Consider what you already know. Many adults returning to school undervalue the kind of real-world knowledge achieved through professional experience, community service and independent study.
Find out which schools grant credit and how much. The most widely accepted credit-by-examination program in the United States is known as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Check out the more than 2,800 colleges and universities that award credit for passing CLEP exams at CollegeBoard.com.
Decide what you want to study. It's likely that each degree program will have its own policy about awarding credit.
Choose which tests you will take. There are 34 exams offered in two categories: general and subject. While there is no limit on the number of tests you may take, most schools specify a maximum number of credits they will grant.
Sign up! (See "eHow to Take the CLEP Exam.") You have nothing to lose, and much to gain.