The New York Proficiency Examination Program was established by the State Education Department with the cooperation of colleges and universities of the State in an effort to open up the educational opportunities to individuals who had acquired college level knowledge in ways other than through regular classroom attendance. The first section of this document discusses the background of the program; study aids and special adult degree programs; and poses and answers important questions about the program. Descriptions of examinations in arts and sciences, foreign languages, health education sciences, nursing sciences, and professional education are provided in the second section. The third section contains policy statements of colleges and universities regarding the granting of College Proficiency Examination credit. (PT)