Indianapolis, Ind.—The National Institute of Certified College Planners (NICCP) has partnered with The College Network, Inc. to offer SMART START™ College Essentials, a resource of online learning materials that can reduce the time and cost associated with college education. SMART START™ College Essentials enables learners to earn college credit (“test out”) for general education and prerequisite courses by passing end-of-course college equivalency exams such as The College Board’s College Level Examination Program® (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests® (DSST).

NICCP member advisors work with families of college-bound high school students across the United States to strategically plan for the financial expense associated with higher education. By partnering with The College Network, NICCP member advisors now have access to educational materials that can help prepare their clients’ high school students to earn college credit.

“We are excited that our newest affiliate partner, The College Network, offers NICCP member advisors several important new tools to help reduce their clients” college costs and, in many cases, actually reduce the time it takes a student to graduate,” said Rick Darvis, CPA, CCPS, President and Co-founder of NICCP. “The College Network will also be a contributing member of the NICCP Parent University, a free college-planning information center available online 24/7 to parents and students.”

“Our partnership with the NICCP is helping bridge the financial gap for families across the United States worried about affording the escalating costs associated with college education,” said Gary Eyler, Chairman and CEO of The College Network. “Our SMART START™ College Essentials learning materials are an affordable way for families to get a head start on earning college credit-reducing the time and expense associated with a traditional campus experience.”

The College Network’s SMART START™ College Essentials is available to those who want to get a head start and earn college credit before attending classes on campus. SMART START™ College Essentials comprises online courses (Comprehensive Learning Modules) that are designed to help learners to earn college credit (“test out”) for general education and prerequisite courses by passing end-of-course college equivalency exams, such as CLEP and DSST. Online access is convenient and enables learners to work at an independent pace. Upon admission to the learner’s college or university of choice, credits earned for general education and prerequisite courses may be transferred to that college or university. To learn more about this program, visit www.college-net.com/smartstart.

For further information please contact:
Emily Huntzinger
The College Network
317-566-2669
ehuntzinger@college-net.com

About The College Network, Inc.
Since 1992, The College Network has provided educational solutions that enable working adults to enjoy the pride, prestige, and earning power that result from obtaining college degrees and professional certificates from highly acclaimed universities. As one of the nation’s leading educational services companies and a partner with several of the nation’s foremost institutions of higher learning, TCN has helped over 150,000 adults advance their education while balancing their personal and professional lives. Visit www.college-net.com or call 1-800-39-LEARN (395-3276) for more information.

About the National Institute of Certified College Planners
Founded in 2002, The National Institute of Certified College Planners (NICCP) is dedicated to the promotion of the Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) certification program. The NICCP provides CPAs and financial planners with specialty training and education, as well as planning tools and ongoing support in the specialized field of college funding/planning. NICCP members are committed to helping families of all incomes reduce the cost of college and make higher education an affordable reality. To learn more, please visit www.niccp.com.