What are CLEP and Dante's tests?

CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and DSST (formerly known as Dante's tests) are credit-by-examination programs that allow individuals to earn college credit by passing standardized tests. This enables students to bypass traditional coursework and achieve credits based on knowledge they already possess. Here's how they work and their primary benefits:

• CLEP: Offers tests across multiple subjects, such as social sciences, and allows students to earn college credits that count towards graduation if they pass these exams.

• DSST: Initially developed for military personnel, DSST exams cover specific subjects including personal finance. Successful completion of a DSST exam can also result in college credits.

These tests are appealing because they can save costs and time by providing an alternative path to accumulate credits without attending regular classes, as evidenced by Gerry Born using these tests to maintain his teaching certificate and bypass conventional class attendance 1 .