CLEP and DSST Exams: Save Time and Money

Going to college can be a large investment in terms of time and money. If you are planning on going to school and want to save some of both, you should consider taking the standardized test approach. You can take CLEP and DSST exams without enrolling in classes. These exams cover material that would be learned in a semester of a college level class, and are available for a large number of subject areas. Some exams even cover a full one or two year course!

These tests can give you a nice head start on credits before you even begin your first semester. This could allow you lower your course load and save some money in the process. While the tests cost around $80, they are still cheaper than taking a class. You can even find practice tests online to help you prepare. How much credit you could gain really varies by school, and while over 2000 institutions recognize CLEP and DSST tests for college credit, it’s important that you check with your target school first. Oftentimes the number of credits granted will depend on your test scores, so make sure you are well prepared if you decide to take one of these exams.

As far as the actual test goes, you can expect a majority of the questions to be multiple choice. Some subjects change things up a little with listening sections (language courses), or essays. The structure of the test could also vary by school. Some colleges and universities require the optional essay portion to be completed in order to award credit, so, if you’re thinking about taking one of these tests, find out exactly what the requirements of your school and subject area are. Once that is done, it’s all a matter of finding a recognized testing center near you and you can start working toward your college or university education!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bart Chlebowski is a professional writer and TEFL teacher currently based in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia. He just came back from spending over 4 years in the South Korean TEFL industry both as a teacher and content creator. He has a degree in English with a minor in political science from the University of British Columbia, and plans to go on to get his MA in Europe later this year. His interests include current events, politics, history, literature, and travel. In his free time, he enjoys hitting the beach, having some drinks with his wife and friends, or taking in a good soccer match.