Momentum Credits for Prior Learning - CLEP and DSST Exams

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a type of “momentum credit” at CCD. Taking and successfully passing CLEP exams help students earn college credit for prior learning and for a fraction of the cost and time of a 15-week college course. Since the College-Level Examination Program, or CLEP exams, help students earn college credit for what they already know, it gives momentum to earning college credit.  

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers 34 introductory level course exams for a variety of college courses and students can earn 3 or more college credit per CLEP exam. With qualifying CLEP scores, students test out of the corresponding college course(s) at CCD, saving time and money on the cost of a degree. As part of the College Board CLEP is the most widely trusted credit-by-examination program and is accepted at over 2,900 colleges.

Who Can Take CLEP Exams?

Anyone seeking momentum to earn college credit should consider taking CLEP exams. Be sure to know which CLEP exams are accepted for college credit - see the College Board website. For CCD students with quetions, contact a CCD Advisor or Records and Registration respresentative prior to taking for a CLEP exam. CLEP is a very convenient option when students feel confident in the subject matter or are interested in refreshing knowledge through their study guides in preparation to take an exam.

• FEES: $90 per CLEP Exam payable to College Board and $40 Administration per Exam Fee payable to CCD Testing Center
• TIME: Each exam is approximately 90 – 120 minutes
• CLEP PREPARATION:  CLEP is a computer-based exam completed at the CCD Testing Center. Most CLEP exam questions are multiple-choice and there are online study materials to help students prepare for exams by providing:
  • Study material  
  • Test taking tips
  • Practice questions

How to Schedule a CLEP exam at CCD

There are two main steps to complete in order to schedule a CLEP exam. The first step is to create an account on the College Board website and purchase a CLEP registration ticket. After purchasing a CLEP registration ticket the next step is to make an appointment with the CCD Testing Center. All CLEP testing center appointments require a minimum of 2-business days advance notice to ensure the exam is available from College Board at the Testing Center.

1. Go to the College Board website and purchase a CLEP registration ticket online. Find and click on the “Register for an Exam” bubble to view and select the desired topic to CELP.  
2. Schedule an appointment with the CCD Testing Center by selecting a date and time to take the exam. Please have your CLEP registration ticket number available.
   • Under “Choose a Group” select CLEP
   • Select the CLEP exam from within the “Choose an Exam” drop down menu
   • Choose the date for the exam
   • Choose the time for the exam
   • Enter first name, last name, and email
   • Complete exam guidelines acknowledge agreement
   • Enter CLEP registration ticket number
   • Enter phone number
   • Click “Add to Cart”
   • Click “Complete Registration”
3. On exam day, arrive 30 minutes early to complete appointment check-in. Test takers must bring the CLEP registration ticket, a valid government issued photo ID, and form of payment for the $35 administrative fee to the Testing Center.

Accommodations

Please bring current and valid accommodations document(s) to the testing center. If a private room is required, please contact the Testing Center for a reservation. For high school students new to CCD seeking accommodations at CCD, contact the Accessibility Center.

Retrieving Score Report Results

CLEP score reports are available online one business day following completion of an exam. College Composition and Spanish with Writing exam scores are available 2–3 weeks after test day. There are two ways you can receive your CLEP score report:

1. When taking a CLEP test at the CCD Testing Center test takers are able to receive printed scores immediately after the exam.  Once test takers complete the exam and leave the Testing Center they can retrieve score reports through their individual CLEP account that was set up to register for the exam.
2. To retrieve any previous CLEP exam scores test takers are required to use their personal CLEP account.  Follow this step by step guide for how to retrieve score reports.

Retest Information

Test takers may not retake an exam of the same title within a 3 month period. In the case students are retesting for an exam of the same title within 3 month period, and have questions, please contact CLEP services at 800.257.9558.

Parking

The Testing Center is located in the Confluence Building of the Community College of Denver. It is accessible by light rail, car, and bicycle. If driving, the Holly parking lot is the closest lot to the Testing Center as it is directly in front of the Confluence Building. For more information on parking and transportation, refer to the AHEC Parking website.

Auraria Campus | Community College of Denver Testing Center
800 Curtis St. Confluence Building, Room 216
Denver CO, 80204

Inclement Weather Closures

The Community College of Denver may suddenly close or delay opening due to inclement weather. Please call 1.877.556.3637 or monitor information about closures at ccd.edu/weather

The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) help students earn college credit for prior learning. It is your responsibility to know which tests your college accepts for credit. Contact your college advisor for more information.

Please visit Get College Credit to learn more about specific test information, practice tests, and study materials. 

Format of Test

This is a computer-based exam. Most questions are multiple-choice, but a few may contain other formats such as essays. 

Time Limit

There is a 120-minute time limit. 

ID Requirement

A valid government-issued photo ID. 

Cost

There is a $40 fee payable to the Testing Center and an additional $100.00 fee payable to DSST on the day of testing. 

Military Personnel

If you are an active duty guard or reserve military member, your first attempt will be funded by DANTES when a military ID is presented to the Testing Center. 

Results

Results are available immediately after completion of the exam. Writing sample assessment results (if required) will be sent to your designated institution after you have completed the exam. Contact your institution with regard to the essay score report. 

Official Score Reports

Results will be sent to your designated institution, if selected at the time of testing, within seven to ten business days. If you do not designate an institution, a score report will not be mailed. Visit DSST for more information on how to retrieve your transcript. 

Retest Information

Students must wait at least 30 days between attempts.  

Proctor Information

Distance Testing Specialist
Distance.Exams@ccd.edu
P - 303.352.3087
F - 303.556.8027

Auraria Campus | Community College of Denver
800 Curtis St. 
Denver CO, 80204
Confluence Building, Room 216 7th Street Garage Map

Parking Instructions: 

We are no longer able to validate parking. The holly parking lot is the closest lot to our building, in front of the Confluence Building. For more information and parking fees refer to the website at https://www.ahec.edu/services-departments/parking.

Inclement Weather Closures: 

Community College of Denver may close or delay opening due to inclement weather. Please call 1.877.556.3637 or visit ccd.edu/weather