Over the past several years studies have indicated that traditional certification models are not working as well as they once did, particularly in relation to a larger and larger number of unconventional students to be served, and if possible, certified. Two major problems stand in the way of creating educational opportunities that would afford these unconventional students the opportunity of obtaining credentials via external degrees: college and university residence requirements and accreditation requirements. This document presents arguments as they are stated by educational institutions against external degree programs and lists some issues that must be taken into account before such programs are created. (HS)