{"id":16682,"date":"2025-09-16T09:50:57","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T15:50:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/?p=16682"},"modified":"2025-09-16T09:43:02","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T15:43:02","slug":"how-to-choose-the-right-credit-by-exam-for-your-degree-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-right-credit-by-exam-for-your-degree-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Right Credit-By-Exam for Your Degree Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unlock Your Degree Faster with Credit-By-Exam\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Dream of an accelerated bachelor’s degree? Want to save time and money on your college journey? Credit by exam is a game-changer for students aiming for accelerated degree completion. What are credit-by-exams, you ask? Well, you\u2019ve probably heard of them before. The primary players include AP exams, CLEP exams, and DSST exams. This guide will explore how to strategically choose the right credit by exam for your unique degree plan, highlighting the distinct advantages of each and offering advice for students, even if past AP exam results weren’t ideal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Demystifying Credit-By-Exam: What It Is and Why It Matters for Your Degree Plan<\/b><\/h2>\n

What is credit by exam<\/b>? In short, credit by exams help you earn college credit by passing standardized tests, bypassing traditional coursework.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a shortcut!\u201d you say.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why yes, you are right. In addition, credit by exams:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Provide significant cost savings on tuition, as they generally cost more than 75% less than traditional classes.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Help you earn college credit online or at testing centers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Accelerate studies for a fast track college degree or even a fast track bachelor degree online, as you don\u2019t need to take a semester-long class.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Demonstrate proficiency, potentially leading to a fast track bachelor degree.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Are a key strategy for how to graduate college early.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Big Three Credit By Exam Options: AP, CLEP, and DSST Exams\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

    AP Exams (Advanced Placement)<\/b><\/h3>\n

    AP exams are the high school exam for college credit. They are rigorous high school classes that involve a h.s. exams taken for college credit after completion. They are best suited for high school students who are already excelling in specific subjects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Benefits for your degree plan include direct entry into higher-level courses in college, bypassing introductory requirements. These classes are also a strong indicator of academic readiness for universities. AP credits may be more sought-after and accepted credits at Ivy League universities or universities with specific credit by exam policies, as they are widely recognized by colleges and universities, often fulfilling general education or major prerequisites.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some key considerations in taking these exams include the timing of the exam, which is typically taken in May. Your AP exam score (usually a 3, 4, or 5) determines credit. It is challenging to score highly on these exams, so you will really need to practice by taking <\/span>AP practice tests<\/span><\/a> to ensure readiness for the exam and earn college credit.<\/span><\/p>\n

    CLEP Exams (College-Level Examination Program)<\/b><\/h3>\n

    CLEP is your gateway to diverse credit. CLEP credit by exam are standardized tests covering a wide array of introductory college-level subjects. This credit-by-exam option is ideal for self-motivated learners, adult students, military personnel, and individuals with prior knowledge gained through work experience or independent study.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Benefits for your degree plan include tremendous flexibility, as you can take these tests year-round at various locations, and they do not require a formal class associated with them. These tests are excellent for fulfilling general education requirements, allowing for faster degree completion. Like many credit-by-exam programs, they can significantly reduce the time and cost to get a fast track college degree. BONUS: There are numerous CLEP test exams available, ranging from history to natural sciences.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some key considerations in taking these exams include checking individual university policies for accepted CLEP credit by exam subjects and required scores, as many universities do accept these credits, but some may not.<\/span><\/p>\n

    DSST Exams (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Similar to a CLEP exam, but often covers a broader range of subjects, including some upper-level and vocational topics. They are best suited for military members, adult learners, and students seeking specialized or upper-division credits that align with their degree plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

    They benefit your degree plan through more specialized subjects that directly apply to specific majors or concentrations. They can apply to both lower and sometimes upper-level college credit, depending on the institution. As another strong option to earn college credit online or at a testing center, they will contribute to a fast track bachelor degree. They are ideal for those who are leveraging professional or military experience into academic credit.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some key considerations in taking these exams include acceptance of these credits. It\u2019s wise to always confirm with your institution\u2019s registrar or academic advisor if DSST credits are accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Strategic Selection: Matching Exams to Your Degree Plan<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Assess your degree plan requirements<\/b><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Identify required general education courses.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Pinpoint core major courses that could be covered by credit by exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Look for elective opportunities to fulfill through testing.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Research your institution’s credit by exam policies<\/b><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Which AP, CLEP, and DSST exams are accepted?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. What are the minimum scores for credit?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Are there any limits on the total number of credit by exam credits?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Examples for different degree paths<\/b><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Business Degree<\/span><\/i>: Consider CLEP for Principles of Management, Principles of Marketing, or Financial Accounting. DSST exams might cover Business Ethics and Society or Organizational Behavior.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Liberal Arts\/Humanities Degree<\/span><\/i>: Use AP for English Literature or US History. CLEP credit by exam can cover College Composition, American Literature, or Western Civilization.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        3. STEM Degree<\/span><\/i>: While AP is strong for Calculus AB\/BC, Physics, or Chemistry, consider DSST for subjects like Principles of Public Speaking (often a general education requirement) or Environmental Science.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Always research which credit by exams will naturally align with your degree path, fulfilling your requirements, saving you money, and expediting your degree.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Take CLEP\/DSST Even if Your AP Score Was Low<\/b><\/h2>\n

          If you take an AP course, but your AP exam score is low, don’t be discouraged. Your knowledge still has value! Taking a CLEP and DSST exam in the same subject area may still grant you credit for several reasons, and will undoubtedly be cheaper and more efficient than taking the same course in college. For example, if your AP exam for U.S. History wasn’t ideal, consider the CLEP U.S. History I or II exam. Your foundational knowledge from the AP course will give you a significant head start. Here are some reasons to try a CLEP or DSST if you took a similar AP subject:<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Different test formats and question styles better suit your strengths.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
          2. Content overlap: Much of what you studied for the AP exam is relevant for CLEP\/DSST exams covering similar subjects.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
          3. Targeted study: Focus specifically on the credit by exam practice tests for CLEP or DSST to master the required material.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
          4. Flexibility in preparation and testing dates allows for better timing and readiness.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            It doesn\u2019t hurt to try taking a similar CLEP to your AP subjects if you are not satisfied with your AP score.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Keys to Degree Plan Success with Credit-By-Exam<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n