Differences between CLEP and Dantes

[snazzlefrag]

Dantes tests seem to be worded more...unintuitively. It almost seems sometimes that they're just trying to trick you on the dantes questions as opposed to the more straight forward clep tests. Also, clep is now computer-based whereas dantes is paper-only. Overall though, I think they're of similar difficulty.

I agree with Urbannaja,

I think CLEP questions (and answer choices) are a little better thought out. They know that you only have 90 minutes to complete their exams. So I think they put lots of effort into making sure there are no vague or 'trick' questions that will leave you staring blankly at the screen for ten minutes before you can figure out the answer. You either know it, or you don't.

Since DANTES are untimed, I think they take a bit more liberty with their questions, and answer choices. There are usually a few questions on each DANTES exam that require extra time to figure out exactly what the question is asking. Only then can you choose the best answer option.

I wouldn't say that the DANTES are 'harder' than CLEPs. It just that their questions often require just a little longer thought process...but that's okay, because they are untimed. If you have studied adequately, you will do well regardless of whether you are taking a CLEP or a DANTES.

On the plus side, DANTES provide only FOUR answer options (A-D) per question, whereas CLEP provide FIVE (A-E). Obviously, the fewer answer options you have, the better your chances of choosing the correct one (25% chance on DANTES, instead of 20% with CLEP). Again, if you know the material, this won't be a big issue. But when you do have to GUESS at an answer, it increases your odds of guessing correctly.

After June 30th, CLEPs will cost $60, the same as DANTES. So cost will no longer factor into the equation at all.

Of course, you can't beat the instant gratification that comes with knowing your score as soon as you finish a CLEP exam. Waiting for DANTES scores to arrive in the mail is the pits!

Having taken 14 DANTES and 9 CLEP exams now, I can honestly say that I don't even consider whether it is a CLEP or a DANTES exam. I know that if I study hard, I can pass either type of exam.

Hope this helps,
Snazzlefrag