DSSTS or CLEPS

[Brandy3120]

Hello all,

I'm preparing to take a few test and just curious if those who are experienced at taking these test, which do you find the easiest to take, Dantes or Cleps?

Do you feel the questions and answers are worded differently? can anyone give some feed back?

thanks!

[gdeuersh]

I've taken 3 CLEPS exams and 3 Dantes.

I prefer CLEPS for the following reasons: CLEPS is computer based and gives you instant results.

The Dantes exams I've taken were all paper-based and I had to wait a week or more for the mailed results. The only plus for Dantes is that there is no time limit unlike CLEPS.

I passed all six exams, including Statistics (by a thread).

I'm cramming now for a Dantes Astronomy exam. Has anyone taken that one? If so - advice.

Greg D

[HawkGuy]

I prefer the DSST tests myself. Where I tested had the computer based ones, so I found out my scores right away. For whatever reason, I seemed to score better on the DSST's and they seemed easier too. Maybe it was just me haha.

[cookderosa]

I don't know- I think there are a lot of differences, but I don't know if they are under the headings "easier" or "harder." I found the difference in the level of difficulty negligible.

DSST has 4 choices while CLEP has 5. Technically your odds would be better on the DSST, but I found it a little harder to rule out choices on the DSST.

DSST format is beautiful. Nice colors, nice font, easy to read, attractive and contemporary (think Vista). CLEP looks like an 80's flashback (think DOS).

What you should consider- is the physical center. You're probably going to be taking these at 2 different testing centers - so I would say you might notice several differences the quality of testing center. (I did!) It might be a longer drive, more restrictive center hours, limits on number of tests you could take per day, etc. Also- one center I used had the computer in the middle of a busy (huge) center, while the other two were quiet. One was very quiet, but had flickering florescent lights (!?) which drove me nuts. Another had a workstation that was horrible- the monitor was too high and set wayyyyy back. Stuff like that shouldn't be discounted as unimportant. Lastly, once center was on the ball- the lady knew me and knew what to do. Another center always acted confused and put out by me.

Next- consider cost. At the end, I found a center that had no fee! But, previously, I was paying either $15 or $20 per test. Once a center waived my second test fee for that day, but usually not. If I had found the free center first, I would have used it more often.

Additionally, they are different subjects and DSST can offer you some tests that come in above 200 level (CLEPs don't).

Lastly, CLEP has a lot of 6+ credit exams while DSST exams are all only 3 credits.

Also, any test you study for won't be too hard to pass. GOOD LUCK!