Momentum Credits for Prior Learning - CLEP and DSST Exams

About CLEP and DSST Exams:

Earn momentum college credits by taking a CLEP or DSST!  The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) exams help students earn college credit for prior learning. To learn more about each test click on the tabs below or call the CCD Testing Center at 303.352.6810.

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students who successfully pass to earn college credit for a fraction of the cost and time.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers 34 introductory level course exams for a variety of college courses. Students who pass the CLEP get the college credit equal to the test they have taken.

Who Can Take CLEP Exams?

Anyone seeking momentum to earn college credit should consider taking CLEP exams. For CCD students with questions, contact a CCD Advisor or Records and Registration enrollment navigator.

  • FEES: $93 per CLEP Exam payable to College Board and $40 Administration per Exam Fee payable to CCD Placement and Credential Testing Center
  • TIME: Each exam is approximately 90 – 120 minutes
  • CLEP PREPARATION:  CLEP is a computer-based exam completed at the CCD Placement and Credential 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

  1. Create an account on the College Board website
  2. Purchase a CLEP registration ticket for the exam you want to take by choosing the exam
  3. Make an appointment with the CCD Placement and Credential 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”

Accommodations

Please bring current and valid accommodations document(s) to the Placement and Credential Testing Center. If a private room is required, please contact the Placement and CredentialTesting 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 Placement and Credential Testing Center, test takers can receive printed scores immediately after the exam. Once test takers complete the exam and leave the Placement and Credential 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 a 3 month period, and have questions, please contact CLEP services at 800.257.9558.

The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) allow students who successfully pass to earn college credit for a fraction of the cost and time. Be sure your college accepts this credit before you take the exam.

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) offers a variety of college courses. Students who pass the DSST get the college credit equal to the test they have taken.

Requirements

  • A valid government-issued photo ID. 
  • $40 fee payable to the Placement and Credential Testing Center and an additional $100 fee payable to DSST on the day of testing

*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 Placement and Credential Testing Center.

Format of Test

  • This is a computer-based exam. Most questions are multiple-choice, but a few may contain other formats such as essays.
  • There is a 120-minute time limit.
  • Students must wait at least 30 days between attempts.
  • Results are available immediately after completion of the exam. Writing sample assessments results (if required) will be sent to your designated institution after you have completed the exam. Contact your institution regarding the essay score report.