Interested in Excelsior...

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 11, 2012

Nothing is guaranteed with EC. In this program, it is incumbent upon the student to find the resources he/she needs to learn the material. For each exam, EC does provide an exam content guide -- similar to a syllabus -- as well as recommended resources, but there is no hand-holding for students. Learning is up to you. There are a lot of study resources students use, like notes from studygroup101.com.

Yes, you will be dismissed from the program if you fail the CPNE three times. The CPNE is a clinical exam, not clinicals. It is to ensure competency and safe practice, not to teach.

You will find many students who complete the CPNE in about a year, more or less. I also had a flexible job and no kids and it took me one year, one month, and one day from my first exam to passing my CPNE. I would have finished sooner if I hadn't waited seven months from CPNE eligibility to CPNE testing, but that wait time was a combination of me taking time to prepare and lack of availability of the one specific test site I chose (being more flexible about sites cuts down greatly on wait time).

It sounds like your A&P and Lifespan would be covered. EC is very generous with credit acceptance. However, the only way to know for sure is to apply. Good luck, whatever you decide! :)

BrillyD · Dec 13, 2012

Suggestion - If you know you will need a few pre-requisite courses by going over the catalog, try a CLEP or DSST exam. This will kindof give you the idea of self-study and stuff and if you don't pass you're only out $100. No saying that the EC exams are the same but the concept is similar, they give you a syllabus and recommended textbooks list and you go from there. It's worth a shot! :bookworm:

adorris · Dec 13, 2012

Thank you both! I have taken online classes before at a local community college and did very well. I am nervous to spend a great amount of money and then find out that I did not succeed.

tnmarie · Dec 14, 2012

1) Do they give you the information you need to pass the tests? Besides the books, are there other things to make sure you can pass the test on the first try?

Yes. They have "content guides" for each test that tell you EVERYTHING that you need to know. Some students use SG101 as previously mentioned, but I did fine just using the recommended reading. You can also find groups and sites where students share notes, videos, flashcards etc for free.

2) If you fail 3 times, is it true that they kick you out?

Yes.

3) The CPNE is like clinicals? If you go to the workshop, it is worth it and you most likely will pass?

The CPNE is a practical EXAM that you do in the place of clinicals. The current pass rate is 61% but pass rates of students who take workshops shoots up to 94-97% depending on the workshop you choose. I've heard that Ecs workshop is terrible though.

4) How long does it normally take, from start to graduate if you dedicate your time to the program. I have no kids, job hours are flexable and I believe I have enough time to dedicate to the program

This varies wildly. I have no kids, a flexible schedule, and only work 12-24 hours/wk and I will be passing my CPNE a year to the day of my enrollment (though official graduation and sitting for boards will take at least 3 months longer).

5) I have taken Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2 as well as Life Span Development at my college in my state, do they accept this?

They should if the college is accredited but only an Ec advisor could answer this for sure. Also, I think your A&P had to be taken in the last 5 yrs to be accepted (this just changed in October).

Good luck with your decision!