>>Select Testing Date >>Take and PASS test!
Set Goals>
How Do Employees Get Started?
Select The First Course
Pick from over 60 courses in nursing, business and more - available via the Internet, as a
workbook or in CD-ROM formats. Our courses offer:
•
Study assignments to help you learn what you need to know
•
Pace Yourself schedules
•
Sample exams
•
Forums for discussion with other students
Buy A Textbook
Every iStudySmart.com course requires the use of a textbook. Buy it from us, and we'll save you a
fistful of dollars! Or buy it somewhere else, we don’t mind. The assignment questions tell you
where to look in the accompanying textbook to find the answer.
Complete The Assignments
Settle down with a cup of coffee and your textbook and we'll show you the way. If you follow our
lead and complete the study assignments, readings, and sample exams, we're sure you’ll earn a
passing score.
Earn College Credit
We’ll help you find your local testing center. Then once you’ve
passed the test, more than 3800 colleges nationwide will be happy
to award three to six credit hours for your passing score.
Our prices are 20% to 40% lower than campus tuition. Every
course is packed with the tools you need to pass your test.
Our customer support is the best in business. Call
800-737-2222 or email [email protected]
with questions. We're happy to assist and encourage.
Credit by Examination Programs let you...
...settle down with a cup of coffee and your textbook and while we show you the way.
Testimonials
P. Cooper (May 20, 2005)
“Another class done. Passed Anatomy & Physiology with
an A!! So far I'm done with Sociology, Ethics, Biology,
Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology. I started Life
Span Development today.”
S. Kaney, Full time Student (April 6, 2004)
“I was downsized from my position at work. I decided the
only way to stop being so expendable at work was to get
a BS degree under my belt. So I enrolled in Houghton
College. In order to meet the admission requirements I
needed 6 credits fast. The Academic Advisor gave me 21
days to take a DANTES exam for 3 credits in order to be
considered for classes starting on March 25, 2003. So I
looked into your courses offered to help me pass this
DANTES exam in 30, 60 or 90 days, I had 21 days. I
purchased Drug & Alcohol Abuse. After [studying thoroughly], I was still a little nervous, however, 21 days later I
took the DANTES exam. According to my Academic
Advisor, I aced my exam.” Thank You!!
T. Liboma,
Medical Assistant (March 28, 2008)
“I just took my exam in Criminal Justice after studying for
30 days and passed. Thank you [iStudySmart.com] study
guide! There is no way that I would have passed this
exam alone. I have two more exams.”
B. Messer (June 14, 2005)
“I was able to CLEP two Humanities classes and I am now
working on my last class. I should be able to CLEP that
class in another two weeks. These are the last of my
electives and I wish I had found your site sooner.“
A. Consani, Mom (November 6, 2003)
“I am a stay-at-home mother...working on my K-8
teacher certification. I have completed both the
Introductory Psychology and the Ethics courses through
iStudySmart.com. I am currently working on Social
Science & History and American Literature. Because there
are no time limits to iStudySmart.com, I can study when I
have time available. With a 10-month-old baby here
at home, I never know when that will be so it is a perfect
situation to be able to set my own schedule. I passed the
CLEP for Introductory Psychology and the DSST for Ethics
with ease after using these courses.”
T. Anderson, US Air Force CMSgt (March 3, 2004)
“…I passed the American Lit CLEP which was very
difficult. I'm waiting on the results of the Organizational
Behavior test. I took the Sociology CLEP last online and
got my score immediately, which is great. One more test
to go, and I'll graduate Summa Cum Laude on 11 May
with my BS in Computer and Information Science.”
T. Andrews (August 14, 2007)
“Passed Nursing Concepts 4 today with an A! I can't thank
iStudySmart.com enough. I only have two [courses] left,
and have done every single class with iStudySmart.com.
Wish me luck on the last two! (Nursing Concepts 5 and 6,
I've already done Foundations of Professional Practice) ”
J. Bond; Pasadena, CA (January 24, 2005)
Just a quick note to say THANKS. I purchased 4 study
programs through your company for the DSST exams -I am happy to report that I passed all 4 tests -- with higher than average scores. University of Phoenix accepted all
four test scores and awarded me 12-college credits -enough for me to finish my degree and graduate with a
Bachelor's degree in Business Management. I should also
mention that by taking the DSST exams, I saved over
$4,800 in tuition expense - FANTASTIC. Thanks again to
you and "iStudySmart.com" for all of your help, support
and guidance. All the best,
M. Kendall- Nursing Student (February 15, 2005)
“iStudySmart.com has allowed me to work at my own
pace to gain college credits toward my Bachelor’s
degree in Nursing. Because I am a mother of 2 children,
ages 8 and 14, I cannot attend college classes full time
on campus. This website has allowed me to balance
classes and learning with home life. I took the CLEP
exam this morning and passed!!
YES!!!!”
What does C. Hedrick have to say...
“I couldn't have gotten finished as quickly without taking the review classes and then the test.”
Call Us Today!
iStudySmart.com : The Smart Alternative for Working Adults
Give Your Employees New Skills
With over 60 college-level courses available, your employees learn new skills that can be applied
directly to the workplace. Course topics range from business and accounting to nursing skills.
Attract and Retain Great Employees
iStudySmart.com courses help employees earn college credit from local schools or from accredited
long-distance partners. Your employees can get credit at over 3800 colleges and universities
nationwide. Now you can provide a unique program to reward and improve your employees.
Solve Problems
By bringing the classroom to your workplace, you solve time
management problems, reduce your education expenses, and help
maintain work/life balance. Your employees can study via the
Internet or with a library of books and study guides provided by
the company.
Start Your Affordable Education Program Today!
With individual courses starting for as little as $189, it’s easy to start a
great education at a low cost. Best of all, our consultants will create a
unique program suited to your needs and budget.
Call our business development team today and
learn how our programs can benefit your business!
800-737-2222