Earning college credit by exam is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to get your degree. But with options like CLEP, DSST, and ECE, it’s not always clear which path makes the most sense for you.
Each exam program offers a different mix of subjects, flexibility, and acceptance, so choosing the right one depends on your goals, timeline, and school requirements.
TL;DR: CLEP vs. DSST vs. ECE — Key Differences at a Glance
CLEP: Best for general education courses; widely accepted; lower cost
DSST: Offers both lower- and upper-level exams; great for more specialized subjects
ECE (Excelsior Exams): More in-depth, often upper-level credit; higher cost but broader subject depth
Acceptance varies by school, so always confirm before credit transfer before sitting for the exam
StraighterLine can be a faster, more flexible alternative if you prefer coursework over exams
What are CLEP, DSST, and ECE exams?
CLEP, DSST, and ECE are credit-by-exam programs that let you earn college credit by passing a single test instead of taking a full course.
These exams are designed to measure knowledge you may already have from work experience, military training, prior coursework, or independent study.
Instead of spending 8–16 weeks in a class, you can prepare on your own schedule and test when you're ready. Pass the exam, and you earn credit. It’s that simple.
The biggest differences come down to subject availability, credit level, cost, and how widely each is accepted by colleges.
What is the CLEP exam and who is it best for?
CLEP (College Level Examination Program) is the most widely accepted credit-by-exam option and is best for general education requirements.
CLEP exams are offered by the College Board and cover common intro-level courses like:
College Algebra
English Composition
Psychology
U.S. History
Biology
Because these exams focus on foundational subjects, they’re a great option if you’re trying to knock out core requirements quickly.
Why students choose CLEP:
Lower cost compared to traditional courses
Broad acceptance at many colleges and universities
Straightforward exam structure
Ideal for beginners in credit-by-exam
Where CLEP falls short:
Mostly limited to lower-level (100–200 level) courses
Fewer specialized or advanced subject options
If you’re just getting started or trying to clear GenEds fast, CLEP is often the easiest entry point.
What is the DSST exam and how is it different from CLEP?
DSST exams offer more subject variety and include both lower- and upper-level credit options.
Originally developed for the military, DSST exams are now available to civilians and cover a wider range of topics than CLEP.
Examples include:
Business Ethics and Society
Principles of Finance
Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity
Technical Writing
Why students choose DSST:
Access to more specialized subjects
Some exams qualify for upper-level credit
Flexible testing options
Key differences from CLEP:
Slightly less widely accepted (though still recognized by many schools)
Broader subject coverage, especially in business and applied fields
If your degree requires more than just general education credits, DSST can help fill in those gaps.
What are ECE (Excelsior) exams and when should you take them?
ECE exams (Excelsior College Exams) are more in-depth and often used for upper-level credit in specific subject areas.
These exams tend to go deeper into the material and are commonly used by students pursuing degrees that require advanced coursework.
Subjects include:
Abnormal Psychology
Organizational Behavior
Nursing and health sciences topics
Advanced business courses
Why students choose ECE:
Strong option for upper-level credit requirements
More detailed, course-equivalent assessments
Useful for degree completion programs
Considerations:
Typically more expensive than CLEP or DSST
Not as widely accepted across all institutions
Requires more preparation due to exam depth
ECE is best suited for students who are further along in their degree and need specific or advanced credits.
Which exam is easiest: CLEP, DSST, or ECE?
CLEP exams are generally considered the easiest, followed by DSST, with ECE being the most challenging.
That said, “easy” depends on your background. If you already know the material, any of these exams can be manageable.
General difficulty breakdown:
CLEP: Introductory topics, widely studied, predictable format
DSST: Moderate difficulty, more varied topics
ECE: More complex, often equivalent to upper-level coursework
If you're new to testing out of classes, starting with CLEP is usually the safest bet.
Which exams are accepted by most colleges?
CLEP is the most widely accepted, followed by DSST, while ECE acceptance is more limited and school-specific.
Before choosing any exam, always check your school’s transfer credit policy.
Here’s a general guideline:
CLEP: Accepted at 2,900+ colleges
DSST: Accepted at many institutions, but not all
ECE: Acceptance varies significantly by school
A quick call or website check with your college can save you time and money.
Is credit-by-exam the fastest way to earn college credit?
It can be one of the fastest options, but it’s not always the best fit for every learner.
Credit-by-exam works well if you:
Already know the material
Are comfortable with high-stakes testing
Prefer independent study
But it also comes with trade-offs:
No structured learning or instructor support
One test determines your outcome
Limited retake flexibility
For some students, that pressure isn’t ideal.
That’s where alternatives come in.
Is there an easier alternative to CLEP, DSST, and ECE?
Yes. Online, self-paced courses can offer a more flexible and lower-risk way to earn the same credits.
If you’d rather learn as you go instead of relying on a single exam, platforms like StraighterLine give you another path forward.
With StraighterLine, you can:
Complete courses at your own pace
Avoid high-stakes, one-shot exams
Transfer credits to more than 3,000 colleges and universities, including 180+ partner colleges who directly accept StraighterLine credits
Save significantly compared to traditional tuition
It’s especially helpful if you want structure without the rigidity of a semester schedule.
How do you choose the best option for your goals?
The best option depends on your timeline, learning style, and your school’s credit transfer policies.
Ask yourself:
Do I already know the material, or do I need to learn it?
Am I comfortable with a single high-stakes exam?
Does my school accept this credit option?
Do I need upper-level or general education credits?
Quick decision guide:
Choose CLEP for GenEds and simplicity
Choose DSST for more variety and some upper-level options
Choose ECE for advanced, specific coursework
Choose StraighterLine if you want flexibility with built-in learning support
Ready to earn college credit faster?
If you're looking for a faster, more flexible way to earn college credit without the pressure of a single exam, StraighterLine can help you move forward with confidence.
With affordable, self-paced courses designed for real life, you can complete credits on your schedule and transfer them to a wide network of colleges and universities.
Whether you're just getting started or finishing your degree, there’s a smarter way to get there.
Explore StraighterLine courses and start earning credit today.
FAQs
What is the fastest credit-by-exam option?
CLEP is typically the fastest credit-by-exam option for general education courses because it covers introductory subjects and is widely available. However, the fastest option overall depends on how familiar you are with the material.
Are CLEP, DSST, and ECE exams accepted at all colleges?
No, acceptance varies by institution. CLEP is the most widely accepted, while DSST and ECE are accepted at many schools but not all. Always check your college’s transfer credit policy before taking an exam.
Can you use CLEP, DSST, or ECE for upper-level college credit?
DSST and ECE offer some upper-level credit options, while CLEP is mostly limited to lower-level, general education courses. If you need advanced credits, DSST or ECE may be a better fit.
What happens if you fail a credit-by-exam test?
If you don’t pass, you typically have to wait before retaking the exam and may need to pay the testing fee again. Policies vary by provider, so it’s important to review retake rules ahead of time.
Is credit-by-exam better than taking an online course?
Credit-by-exam can be faster if you already know the material, but it relies on a single test. Online courses, like StraighterLine, offer more flexibility and support, which can be a better option if you prefer to learn as you go.
