College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) Exam Credit at UNO
UNO awards credit for the following Standardized Exams: Advanced Placement, Cambridge International, CLEP, DSST, International Baccalaureate.
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) can be taken at the UNO Testing Center.
Many post-secondary institutions now offer credit based on CLEP and DSST assessments. These include General Assessments and Subject Assessments. Both are designed to measure factual knowledge and understanding, problem-solving ability, and mastery of college- level, introductory course content in a wide range of disciplines.
The current UNO policies regarding specific subject areas accepted and scores accepted for CLEP and DSST are found online at registrar.unomaha.edu/clep and registrar.unomaha.edu/dsst
Credit by Exam Policy Guidelines
- Students must be enrolled and matriculated at UNO to have the credit applied to their record.
- Students can only attempt assessment one time for credit evaluation.
- A student who has failed to earn credit in a college course may not attempt assessment in the same course. Neither will credit be granted to raise a grade earned in any course.
- Credit by Exam may not be earned in any course taken on an audit basis.
- A maximum of 30 hours of Credit by Exam may be applied toward completion of a degree (i.e., CLEP, DSST, Credit by Department, etc) (the College of Business has a limit of 24 hours)
- Credit by Exam may not be used as part of the terminal residency requirements, so you should check the requirements of your college.
- Credit earned will be recorded with a “CR” grade and this credit will not be used in calculating grade point average. The credit will be recorded on the transcript.
- Students attempting assessment in courses, for which they are currently enrolled in, must do so before they have completed one month of the course. If the student receives assessment credit for the course, they will need to withdraw from their currently enrolled equivalent UNO course and will be subject to applicable refund rates.
The following questions and answers will help you understand more about the CLEP and DSST exams.
- Who is eligible to take the exams?
Students who are enrolled in any College at UNO may apply credits earned by CLEP/DSST toward their degree. Students are cautioned that only those who feel confident of their knowledge in specific subject areas are encouraged to attempt the exams. Although there is no penalty for taking an exam and failing it, the same exam may not be attempted more than once for credit at UNO. (Exam credit may not be earned in any course taken on an audit basis.)
- What is the UNO CLEP and DSST Code?
The UNO CLEP code is 6420 and the DSST code is 9360.
- What exam subjects are offered at UNO?
The current exam subjects accepted for credit at UNO and scores required are found online at registrar.unomaha.edu/clep and registrar.unomaha.edu/dsst.
- What are my chances of receiving credit if I take the exam?
If you have studied the subject in high school or in your field of work and feel confident in your knowledge of the area, then you would stand a good chance of receiving some credit. You are the best judge of your proficiency in a particular area of study, so the decision is up you.
- Are the credits that I earn from these exams transferable to other colleges and universities?
Many colleges accept CLEP/DSST credits. However, each college and university has its own acceptance policy and requirements. If you have any idea which college/university you may be transferring to, contact the college/university and ask about their CLEP/DSST requirements.
- How will the credit be recorded?
Credit earned by exams will be recorded with a “CR” grade and this credit will not be used in calculating grade point average. The CLEP/DSST exam name will be recorded on the academic transcript.
- What is the cost for CLEP/DSST exam credit?
The fee for each CLEP exam is $97.00. This is paid online directly to CLEP. A ticket containing the exam name and ticket number is printed after completing the online transaction and brought to the Testing Center (required) on exam day. (You must pay separately for each exam you take.)
Visit clep.collegeboard.org to see the CLEP informational bulletin for more details and Military Benefits.
The fee for each DSST exam is $100.00. This is paid online directly to DSST. Go to getcollegecredit.com for DSST information and to pay the $100 fee.
There is a $25 fee for administering a CLEP/DSST exam paid to the UNO Testing Center on exam day prior to taking the exam. (Fees are subject to change.)
- How long do the exams last?
Each CLEP exam is about 90 minutes long (except for College Composition and College Composition Modular) and is made up primarily of multiple-choice questions; however, some exams do include other types of questions.
Most DSST exams are 2 hours long.
- Where and when are the assessments administered?
CLEP/DSST exams are available by appointment at the UNO Testing Center.
- How do I apply to take an exam?
Advance registration for a CLEP/DSST exam is made through the UNO Testing Center by phone (402.554.4800) or in person (KH 522).
Examinees wanting to use approved testing accommodation(s) should check with the Testing Center at least 10 working days in advance of the exam.
- How will I be notified of my score and the credit I have earned?
You will receive an “instant” report for most CLEP/DSST exams. If you designate UNO as a score recipient (6420) CLEP or (9360) DSST, the transcript will be sent to the Office of the Registrar to be posted on your UNO transcript.
- What can I do to study for these exams?
The “Official Study Guide” for CLEP exams is available on the College Board Website clep.collegeboard.org. DSST exam preparation can be found under the Resources tab on the getcollegecredit.com website.
- What other types of assessments are offered for credit at UNO?
UNO awards credit for the following Standardized Exams: Advanced Placement, Cambridge International, CLEP, DSST, International Baccalaureate.
Visit https://www.unomaha.edu/registrar/students/before-you-enroll/transfer-credit/credit-by-exam.php to learn more about these exams.
UNO also offers Credit by Department. The UNO Credit by Department procedure involves attempting an assessment for one of the courses taught by a department. These assessments are constructed by the department for the purpose of measuring knowledge in a particular course offered at UNO. Credit is granted for the course upon successful completion of the assessment. Visit https://www.unomaha.edu/enrollment-management/testing-center/credit-by-examination/challenge-exam.php to learn more.
UNO Academic Colleges can also award Credit for Prior Learning when a student provides a credential, artifact, training, or certification that can be assessed and evaluated by the curriculum department for UNO credit. Discuss with your academic advisor to learn more.
Please note: Policies in this brochure apply to computer-delivered CLEP exams introduced in 2001. UNO will also accept official score reports for pencil/paper CLEP exams using its pre-CBT score requirements if the exams are still approved by the University.
Please contact the Testing Center if you have any questions.
Testing Center
6001 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE 68182 Kayser Hall Suite 522
Phone: 402.554.4800
Email: unotestingcenter@unomaha.edu Web: testingcenter.unomaha.edu
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