The College Board administers the lower-level credit CLEP program with 33 tests that cover five subject areas. Students are offered five answer options in response to a test question and an exam must be completed in 90 minutes. 


Prometric administers the upper-level credit DSST program with 30 tests that cover six subject areas. Students are offered four answer options in response to a test question and allowed two hours to complete an exam. 


Both the CLEP and DSST exams are comparable to final undergraduate college course exams. Taking and passing these exams enables military and civilian students to gain college credit* that can be applied to meet degree requirements. 

*College credit recommendations for these exams are made through the American Council on Education (ACE) and are subject to the acceptance of individual academic institutions.


DANTES funds the first administration of each CLEP and DSST title for active members of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Discharged veterans and retired military members may be eligible for reimbursement of certain test fees through the VA, under their GI Bill/Education & Training Benefits: www.va.gov