Easiest and cheapest way to complete core curriculum?

[JohnnyHeck]

Search your intended CCs Academic Catalog for their policy on CLEP and other credit-by-exam, (CBE) options. In their catalog you will find which courses in which you can test-out, the credit earning test out scores, and the total number of tested-out credits you can use for your Associates degree. Also double check that this CC has the transfer articulation agreement that you believe it has with your follow-on senior institution. Alternatively, check the CBE policy of your intended senior institution and use it's rules at your CC if more restrictive. If your situation is in the state of California, be especially careful about interpreting the rules on your own. See your CC's academic counselor to be sure you have the right skinny. E.g. CA CCs will grant the Associates degree for certain fields with the use of DSSTs, but none of the state's public schools will accept them last time I checked in 2013. The articulation agreements among the CA senior schools are extremely complex. Beware!