I thought I'd ask to see how common these two practices are, especially but not limited to RA master's programs: 1. Credit by examination 2. Allowing folks to waive core courses when presenting equivalent credit, but assigning electives in their place Are these practices common? I've seen them mentioned at one RA program and a few DETC programs, but thought I'd ask the more experienced folks here.
We have an entire forum dedicated to those sort of questions. Have you seen that? CLEP, DANTES, and Other Exams for Credit
Echo what Stefan posted. If there's an NA or RA school that grants graduate credit by examination, I'd be interested in a link.
At Heriot-Watt, you cannot sign up for an exam without first signing up for the course, so I really wouldn't consider this credit by examination. I'm pretty sure the same with UoL.
I'm finally back to provide some data. Aspen University's catalog, p. 19, states students may pass courses via credit by examination. It does not state any limitations as to program (e.g. graduate vs. undergraduate). I recall reading somewhere in Amberton's materials that they permitted credit by examination, but I cannot locate it at the moment. I'm trying to remember what the name was of the second DETC institution. I'll be back to post that when I run across it again.
What is the difference? With H-W or UoL you don't have to do submit any coursework, or "participate" in course. Just pay for the course/exam and take the exam. Examination for most courses is held once per year on UoL and two times per year on H-W. I agree, it is not as flexible as standardized exams for undergraduate college credit, but it can be very efficient for people that prefer taking exams to participating in semester long courses.
H-W is very flexible! The only thing you have to do is take the final examination for each module. The only problem is that the final exam is very tough and it is the exact same test given to the students that are studying on campus. That being said, the material is very interesting and I find the feedback given by the instructors to be very helpful. The exam definitely requires a solid understanding of what is written in the course book. I've only finished 1 module and I'm about halfway thru my second one. You can find more H-W students at this site: http://forums.delphiforums.com/hwmba/
What is typically meant with "credit by examination" is that you are allowed to take the exam BEFORE signing up for the course. If you pass the exam, you get credit, no need to sign up for the course. That would be a difference of paying $100 vs $1800 (or whatever they are charging now.) With Heriot-Watt, you do get "credit" based on passing "examination(s)" (as is the case at most universities), but you have to sign up for the course, THEN sign up for the exam. That is not "credit by examination." Yes, it is flexible, but you still have to pay full tuition price, which I think what the OP was asking about.