Has anyone successfully implemented this method to learn something in a short span of time than was meant to be completed?
Like coasting through courses, books, tutorials on whichever subject you were studying.
If you remember the materials and strategies you used to achieve this feat can you share that experience with us?
The second method just requires free time and an interest in learning the topics of a course. If you can cram an exam with an overnighter, a couple of weeks of spending your free time can get you a better understanding of the same material. All you need for the credential is an opportunity to test past it (not available for many classes, though likely more available as the eliteness of a school increases).
The closest I've ever come to implementing this is reading a bunch in a short time on a topic I find interesting. The one opportunity I had to test past a course I just didn't have the free time, or really the interest, to do so.
The most important thing: Be interested in what you are learning. If you're interested it's not a slog, it's a joy.