Higher education costs continue to climb, leaving millions of students searching for practical ways to earn degrees without accumulating massive debt. While traditional tuition, textbooks, and campus fees can push the price of a single three-credit course past $1,000, alternative pathways offer a fraction of that cost. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) programs allow learners to demonstrate existing knowledge and earn real academic credit in a single sitting.
Among the most widely accepted PLA options are the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). By taking advantage of CLEP exams college credit and DSST credit by exam, students can bypass standard general education requirements, accelerate their graduation timelines, and keep out-of-pocket expenses under $100 per course.
Understanding how these exam programs operate, how to prepare effectively, and how to integrate them into your degree program can transform your approach to earning a college degree.
What Are CLEP and DSST Exams?
Both CLEP and DSST are credit-by-examination programs designed to measure lower- and upper-level college knowledge. Instead of sitting through a 15-week semester of lectures, home assignments, and midterm exams, you take a single comprehensive test. If your score meets or exceeds the American Council on Education (ACE) recommended benchmark, participating colleges will grant you full course credit.
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Administered by the College Board—the same organization behind the SAT and AP exams—CLEP offers 34 exams across five core subject areas: Composition and Literature, World Languages, History and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and Business. Over 2,900 colleges and universities accept CLEP credits.
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
Originally created for military personnel by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), DSST exams are now available to civilian students as well. DSST features over 30 exams, expanding heavily into specialized areas such as Personal Finance, Criminal Justice, Business Ethics, Technical Writing, and Environmental Science. More than 1,900 institutions recognize DSST credit by exam.
The Economics of Testing Out: Breaking Down the Costs
The primary appeal of credit-by-exam programs is their unmatched return on investment. A typical three-credit course at a public four-year university averages $1,000 to $1,500 in tuition alone, excluding campus fees and textbook costs. Private universities often charge upwards of $3,000 per course.
By comparison, the financial breakdown of credit-by-examination shows dramatic savings:
- CLEP Registration Fee: $95 to $97 per exam.
- DSST Registration Fee: Approximately $100 per exam.
- Local Test Center Admin Fees: Typically ranges from $15 to $35 depending on the testing center or proctoring service.
Even with local administrative fees added, the total cost to attempt a CLEP or DSST exam frequently hovers around or slightly above $100. Passing a single test yields three to six semester credits, reducing your tuition burden by thousands of dollars per semester.
How to Test Out Entirely for Free with Modern States
While $100 per course is already a steep discount compared to traditional tuition, students can actually reduce their out-of-pocket costs to zero dollars.
The non-profit philanthropy organization Modern States Education Alliance created an initiative known as "Freshman Year for Free." Through Modern States free CLEP preparation courses, students gain access to free online tuition videos, practice questions, and digital textbooks authored by university professors.
When you complete a Modern States course module and practice questions, the organization provides a voucher that covers your entire CLEP exam fee. Furthermore, Modern States reimburses any administrative testing center fees you incur. By utilizing Modern States free CLEP resources, motivated learners can complete up to a full year of college introductory requirements at no cost.
Credit by Exam and the Broader Alternative Education Ecosystem
CLEP and DSST exams do not exist in isolation; they are part of a growing movement across higher education aimed at prioritizing mastery over seat time.
Competency Based Education
Traditional academic models measure progress by the number of hours spent in a physical or virtual classroom (seat time). In contrast, competency based education (CBE) shifts the focus strictly to knowledge mastery. Under a CBE model, it does not matter whether you learned microeconomics over four years in high school, through self-study, or during years of workplace experience. If you can demonstrate proficiency on an assessment, you earn credit. CLEP and DSST serve as quintessential expressions of competency based education, rewarding self-directed learning and prior knowledge.
Audit-to-Credit Paths
Another emerging model in modern higher education involves audit-to-credit paths. Students frequently audit Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Class Central for free to learn a subject. Once they feel confident in the material, they register for a CLEP or DSST exam to translate that informal audited knowledge into recognized academic credit on an official college transcript.
Institutional Support and Program Mentors
To navigate alternative credit options successfully, students must coordinate closely with academic advisors and institutional program mentors. When working within degree-granting institutions—especially adult-friendly or online universities—program mentors help students identify exactly which general education distribution requirements can be satisfied via examination. They ensure that test choices align with degree plans so students avoid taking redundant exams.
Comparing Your Options: CLEP vs. DSST
While both programs share similar objectives and delivery methods, key structural differences help determine which test best fits your degree requirements.
| Feature | CLEP Exams | DSST Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Lower-level General Education (Freshman/Sophomore) | General Education & Upper-Level Electives |
| Total Exams Offered | 34 subjects | 30+ subjects |
| Notable Subjects | College Algebra, Foreign Languages, American Literature | Personal Finance, Criminal Justice, Business Ethics |
| Institutional Acceptance | ~2,900 Colleges & Universities | ~1,900 Colleges & Universities |
| Average Base Fee | $95 - $97 | ~$100 |
| Military Funding | DANTES Funded for eligible military | DANTES Funded for eligible military |
Step-by-Step Guide to Passing Your Credit Exams
Testing out of college courses requires self-discipline and strategic preparation. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of passing on your first attempt:
1. Verify Your University's Transfer Policy
Before spending time or money, check your institution's Credit for Prior Learning policy. Confirm which exams they accept, the minimum passing score required (typically 50 on CLEP's 20-80 scale), and the maximum number of exam credits permitted toward your degree.
2. Select the Right Subject
Start with subjects you already know well or topics that build on recent high school or work experience. Introductory Sociology, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature, and Principles of Marketing are widely considered accessible entry points for first-time test takers.
3. Utilize Quality Prep Material
Beyond Modern States, leverage trusted study tools such as Official College Board practice tests, InstantCert flashcards, and OpenStax free textbooks. Focus heavily on diagnostic practice tests to identify weak points early.
4. Schedule and Take the Exam
Exams can be taken at authorized physical testing centers (located at many colleges and professional testing facilities) or via remote online proctoring from your home computer.
5. Send Official Transcripts
During registration, select your college as the designated score recipient. Once passed, your score will automatically send to your registrar to be applied as credit toward your degree audit.
Final Thoughts on Credit Acceleration
Accelerating your college degree through CLEP exams college credit and DSST credit by exam represents one of the most effective, underutilized strategies in modern higher education. By combining these credit-by-exam opportunities with Modern States free CLEP vouchers, competency based education frameworks, and advice from program mentors, you can conquer introductory general education requirements in weeks rather than years.
Whether you are an incoming freshman trying to graduate debt-free, an adult learner returning to finish a degree, or a military service member leveraging audit-to-credit paths, testing out of courses puts you in complete control of your academic speed and financial future.