Alternative Dual Credit by Exam

The three testing programs listed below are well-known and accepted by most colleges. They offer a flexible way for students to earn credit through in-depth subject knowledge or self-study. Earning this credit is 100% dependent on the test score alone, giving students increased flexibility.

Advanced Placement (AP) exams cover 39 college-level subjects and are accessible to all students. These AP tests are given in May of each year at High schools, and students must be registered well in advance. Homeschool students can take AP tests by registering at a high school, and are $98 per test. The College Board, which sponsors the SAT exams, also sponsors AP tests.

CLEP exams, sponsored by the College Board, cover 34 college-level subjects and are affordable for students. These exams can be taken online and typically cost $93 per exam. But, Modern States, a charity, will pay for the exam and proctoring fees with their “Freshman Year for Free” program, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to earning college credit.

DSST exams (from Prometric) cover 34 college-level subjects. DSST was developed so military personnel could get college credits by taking exams. These exams are available to everyone, can be taken online year-round, and cost $100 per exam.

Not every college will accept alternative credits. The individual college determines which alternative credits they will take and what requirements these credits will fulfill.

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