CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) exams are two programs designed to help students earn college credit by testing their knowledge in specific subject areas. However, there are some key differences between CLEP vs DSST exams:
CLEP Exams
- Offered by: The College Board.
- Number of Exams: Over 30 subjects in areas like math, science, business, and humanities.
- Credit Acceptance: Widely accepted by colleges and universities in the United States.
- Target Audience: Traditionally geared toward students of all backgrounds, including those in college, high school, and adults returning to education.
- Format: Multiple-choice questions, essays (for some), and listening components (for language exams).
- Cost: Typically around $90 per exam, excluding testing center fees.
DSST Exams
- Offered by: Prometric.
- Number of Exams: About 30 subjects, including specialized areas like technical writing, military history, and personal finance.
- Credit Acceptance: Accepted by a smaller number of schools compared to CLEP, but many still honor the credits.
- Target Audience: Originally designed for military personnel but now available to the general public as well.
- Format: Mostly multiple-choice.
- Cost: Usually around $100 per exam, plus any additional fees.
Summary
- Audience: CLEP has broader recognition in traditional educational settings, while DSST initially catered to military service members.
- Subject Areas: DSST offers some unique subjects not found in CLEP, like organizational behavior and ethics in technology.
- Acceptance: CLEP tends to have wider acceptance, but it’s always important to check with your specific institution for credit policies.
Both CLEP and DSST are excellent ways to save money and accelerate your education journey. But if you’re considering taking either of these exams, it’s a good idea to check the specific credit policies of your target college or university regarding CLEP vs DSST.
