A study guide to assist a candidate preparing to take the New York State College Proficiency and Regents External Degree Examinations is presented. This booklet offers suggestions on how to successfully complete an independent study project learning to do tasks normally performed by a teacher. The guide includes; preparing for independent study, study methods, recognizing and correcting study problems, resources and further assistance, reviewing and self-testing, and the examination procedure. College Proficiency Examinations offer people a chance to earn college credit without attending college classes, and can lead to New York State teacher certification and New York City teacher licensure requirements. Information on how to meet requirements for a Regents External Degree, and to qualify for promotions, salary increases, or new jobs is also provided. Regents External Degree Examinations, which are given in the fields of nursing and business, are designed to correspond to particular levels of academic preparation, and not necessarily to the subject matter of a specific college course. (Author/PN)