Welcome johnysc430,
The best decision I made 6 months ago was switching to Excelsior, not because I was unhappy instead I needed a degree NOW. The first thing I would encourage you to do is to apply (cost $75) then submit your transcript that way you will find out what credits are accepted. I know that some professional certifications are accepted and for more information you can review
Ways to Earn Credit site. I was able to use my MCSE and CCNA certifications. So don’t rule out your Series 7, 24, 63, Real Estate Brokers License.
The Dante’s and Clep exams are a great way to earning a degree however, many of them will require more time preparing for them than 1 week (unless you’re a brain child, there are few on this site, but I’m not one) specifically upper level credits will require more study time (But it’s still faster than sitting in a 16 week class).
Depending on the location, some Testing Centers require 24/48 hour notices and some have walk-ins policy. Most likely you can take your exams at Empire State College since you’re already familiar with them (hopefully different department/area than your mentor). Also when applying to Excelsior you are given the option for Excelsior to apply your credits to the degree that will get you out the fastest. In my case it was a BS Liberal Arts Degree and I’m hoping to be finished by June 2008.