CLEP vs DSST

[pauld]

Hi Folks:

As you probably realized by the subject, I am clueless about these 2 credit types. Are they pretty much the same or is there any significant difference?
I understand InstaCert prepares you for CLEPs. What about DSST? Is there a site for that too?

And my last stupid question: Why are these schools called the "Big 3"?

[PeteDude]

Hi Folks:

As you probably realized by the subject, I am clueless about these 2 credit types. Are they pretty much the same or is there any significant difference?
I understand InstaCert prepares you for CLEPs. What about DSST? Is there a site for that too?

And my last stupid question: Why are these schools called the "Big 3"?

Paul,

Welcome. I think you'll find the search links at the top of the page really handy for exploring these questions in depth. I'll give a few quick summary answers, though.

CLEP and DSST have the same "weight" with most colleges that accept them as they are evaluated by a nationally recognized academic evaluation firm known as ACE. There are different degrees of utility for these exams depending on your program, but that's mostly due to how the tests are scored and whether they're upper or lower level exams. Read the boards a bit-- it's sure to be enlightening. InstantCert will prep you for both.

The "big 3" is shorthand for Charter Oak State College, Excelsior College and Thomas Edison State College. They're given that nickname collectively as they are the three most well-known institutions that grant 100% college credit based on earned transfer credit. In fact, they may be the only three in the country operating on that basis.

[pauld]

Thank you Peter!
This was a major cause of confusion from me, bcuz all the others I have read about like Kaplan, AIU, Phoenix etc. all seem to claim that they grand 100% transfer credits as well.