The Regents External Degree is a New York State program offering a college degree to individuals, whether by earned college credit or knowledge acquired in other experience areas. The external degree and the College Proficiency Examinations are administered by the University of the State of New York, which has no campus or courses but accepts credits from accredited institutions of higher education. Associate or Bachelor degrees are offered in the arts, science, nursing and business. The College Proficiency Examinations test knowledge for credit equivalent to semester courses in the arts, sciences, nursing, criminal justice, and additional areas. The examinations can be used for New York State teacher certification, to qualify for jobs or promotions, or to earn an external degree. The Regents Credit Bank is a service which evaluates anyone's college-level work within Regents academic standards. The Regents External Degree and proficiency examination programs, specifications and requirements, approaches to earning credit, and fees are presented. Examination content, credit and fees are described with application procedures for state residents and non-residents. (CM)