By definition I am a doctor all minus credentials because I teach and contribute originality, rigor and usefulness .
There are some doctoral programs by publication. You can look into that.
Have you written a doctoral thesis? If so, find a supervisor interested in the topic and talk to them. I don't think you can get a doctorate because you think that you have equivalent skills. It would be like saying "I'm a good advocate. By definition I'm a lawyer in all but credentials. How do I get a law degree as fast as possible."
In general, you can only get a doctorate based on work completed while in the doctoral program, not previous work. That said, your experience will help you get a PhD faster than someone without experience (as long as that experience is in the area you are getting your PhD in). In the US, the fastest I have seen someone get a PhD is in about 4 years.
Kyle
There are universities that accept publications as long as post-baccalaureate, like the University of Portsmouth. Outside the USA, many doctorate programs do not require coursework. Hence, in Europe, South Africa, etc., the minimum time is two years and practical if someone is motivated.
Thank you Sara, David, and Kyle for your input. I would like to add/summarize:
What you need in any case is the acceptance of a supervisor and a faculty! In many universities you have to be also accepted by a Graduate School. Then you carry out your work. And finally a commitee of experts including your supervisor will evaluate your doctoral thesis and before them you have to pass your defense.
Your thesis can be an autography (a book) or a collection of papers. I would guess that in many universities this collection can only consist of papers of you and your supervisor. But there might be exceptions.
So, it is not so much about how long it takes or if some previous work might be included. It is about the entire "package" and the acceptance. All professors and faculties are completely free to accept or reject a candidate. There is no "human right" for a PhD. If they like your previous work depends on them and their regulations.
If you start your doctoral work from scratch (no previous work - but previous experience!) it will take at least 3000 h of work - if you want a number.
This are at least the rules for German Universities and I guess they are valid in entire Europe.
Best
AXEL
Honorary doctorates are senior awards given for exceptional contribution to a field or to a country/society - think of internationally rated scientists, or people of the ilk of Nelson Mandela. (edited for clarity)
The comments of other contributors have already covered the key issues here. I would strongly advise you to investigate the minimum formal time you need to be registered for a PhD in your country before the degree can be awarded, and also whether your institution supports doctorates through publication. However, there really are no short cuts here.
Thank you Lisa. But there is also the scientific Dr. h.c. (honoris causa). The quality barrier for a Dr. h.c. is even higher than for a Dr. or PhD. You have to be an international expert in a field that a Department or Faculty deems important.
Alexander, why don't you just do it like we all did: 3000 h of work, 3 publications and a PhD defense?
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