SOURCE: Pearson VUE

October 23, 2008 17:03 ET

College-Bound Students Can Earn Free College Credit Through New Credit-by-Exam Program, UExcel™

Two Leading Education Providers, Pearson and Excelsior College, Are Offering Free Exams During Beta-Testing Period

BLOOMINGTON, MN--(Marketwire - October 23, 2008) - College-bound students now have a new option when it comes to getting ahead in college and saving money on tuition. Two leading education organizations, Pearson and Excelsior College, are launching a new credit-by-exam program called UExcel™. The UExcel program can help students turn their knowledge into college or university credit by taking and passing a computer-based examination through Pearson's global network of testing centers. Students who pass the UExcel exam will receive college credit from Excelsior College, which they may then transfer to the higher education institution of their choice. The program is currently in its beta phase and, for a limited time, is offering students the opportunity to take UExcel exams in the areas of Calculus, Physics, Political Science and Psychology for free (exams have a retail value of $85USD).

Pearson and Excelsior College joined together to develop the exams after recognizing a growing trend in the number of students (and parents) looking for ways to save money on tuition costs. In addition, studies show that more high school and college students are now pressed to find better ways to prepare for college. UExcel can help students assess their ability to handle college-level coursework.

"Pearson is committed to helping make education affordable and the UExcel program directly addresses the issue of rising tuition costs," said Robert Whelan, president of Pearson VUE. "Students can fulfill general requirements by passing computer-based exams in different subject areas for a fraction of the equivalent tuition costs. It also allows students to maintain focus on their primary area of study."

"UExcel offers an affordable, convenient way for students to earn college credit," said John F. Ebersole, president of Excelsior College. "The program was designed with paramount focus on candidate accessibility and convenience. UExcel examinations are available throughout the year at test centers around the world. We've developed a program that doesn't limit who receives college credit -- whether you're homeschooled or an adult learner, a student attending a U.S. high school or an international student wanting to pursue higher education in the United States, this program provides the same great benefits to everyone."

Students who are interested in taking a free UExcel beta exam can visit the UExcel Web site for more information. Students should use the promo code CREDIT and are encouraged to register quickly, as this offer will only be available during beta testing. At the completion of the beta period, all beta testers who pass the exams will receive the appropriate transfer credit. Students can take a beta exam in more than one subject.

About UExcel

UExcel is a credit-by-exam program created by Pearson (www.Pearson.com) and Excelsior College (www.Excelsior.edu) to help students prepare for college by earning credit for the knowledge they already have. UExcel is ideal for anyone looking to save time and tuition costs.