CLEP vs DSST: Which Exam Should You Take?
Both CLEP and DSST let you earn college credit by passing an exam instead of taking a full course. But they're not the same. Here's how to decide which one to take.
Quick Comparison
| | CLEP | DSST | |---|---|---| | Exams available | 34 | 22 | | Cost per exam | $93 | $85 | | Accepted at | 2,900+ schools | 1,900+ schools | | Run by | College Board | Prometric | | Best for | General education credits | Specialized/career-focused credits | | Time limit | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
When to Choose CLEP
CLEP is the safer choice if you're not sure. It's accepted at more schools and covers the subjects most commonly required for general education: Psychology, Algebra, English, History, Biology.
Choose CLEP if:
- You need general education credits
- Your school definitely accepts CLEP (check first!)
- You want the widest acceptance
When to Choose DSST
DSST exams cover more specialized topics like Personal Finance, Criminal Justice, Ethics, and Technical Writing. They're popular with military service members (the military often covers the exam fee).
Choose DSST if:
- You have work experience in the subject area
- You need credits in specialized fields
- You're active duty or a veteran (free through DANTES)
Can You Take Both?
Yes. Many students take a mix of CLEP and DSST exams to maximize credits. Just check with your school's registrar to confirm which specific exams they accept and how many credits they'll grant.
How to Prepare
The study strategies are identical for both programs:
- Take a diagnostic to identify weak areas
- Focus practice on topics you don't know
- Take a mock exam before the real thing
- Use pass probability to know when you're ready
PrepLion covers all 34 CLEP exams and 22 DSST exams with the same adaptive practice system.