from pub 970 table 2-1
Number of years of postsecondary education Available ONLY if the student had not completed the first 4 years of postsecondary education before 2018 (generally, the freshman through senior years, determined by the eligible educational institution, not including academic credit awarded solely because of the student's performance on proficiency examinations)
the way i read this if you get a 4 year degree in 3 years (takes more credit hours in a semester to do this) you don't qualify. however, you say you took tests to earn 1/4 of your credits so I would say you have used up only 3 years.
note that if you pursue a 4th year, you must meet all the requirements.
