The life of a regional airline pilot is not conducive to attending a traditional brick-and-mortar college or even an online university. However, many of the desirable aviation jobs require a four-year college degree. The schedule of an airline pilot can be unpredictable and oftentimes requires the aviation professional to spend 18 or more days per month on the road, which makes attending traditional college classes nearly impossible. For those pilots who do not have a four-year degree, attaining this college degree can seem impossible. Fortunately, pilots have many options for earning college credits in non-traditional ways.
One valuable resource that many pilots have utilized is CLEP (College Level Exam Proficiency) exams. CLEP tests are standardized exams that assess an individual’s knowledge of a college subject and provide the individual between three and 12 college credits for a qualifying score. Although utilizing CLEP prep materials is recommended, the only requirement for earning college credits through these exams is obtaining a satisfactory score.
Because they spend a lot of time in hotels and often are technologically oriented, an online study system is often an ideal way for pilots to prepare for a CLEP test. Utilizing an online CLEP prep system is beneficial to pilots in that it allows them to capitalize on what potentially would have been wasted time in airport terminals (while commuting), crew lounges, and hotel rooms. An online study system is accessible from any computer and some systems will even allow the pilot to resume studying where the previous study session ended.
One online study system that many pilots have used to prepare for CLEP tests is SpeedyPrep. Since many pilots have used various question-based study methods to prepare for aviation written exams, they will be comfortable with the SpeedyPrep question-based learning format. The system prepares students for CLEP tests in the minimum amount of time by utilizing the only progress monitoring system in the CLEP preparation business.
With the busy schedule of a pilot, a progress monitoring system to help maximize study time is a must! A progress system can help determine subject areas needing additional study time as well as recognize subject areas that have been mastered. In addition, the most advanced preparation websites offer systems that inform students when they are ready for the actual CLEP test and guarantee a passing score on the actual exam.
With the help of a good online CLEP program, a little hard work, and a computer with a WIFI or Ethernet connection, even a regional pilot with a hectic schedule can prepare for and pass CLEP exams in a relatively short period of time. Some pilots have been able to utilize an online study system for two days on a layover and pass a CLEP exam on their next day off! CLEP exams will definitely help pilots work towards their college degree on an accelerated schedule.
In addition to CLEP exams, many aviation professionals may find that their college will award credits for the licenses and ratings they possess, areas of expertise (such as meteorology) through prior learning assessments, and even company training events. It is important that pilots decide on an accredited online learning institution and discuss all of their degree options with an academic counselor. Combine all of these non-traditional learning methods with an accredited online college or university and maybe that desirable college degree is within reach after all!