[coroxout]

I just finished Udacity's CS101 course and the lack of deadlines was good for me. I started it months ago and only found time to finish it over my Christmas break, because just watching the videos took me a whole evening per section, and then there are quizzes and homework. And that's to someone who wasn't new to CS but was doing it mainly as an introduction to Python.

I was somewhat surprised, though, to find that the final exam also has no time limits. I couldn't get one of the 12 exam questions right, but apparently I can come back at any time I feel like another go at turning that last question into a green tick. I'm not even sure if there's anything to stop me reading the "spoiler" forum questions about it first.

The course has been excellent and has some respected names behind it, so I had thought that the transcripts and certificates offered had some sort of credibility, but I guess I was wrong expecting my end grade to be any more credible than how many Codecademy badges I have. (Codecademy is good fun too!)

[mhurron]

> I'm not even sure if there's anything to stop me reading the "spoiler" forum questions about it first.

There isn't, except your own drive.

> I had thought that the transcripts and certificates offered had some sort of credibility

The certificates as they are now are more for your self as a proof of accomplishment thing. I have heard that they may be moving towards a real closed exam provided by something like Prometric, like any number of IT certifications, that would be something that could be pointed to in a more credible manner.