AP and CLEP ~ What’s the Difference?

| June 13, 2018

Advanced Placement® (AP) and the College Level Exam Program® (CLEP) are both credit-by-exam programs offered by The College Board. Both are affordable ways to earn college credit. DSST is another credit-by-exam program, offered through Prometric. Passing an exam demonstrates mastery of material often taught in introductory college-level courses. So what are the differences and which should get your attention?

Origins

The AP program was created in the 1950’s to provide a way for high-achieving high school students to get a head start on college work. CLEP was created in 1967 as a credit-earning option for adults. DSST was initially created as a means for military personnel to earn college credit. The bank of tests was later opened up to all students.

Audience, Preparation, Availability and Acceptance

AP is for high school students. Testing is scheduled through participating high schools and proctored on their campus. Test dates are limited to one day in May. Though it is not required, most students prepare for an AP exam by taking an AP high school course offered through their school.

CLEP and DSST allow open access. Testing is available year-round at participating test centers, usually college campuses, and is available to persons of any age. Unlike AP, these exams are not associated with a high school course. It is up to the student to determine their materials and method of learning. Independent learners, adults, and homeschooled students often prefer this option.

AP

Acceptance is up to the individual college. As with any transfer credit, it is up to the receiving college to assess and award. Credit policies vary. It is up to the student to research how credits will be awarded. Some colleges will exclusively accept AP exams. Others have standardized policies for CLEP and/or DSST acceptance. Colleges often use the recommendation provided by The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service when assigning credit.

Preparing for AP, CLEP, and DSST will help students develop the study skills and critical reasoning that prepare them for college. Each offers different exam titles. Exam content for both AP and CLEP is developed by a panel of college professors, many who sit on both test development committees. Though both are offered by The College Board, AP is more well-known than CLEP because it is promoted through high schools. AP is suggested to high-achieving students as a way to demonstrate their academic ability. It is also a means for high schools to raise their reputation.

Comparing AP, CLEP, DSST

AP CLEP DSST
Exams Available
 34 33 38
Cost $94 $87 plus $15-$25 admin fee $85+ plus $15-$25 admin fee
Dates Offered May Year round Year round
Scores Scores are mailed in July. Immediate score report. Immediate score results; printouts available online within 24 hours.
Retest Students can re-test the following year. Students can retest after 90 days. 30 days
Aligned to the Common Core YES NO NO
Testing Location High school campus – tests are ordered through high school advisor by March. Homeschooled students: If you want to take an AP Exam, you must locate a school willing to test you. That school’s AP Coordinator is responsible for ordering your exam materials. Bear in mind, the schools are not obligated to accommodate you. College campus testing centers – student contacts testing center directly to schedule. Often 48-hour notice is adequate. Same as CLEP
Test Rigor 2-3 hours, includes multiple-choice, problem solving and/or free response (essay) sections, paper & pencil. 90 minutes, 100-question multiple-choice, computer-based testing. College Composition exam has an essay. 2-hour time limit; number of questions varies, computer-based testing.
Audience Typically, high-achieving public/private school students in 11-12th grade, though College Board does not set an age requirement. Public schools may limit students who are eligible to enroll in AP courses because exam results show that, for the most part, 9th grade students are not sufficiently prepared to participate in a college-level course. An email from College Board states: “College and post-high school students may take the AP exam only if they can find a high school willing to admit them. Only the college can let you know whether or not you can obtain credit for an AP exam. College and post-high school students should consider taking the CLEP exam instead.” If you are a homeschooled student or attend a school that doesn’t offer AP, you can still participate though independent study or an AP online course. Students of any age can take the exams – there is no upper or lower age limit. The exams were originally designed for adults returning to college to start or complete a degree after being out of high school for awhile. CLEP is popular with homeschool students, Military personnel, adults and traditional college students. Same as CLEP
Preparation Though sitting for the test does not require completing a course, students typically prepare by taking an AP-approved high school course. The course itself is designed to be rigorous and is acknowledged by colleges as such. AP courses are taught by AP-endorsed teachers who use an AP-approved syllabus. AP Central offers suggestions. Students must take an AP course from an approved instructor or approved syllabus in order to note AP® on their transcripts. Independent – no one curriculum is endorsed by the test provided. Students often assess their level of knowledge and choose their study method and material accordingly. “Honors course as denoted by earning college credit through CLEP/DSST” can be included on student’s transcript. Same as CLEP
Credit Acceptance College credit is awarded by the receiving institution. Over 3,200 colleges and universities are advertised to accept AP for credit. The type and amount of credit received may depend upon your AP exam score and the chosen major. College credit is awarded by the receiving institution. Over 2,900 colleges and universities are advertised to accept CLEP for credit. College credit is awarded by the receiving institution. Over 1,900 colleges and universities are advertised to accept DSST for credit.
   Data compiled 6/2018

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