The Regents External Degrees program to earn a degree without attending college, and the College Proficiency Examinations to validate knowledge gained outside of the formal college classroom are described. The programs 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 degrees in Arts and Sciences and Nursing; bachelors degrees in Arts and Sciences, and bachelors degrees in science for nursing and business are offered. The procedures for earning credit and a degree, the use of credit for two degrees on academic appeals procedure, and financial and candidate counseling information are presented. Information about teacher preparation and job qualification, preparation for the examinations, administering procedures, and content descriptions are provided. Requirements for a High School Equivalency Diploma and the Regents Credit Bank which evaluates college-level work within Regents academic standards are discussed. (CM)