CLEP and DSST Testing

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST [formerly Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)] are nationally recognized exam programs designed to test students' knowledge of a variety of college-level subjects, regardless of where they may have learned the material. These exams are developed by college faculty committees who design questions based on material typically covered in lower-level college courses. Bellevue University is a National Testing Center that offers more than seventy (70) tests that can be used to obtain college credit. The tests are completed on the computer, and results are immediately available.

The exception is the DSST Public Speaking test which is a two (2) part paper based exam. Part I is an untimed paper/pencil test and Part II is an extemporaneous speech given from an assigned topic and recorded on an audio cassette. It takes an average of six (6) weeks to receive your test results.

NOTE:

• Please check with your academic advisor prior to taking any of these exams to ensure the test meets your degree requirements.
• We recommend that you take only one (1) but no more than two (2) tests in one day.
• CLEP and DSST scores are Pass/Fail; they do NOT affect GPA.
• If you wish to transfer scores to another institution, find out about its policies on testing for college credit.
• Only correct answers are scored, so it pays to guess.
• Calculators cannot be used with any CLEP test and can ONLY be used with the following paper based DSST tests:
  • Fundamentals of College Algebra
  • Principles of Statistics
  • Principles of Finance
  • Principles of Financial Accounting
  • Introduction to Computing
  • Business Mathematics

Our CLEP/DSST listing shows the tests offered, the amount of credit you can earn at Bellevue University for specific tests, required passing scores, and other helpful information. The Bellevue University Library professionals will be glad to assist you with materials needed to successfully prepare for your tests. Additional reference materials are mentioned below.

CLEP tests are computer-based and timed for 90 minutes. Exam Descriptions give specific information on knowledge and skills required, as well as study resources. Individual CLEP study guides can be downloaded from the CLEP website for a charge of $10.00 each. Practice tests are available at Petersons website. There you can take three (3) practice tests for $19.95.

In order to take a CLEP test, you must present two (2) forms of personal identification. The primary form of identification must be a government-issued photo ID card that bears your signature. The secondary form of ID must have a photo and/or signature. Military candidates must present a current military ID and a second form of government-issued photo ID.

Your score report shows the total scaled score for each exam taken. Total scaled scores fall between 20 and 80. To learn more, download What Your CLEP Score Means.

DSST tests are computer-based (except for the Principles of Public Speaking Exam mentioned above) and are timed for two (2) hours. Fact sheets give you helpful information on the content of these tests, the number of questions, sample questions, and books recommended for review.

Practice exams can be taken by going to the DSST website and clicking on the DSST Practice Exam tab. The practice exams do NOT include actual examination questions. All questions pertain to general terms and concepts within the subject area.

Each exam contains 50 multiple choice questions and provides you with immediate score results. The results are not intended to indicate how well you will do on the actual examination, but they will help you identify the content areas requiring more study. Also, the practice exams will prepare you for the actual exam experience on the computer.

For information about your DSST score click here.

Cost:

The total fee for each CLEP test is $95.00; and each DSST test is $100.00. This includes posting the credits to your record!

Registration:

If you would like to test with us, we offer testing at the following sites: Main Campus, Lozier Campus, Lakeside Campus, Grand Island, and Lincoln. Click here for a map of each location.

You may register and pay online or phone the main campus at 402-557-7428. Testing fees are due at the time of registration.

If you are a BU distance learning student, you can find a listing of CLEP and DSST test centers that administer exams for other institutions by visiting www.collegeboard.com (CLEP) and http://www.getcollegecredit.com (DSST). If you need additional assistance, please send us an email.

If you test at another institution and want the score to be sent to Bellevue University, please note our score recipient numbers:

CLEP #6053

DSST #9059

Please note: Again, we highly recommend you consult with your academic advisor before you register for a test! Any duplication of classroom work with a CLEP or DSST will result in the appropriate subtraction of credits from the tests.

Scheduling:

All tests must be scheduled twenty-four (24) hours in advance. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the main campus at 557-7428 or by emailing us at testing@bellevue.edu. If you need to contact a test site directly, call:

Lozier Campus 557-7713

Lakeside Campus 557-7801

For schedules and procedures on satellite center testing (Grand Island & Lincoln), please ask your site coordinator, your advisor, or send us an e-mail.

Grading and Scores:

Computer based exams are scored immediately upon completion. Exception: The Principles of Public Speaking Exam takes approximately 6 weeks to receive your score.

Scores of tests taken with us are usually posted to your Bellevue University transcript within two (2) weeks.