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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

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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.
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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:

Recommend you focus on one of the three areas outlined above and pursue near term on-line training to do so - you can get the formal education also in time. That might take some time given your schedule and budget- not sure.
Pat yourself on the back for asking the questions you are asking - that's the right thing to do- show an interest in building your skills and your value to your employer and the industry.
Be a great leader in your home and community and demonstrate the value of life-long learning to the younger people in your life - it can really pay off in the long run.
My best wishes for your success and growth!
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Byron’s Answer

you can apply to "test out" of any course in college. If you think you have the knowledge the test requires apply to the department the course is in and they will usually give you a test similar to the course "final" to take in their offices. Usually the course is pass/fail but some may give you a score that can help your grade point average if you do well. Since I took several advanced courses in high school I applied to take the "test out" process when I went to college so I didn't have to attend the class and it satisfied the criteria for the college degree. Save me about one semesters worth of full time enrollment I would otherwise have had to take.
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Samuel’s Answer

There may be a different path to get where you wish to be. You may not need a degree in CM to be a CM. For example, I have a degree in Structural Engineering, but have been working in the Construction Management industry since 1980. If you have a technical degree and field experience on construction projects in the petrochemical field, you may be able to transfer that skill set to an employer that appreciates your collegate and hands-on background without a degree. The degree(s) that you already have may make you eligible to take the CCM (Certified Construction Manager), which will get you in the door much easier than a degree, provided you also have the other technical experience to go with it.

Samuel recommends the following next steps:

Look at the requirements for the CCM certification to determine if that path is feasible for you
If there are some prerequisites, take those courses.
Find a CM position in a supportive role to someone in leadership on a project
Take the CCM and pass.
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Mitch’s Answer

There’s a lot of good advice here. In addition to answering that there isn’t an exam you can take to receive a bachelor’s degree in construction management, I want to add that there is professional certification that coupled with the right experience might land you the kind of job you’re looking for. While PMP is often recommended by professionals in the PM field, if your interest is in construction management, I would recommend the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). CCM covers the same knowledge areas as PMP, but with a focus on the CM industry procedures.
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Becky’s Answer

Let's be real: this is about getting a job and making the income level you need.

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?
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Anna’s Answer

Each college has their own minimum requirements for degrees. They generally allow students to test out of some basic subjects, but the tests can be difficult to pass. Most colleges will only transfer about half of the required credits from other schools.
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:

Go to PMI.org
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Jason’s Answer

There are many different programs based to fit many needs. Online classes , and what I call magnet schooling. Alot of times , when someone has a field , like a skilled trade they'd like to pursue there are fast paced alternatives geared towards those fields. Shop around , Google fast paced certificate programs etc. Many school advisors will give their honest opinion.
Thank you comment icon Asking questions is definitely the way to get answers. We are all human at the end of the day. My experience of recent times has been very informative talking to advisors of different institutions. Feel free to ask , it's what they do. Jason Johnson
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Stacy’s Answer

I don't believe there is any way around a Bachelor's in Construction Management outside of taking all of the required courses for a specific program. There is no test that will allow you to get your degree any faster.

Stacy recommends the following next steps:

Talk to department chair at university
Talk to Guidance Counselor.
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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Neisha! I do not know of a test that can help in getting a degree but there are placement tests in college you can take that can help you skip classes. For example language or math so you don't have to take those while in college as a general education course or part of your major. I had to take chemistry but I took a placement test which allowed me to skip a class and take a higher up one. In addition you can take certain courses over break like summer or winter at a community college - it will be cheaper and save time as well in terms of graduating early. Lastly speak with an adviser especially if you have a specific one that is assigned to you, they will usually have much information about this path!

I hope this helps and best of luck!
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CLAYTON LUIS’s Answer

In my opinion, it is not by working in civil construction that you receive the diploma.
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.
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Hilda’s Answer

I do not believe there is a test.

