Pathways Test-Out
Frequently Asked Questions
Demonstrate Your Knowledge and Advance Faster
Already have SBA 7(a) lending experience? The Pathways Test-Out option allows participants to demonstrate their knowledge and potentially bypass Levels 1 and 2 coursework in specific Pathways tracks.
Test-outs are available for the following categories:
- Eligibility
- Underwriting
- Closing & Funding
- Servicing
- Liquidation
Participants may test out of individual tracks or an entire level, depending on their experience and goals.
Current Availability
Pathways test-outs are designed to help experienced professionals accelerate their progression through the Pathways program.
Because Level 2 courses are currently being released, Level 1 test-outs are not yet available. Level 1 test-outs will become available once participants have a subsequent level available for progression.
Additional test-out opportunities will be released as future Pathways levels become available.
Who Should Consider a Test-Out?
Test-outs are designed for experienced SBA professionals who already possess the knowledge and skills covered within a Pathways level.
As a general guideline:
- Level 1 Test-Out
- Recommended for individuals with approximately three or more years of SBA lending experience.
- Level 2 Test-Out
- Recommended for individuals with approximately five or more years of SBA lending experience or those who have already demonstrated mastery of Level 1 concepts.
Participants with less experience may find greater value in completing the coursework rather than attempting a test-out.
Legacy Diploma Holders
Participants who previously earned a NAGGL Diploma may already have access to advanced Pathways levels.
- Fundamental Diploma Holders
- Individuals who earned the NAGGL Fundamental Diploma are not required to complete or test out of Level 1. Level 2 is automatically unlocked for them.
- Fundamental Diploma holders may choose to complete Level 2 coursework or attempt Level 2 test-outs when available.
- Advanced Diploma Holders
- Individuals who earned the NAGGL Advanced Diploma are not required to complete or test out of Levels 1 or 2.
- Level 3 will automatically unlock for Advanced Diploma holders once Level 3 becomes available.
Test-Out Availability
Test-outs are available for:
- Level 1*
- Level 2
*Level 1 test-outs will become available after the rollout of Level 2.
Test-outs are not available for:
- Level 3
- Level 4
Levels 3 and 4 focus on application, analysis, coaching, and real-world decision-making and therefore require completion of the full learning experience.
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Pricing
| Option | Member Price | Non-Member Price |
| Individual Track Test-Out | $95 | $295 |
Participants who wish to test out of an entire level must successfully complete all five category test-outs within that level.
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Important Credential Information
Testing out allows participants to advance through the Pathways curriculum but does not automatically qualify them for a Credly badge.
Mastery Badges
Mastery badges recognize achievement across multiple categories within a Pathways level.
To earn a Mastery badge, participants must complete at least three tracks within the level through the Pathways learning experience.
Participants who test out of some tracks may still earn a Mastery badge, provided they complete a minimum of three tracks through coursework.
Mastery Badge Eligible
- Complete 3 tracks through Pathways coursework and test out of 2 tracks.
- Complete 4 tracks through Pathways coursework and test out of 1 track.
Not Mastery Badge Eligible
- Test out of all 5 tracks.
- Test out of 4 tracks and complete only 1 track through Pathways coursework.
- Test out of 3 tracks and complete only 2 tracks through Pathways coursework.
Specialist Badges
Specialist badges recognize achievement within a single category across all four Pathways levels.
Examples include:
- Eligibility Specialist
- Underwriting Specialist
- Closing & Funding Specialist
- Servicing Specialist
- Liquidation Specialist
Participants earn a Specialist badge by successfully completing all four levels within a category.
Level Completion vs. Badge Eligibility
Successfully passing a test-out assessment satisfies the requirements for that specific track and unlocks the next available level within that category.
For example, a participant who successfully tests out of the **Level 1 Underwriting Track** will unlock the **Level 2 Underwriting Track**, but not the other Level 2 tracks.
Participants who successfully test out of all five categories within a level have completed that level and may progress to the next available level. However, they are not eligible to earn the Mastery badge for that level because the minimum coursework completion requirement was not met.
Transcript Records
Successful test-outs will appear on the participant’s Pathways transcript.
What score is required to pass?
A score of 70% or higher is required to successfully pass a test-out assessment.
How many attempts are allowed?
Only one attempt is permitted per test-out assessment.
What happens if I do not pass?
Participants who do not achieve a passing score must complete the full track through the standard Pathways coursework.
The test-out fee is non-refundable and cannot be applied toward future track registration fees.
Is the assessment timed?
No. Test-out assessments are not timed. Participants may take as much time as needed to complete the assessment.
Can I test out of only one track?
Yes. Participants may test out of as many or as few tracks as they choose and complete the remaining tracks through traditional coursework.
What happens after I pass a test-out?
Successfully passing a test-out unlocks the next available level within that category, allowing you to continue your Pathways progression.
If I test out of all five categories within a level, have I completed that level?
Yes. Successfully passing all five category test-outs satisfies the requirements for that level and allows you to progress to the next available level.
However, participants who test out of all five categories are not eligible to earn the Mastery badge because they did not complete the minimum coursework requirement.
Will my test-out appear on my transcript?
Yes. Successful test-outs are recorded on your Pathways transcript.
Are test-outs available year-round?
Yes. Test-outs are available on demand and may be taken at any time.
Is there a waiting period before I can register for a test-out?
No. There is no waiting period to register for a test-out once it becomes available.
I earned a NAGGL Fundamental or Advanced Diploma. Do I need to test out?
No.
- Participants who earned the Fundamental Diploma automatically receive access to Level 2 and do not need to complete or test out of Level 1.
- Participants who earned the Advanced Diploma automatically receive access to Level 3 when it becomes available and do not need to complete or test out of Levels 1 or 2.
Can I use test-outs to satisfy diploma requirements?
No. The NAGGL Diploma Program has been retired. Test-outs apply only to the Pathways learning program.