Can graduate students take a test to receive their Bachelor' or Masters Degree? If so, what kind of proceess does it take?
I am a non traditional student who is almost 40. I am working 4 different jobs so I can obtain my Bachelor's degree in Construction Management. I already have 17 years experience in the petrochemical industry in a variety of mechanical careers. The faster I can get through school the better off my family and I will be. #graduate-school #academic-advising #construction #construction-management
26 answers

Daniel Odion, PMP®
Daniel’s Answer
I am not sure if that is presently doable looking at the requirements for the loop of people like you. However, the best bet known so far is that you can take fewer classes in the degree curriculum that aligns with your work experience but it has to specified by the awarding school. Also, you might as well consult the right faculty in the school for more details. Thank you.
William’s Answer
Neisha -
I am not aware of a single test that can be taken as a substitute for an entire Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, or Engineering or Architecture for that matter. Its a little unclear whether you have started this education process or are planning to do so. Also, I am curious as to what research you may have been able to do on various universities in the area (or online) that offer these programs.
There are three fundamental elements to successful construction management - one is focused on satisfying the quality specifications put forth by the owner, the architect, engineers and other specialty consultants. The second is managing the flow -i.e., schedule - of work needed to assemble materials and install equipment at the site. The third element is cost.
Managing the technical specification aspects takes a lot of training in various engineered site and facility systems. Managing schedule and cost requires good math skills. And the math for estimating cost is a more direct calculation compared to the math associated with scheduling. Many people I know in our business find that scheduling software has become rather elaborate and complicated. I do not know your level of math skill - so it is difficult for me to recommend one over the other. A strategy that you might consider in the short run is gaining skill around managing cost through the estimating process - there seems to be a good level of need in the market for estimating skills.
Have you talked with any of your present employers on these types of options? You might do so, business activity is high and employers are generally excited when a team member strives to take on an area of knowledge and capability beyond their present assignment.
William recommends the following next steps:
Byron’s Answer
Samuel’s Answer
Samuel recommends the following next steps:

Mitch Ortiz, P.E., CCM
Mitch’s Answer
Becky’s Answer
Most CMs are Engineers, and so the job relies on them being licensed or not. I graduated in Civil Engineering in 1989 and have worked within various construction companies without a graduate degree, master's degree or my license. My license has recently become an issue, working for a public municipality.
Job requirements change as the industry goes up and down. And it changes as people are available. So, I would look at the industry TODAY. If I were you begin with what area of the USA or World you want to live in. Search local job offers to that area and what they are requiring. Working for the private industry vs public has very different requirements. Then working as a true overseer, as a CM, for a CM company, has completely different requirements.
My question back to you...what type of CM do you want to be? Project manager? or other?
Anna’s Answer
I believe it would be more beneficial, faster, and less expensive, to obtain a PMP certification. It applies to the field, it is well recognized, and for someone with at least 5 years of full time Project Management experience, you could be certified within 30-60 days.
Check the PMI.org web site.
I’m going through this process myself, and I have 20 years as a CM.
Anna recommends the following next steps:
Jason’s Answer
Stacy’s Answer
Stacy recommends the following next steps:
Yasemin’s Answer
I hope this helps and best of luck!
CLAYTON LUIS’s Answer
By working you have acquired experience and learning, which are also indispensable in civil construction.
However, in my opinion, you need a teaching entity, registered and authorized by the government, this entity with professionals registered in the appropriate competent and professional bodies that will provide your diploma.
Hilda’s Answer
However, there are online programs that have both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. Arizona State University has a very highly regarded program.
Some community colleges can also have four year bachelors programs tied to their traditional two year programs within career and technical education (CTE) tracts. Your two year AA degree can also be the start of a pathway to your final degree.
Local colleges and universities have professional development programs that offer a Bachelor's degree as well. UCLA's extension program has a program with online courses as an example.
While life experience is a benefit to the employer, colleges have a certain curricula that they need to adhere to for licensure. From my experience, this is a harder process within programs that have traditional classes - there will be a host of paperwork to fill out to get the life experience counted. Make sure that the college you are attending has the mechanisms in place to accept alternative educational experiences (like internships) to make your work experiences count.
Best bet is to contact your career advisor within the school you are attending to obtain specific information about your region.
I doubt you will find a test but you will find some creative solutions to speed up your process.
Good Luck.
Adria’s Answer
Adria recommends the following next steps:
David E.’s Answer

Darryl Bufford ,MCM,MBA in Construction Managem
Darryl’s Answer
Patricia’s Answer
I don't know of a test that you can take to receive a degree. I know you can test out of each class/course that is required. That is how I finished my Associates Degree. I went to the Dean of the Dept and asked to "test out" of each class. I studied and was able to pass the class. I also substituted classes that were more relevent to my degree. Hope this helps.