Proposed Law: Post-Secondary Degree Equivalency Act
Section 1: Purpose
The purpose of this law is to establish a pathway for individuals who have pursued independent or homeschool education to obtain accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree equivalency through standardized, comprehensive testing. This law aims to recognize alternative forms of education, promote lifelong learning, and create opportunities for those who demonstrate equivalent knowledge, excluding professions that require clinical or hands-on experience (e.g., medical doctors, dentists).
Section 2: Definitions
1. Independent Study or Homeschool Education: Education conducted outside traditional accredited institutions, through self-study, mentorship, online courses, or other alternative methods.
2. Degree Equivalency Testing: Standardized exams designed by accredited educational institutions or governing bodies to assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills equivalent to those obtained through a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate program.
3. Exempt Professions: Professions that require clinical, hands-on experience as part of the educational requirements, such as medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, etc.
Section 3: Eligibility
1. Individuals who have completed independent or homeschool education, or other non-institutional educational pathways, are eligible to apply for degree equivalency testing.
2. Testing will be available for the following degree levels:
• Bachelor’s Degree Equivalency
• Master’s Degree Equivalency
• Doctorate Degree Equivalency (excluding exempt professions)
3. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age for Bachelor’s equivalency and meet the relevant prerequisites for Master’s or Doctorate testing (e.g., prior degree or equivalent experience).
Section 4: Testing and Evaluation
1. The standardized exams for each degree level will be developed and administered by a board of accredited universities, subject matter experts, and government-appointed education specialists.
2. Exams will assess the candidate’s mastery of the knowledge and skills required for the degree level in question, based on nationally or internationally recognized academic standards.
3. Testing will be available in multiple disciplines, including but not limited to:
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Business and Economics
• Arts and Literature
Section 5: Accreditation and Recognition
1. Upon passing the required exams, the individual will be awarded a Degree Equivalency Certificate (DEC), recognized as equivalent to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in non-exempt professions.
2. The DEC will be recognized by employers, public institutions, and licensing boards where applicable, and holders will be eligible to apply for jobs, further education, or licensing where a traditional degree is required.
3. The DEC shall not be considered valid for professional licensure in exempt professions without additional accredited clinical or experiential training.
Section 6: Exclusions
1. This law does not apply to professions that require clinical or experiential education, such as medical doctors, juris doctors, dentists, therapists, or other healthcare professionals where hands-on training is essential for licensure.
2. Specific industries with highly specialized requirements may impose additional practical training or internship requirements, which are not covered under this law.
Section 7: Oversight and Compliance
1. Establish the Homeschool Degree Equivalency Board (HDEB), which will oversee the creation, implementation, and administration of degree equivalency tests.
2. The HDEB will collaborate with accredited universities and professional boards to ensure testing reflects current academic standards.
3. Regular audits and reviews will be conducted to ensure the integrity and fairness of the testing system.
Section 8: Funding
1. The program will be funded through testing fees paid by applicants, with sliding-scale options for low-income individuals to ensure accessibility.
2. Additional funding may be allocated through federal and state education budgets.
This Act would offer significant benefits by providing a flexible, accessible pathway for individuals who have pursued alternative education to obtain formal degree recognition. It allows self-directed learners to demonstrate their knowledge through accredited testing, leveling the playing field for those outside traditional academic institutions. This program can reduce barriers to employment and further education, fostering innovation, economic mobility, and lifelong learning, while maintaining high academic standards. Additionally, it broadens access to higher education without the financial and time constraints of conventional degree programs.