The DANTES exams are paper-based, and untimed. You answer each question by shading in a bubble. DANTES usually have about the same number of questions as the CLEPs (80-120 depending on the exam). With DANTES, you have to choose from FOUR answer options, instead of FIVE on the CLEP. So your odds of getting an answer correct are higher on the DANTES.

CLEPs are scored instantly, but DANTES scores are mailed to your home within 2-4 weeks after taking the exam.

Question difficulty is roughly the same. But because CLEPs are timed, they tend to ask questions that don't require a great deal of time to answer. So you may find that some of the DANTES questions are slightly more complex, but not necessarily 'more difficult'.

For any math-related exams, you are free to bring a non-graphing, non-programmable calculator in with you. With CLEPs you are limited to using their online software-based calculator.

Most CLEPs are pass/fail. But the DANTES are all graded (depending on your particular school's policy).

Other than that, there is no reason to choose one over the other. They both have their pros and cons. But you shouldn't feel intimidated by either. With the right amount of study, and good strong test-taking skills, it is possible to pass whichever exam you set your mind to.

Hope that helps,
Snazzlefrag

__________________
My name is Rob
So far, I have earned 139 credits (12 not used).

Excelsior College
- BS Psychology (15 credits - 5 courses/exams to go)
- BS Business (9 credits - 3 courses/exams to go)
____________
Upcoming: An UL business course of some kind.
In-progress: ENG100 English Comp (PFC)
Most Recently Completed: Tech Math I at PFC.
Exams/Courses Passed To Date (42):
- Courses (3): 1 ECE, 1 CSU, 1 PFC.
- Exams (39): 24 DANTES, 15 CLEP.