• Testing for credit can save students valuable time and hundreds of dollars of course costs.

    Testing for Credit -- Affordable Options to Earn College Credit

    Adult students in CCU’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies are encouraged to explore a variety of options to help them achieve their bachelor’s degree. Testing for credit through CLEP and DSST exams is a fast and economical way to accumulate credit for general education and elective credit hours toward your bachelor's degree at Colorado Christian University.

    Up to 45 semester hours of credit by examination will be accepted toward a bachelor’s degree, and up to 30 semester hours of credit toward an associate degree.

    CLEP Exams

    The College Level Exam Program was created by the College Board to offer course credit for general education and elective courses. CLEP tests are recognized throughout academia as transferable credit, though each institution can approve specific tests for their programs. The recommended passing score is 50, which is a mean score not a percentage score. The test topics represent more educational disciplines such as history, math, and science. Learn more about CLEP tests on the College Board website.

    DSST Exams

    Historically, DSST (formerly DANTES) exams were used by the Department of Defense as a way for military personnel to earn college credit. The exams are now available to all students and are also offered in a computerized format with multiple choice questions. The test topics tend to mirror life experience skills sets. Some examples of test topics include, “Here’s to your Health,” “Personal Finance,” “Law Enforcement,” and “Education Psychology.” You can learn more about DSST exams at the DSST website.

  • Testing for Credit FAQs

    What are CLEP and DSST exams and how do they differ?
    CLEP and DSST exams allow adult degree completion students to earn credit for their life experiences. The subjects covered by CLEP and DSST exams differ, though there is some overlap. Both CLEP and DSST exams are entirely computerized. CLEP exams have a 90-minute time limit, and DSST exams have a two-hour time limit.
    Do CLEP and DSST examination credits count toward graduation?
    The exam credits are transferable credits. However, they may be used only to fulfill general education and elective hours and are not applicable toward core courses, minor requirements, nor do they impact GPA.
    How much do CLEP and DSST tests costs?
    See the College of Adult and Graduate Studies Tuition and Fees for CLEP and DSST examination fees. The fee must be paid at the time of the exam.
    When can I take CLEP or DSST tests?
    Contact the College of Adult and Graduate Studies Center that is convenient for you to find out the available test times.
    How soon are the test results available?
    Both CLEP and DSST exam results are available immediately after completion of the test. You will receive a score report printout following the exam. The only exception is the CLEP English Composition with Essay, which must be graded by CLEP. Those scores will be mailed to the student in 2 to 3 weeks. 
    Is there a limit on the number of credits a student may earn by testing?
    Yes. A maximum of 45 semester hours of credit by examination will be accepted.
    What study resources are available to prepare for the examinations?
    CLEP publishes a comprehensive study guide that is available for purchase in most bookstores or available for reference in most libraries. It includes a helpful breakdown of the test content and a sample test with answers of 20-40 questions. DSST publishes individual study guides for each test (available at getcollegecredit.com), with a breakdown of the test subject matter and 6-10 sample questions. There are also sample exams for some of the most common tests on the Web site.
    Can CLEP and DSST exams be used to test out of any course?
    CLEP and/or DSST exams may be used to fulfill general education and elective hours. Credit received will be treated as transfer credit. A student may not receive credit by examination for a course in which he or she has been registered at CCU and received a "D," "F," "NC," "Audit," "W," or "Incomplete." A student may not receive credit for an examination after already receiving credit for completion of an equivalent course or test. For example, a student may not receive credit for a standard, classroom-type English Composition course and then receive credit for a CLEP test for English Composition. This policy is intended to prevent duplicate credit for specific courses, not general areas of study.
    Can I retake a CLEP or DSST exam?
    If a student fails a CLEP or DSST exam, the student must wait at least six months before retaking the exam.
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  • Contact Info

    College of Adult and Graduate Studies

    Phone: 303-963-3311

    Email: agsadmission@ccu.edu

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