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.
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Adria’s Answer

Their is not a test to bypass earning a bachelors or masters degree. An alternative option is to enroll in a certification program through an accredited college or university. The timeframe is shorter, less expensive, and focused on being coming an expert in your profession. It can increase your salary with the right program. Most programs will consider your work experience during admissions. Or try getting into a construction apprenticeship program- its longer but can potentially get the program for free

Adria recommends the following next steps:

Looking for certification program in construction management
Look for certificate in PMP (project management) if you have experience in construction
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David E.’s Answer

It would be highly unusual to be able to trade 100% of the experience for a degree conferred by an accredited institution of higher learning, however; many programs in engineering, architecture, and construction require that students must work in the field. There might be some unique programs out there where you can trade some experience for coursework. In my own experience; due to my own personal experience with CAD (specifically) I was able to "challenge" the course at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell and take an exam and then simply receive a "pass/fail" grade and remove it from my required curriculum to receive a bachelor's degree.
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Darryl’s Answer

No you will have go to college to become a construction manager there is a lot involve there math , estimating , cad scheduling, management . In life there is no quick way of getting to your goal nor are there short cuts
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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.
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Clifford’s Answer

To the best of my knowledge there is no “test” to attain a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management.
Degrees in this field tend to run the traditional course of matriculated college core courses and electives leading to a cumulation of credits over 4 years towards a degree specific field. You may be eligible to earn some credits from past education and life experiences applicable to the chosen course of study.
There are however accredited Certificate programs offered by NYU which usually can be completed in 2 years. Most require taking 4 core classes and 2 electives from several selections. These certificates are generally well recognized in the industry

Clifford recommends the following next steps:

Do a web search for Accredited Construction Management programs
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Gina’s Answer

I do not believe there is a single test that will provide a degree. However, you may be able to find schools that can count your real life experience as credits.

My other suggestion is to apply as an intern or assistant project manager to gain experience in the construction field. If you’ve worked in a similar field, the skills may be transferable and you’ll be able to learn on the job.

You can also reach out to union affiliated groups for fast track programs. A former colleague had taken continuing education programs through the Mason tenders or similar groups.
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Walter’s Answer

I don’t believe an accredited higher education institution will provide a test without completing all the course requirements.

Walter recommends the following next steps:

Enroll in a community college program
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Harry’s Answer

Not aware of any one specific test you can take to accomplish this. I would suggest that you contact the registers office at your local college or university to see if they can give you their requirements and next steps to complete what you are looking to accomplish.
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Jamie’s Answer

I'm not aware of a single test to get a degree.

In addition to testing out of a class by talking with the school (Prior Learning Assessment), you can take individual CLEP exams. Check if there are CLEP exams that will result in credit granted by whatever school you're studying at. Much less expensive and less time consuming than taking College courses.

https://clep.collegeboard.org/register
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Ronald’s Answer

The short answer is ,no. Schools wouldn't be profitable. There would also be potential for gaps in training. For an educational establishment to allow you to forego training, it makes them liable and diminishes credibility. There is little replacement for traditional and contemporary training.

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Amenyonah’s Answer

I agree with Stacey. Obtaining a degree requires completing the developed course material at the college or University. However, it may be possible to test out of classes due to your experience, certificates or trainings. Therefore seeking guidance from the univeristy VP or guidance counselor is wise to determine the fastest way to accomplish your goal.
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Devesh’s Answer

Personally not aware of any test to receive Bachelor or Masters in construction, but post Engineering, Construction Manager's role is to relate best among

  1. Schedule,
  2. Quality and
  3. Cost

Small courses are available in market for Project Management, provided the recipient has base knowledge of

  1. Construction,
  2. Interdependence & Co-relation of various construction activities,
  3. Cost, Quality & Schedule of all activities.
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Cleo’s Answer

Try western governors University. Since its self paced you might go faster with your background. Good luck!
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Rogelio’s Answer

You can take the test base on your experience in the fill you are . You need to ask your Professor if you can ie. cost and estimate of materials, reading blueprints, if you have emu amount of experience on what you are doing, you can apply your knowledge.

Rogelio recommends the following next steps:

Talk to your Professor.
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