Are CLEP/DSST easier or preferred to SL/PF/etc ?

[kmmarx]

I'm jumping in to some of the BSBA business core requirements (ie Law, Pinciples of marketing, management, finance, econ, acct, etc.) and was planning Straighterline and Saylor.org for a lot but the more I see some of the forum conversations here I see CLEP and DSST mentioned more (or at least it seems).

Are CLEP and DSST generally preferred? Considered easier or quicker? Or is it really a toss up? I don't want to get too far down the Saylor or SL path if I should make a switch.

[Tedium]

In both cases it really depends on what you already know. I was already proficient with literature so I went into the A&I Literature CLEP with very minimal studying. In truth I could have gone in cold and had it done in a day. Was the test easy? Not necessarily. Some people fail it. Just depends on where you are with the subject matter.

Take a few practice tests and see where you stand. If you want a bit more structure then go with SL or PF. I know a lot of people on this forum have completed SL courses with amazing speed. You might too if you have a high comfort level with the material.

[ironheadjack]

Many people favor CLEP/DSST because they are more widely accepted, when compared to SL or Saylor.

As I've said before CLEP vs. Straighterline is really a personal preference. CLEP you need to study and prepare for one big comprehensive exam, SL gives you multiple open book tests. I personally prefer taking multiple open book tests over one closed book exam. But it comes down to whatever method works for you best.

I am a big fan of SL, I knocked out a good chunk of credits through them. IMO, using SL was quicker, cheaper, and easier then CLEP'ing them all.

[sanantone]

It definitely comes down to preference. With some of the business tests, I was able to score high on them after only going through the Instantcert flashcards once. Straighterline has too much stuff for me. LOL. With Saylor, it's not really that different from CLEP and DSST. You just go through the material and take the test.

[bkeenom]

As the others said, it depends on preference. I have used Straighterline during the holiday break to knock out some requirements. I found the accounting classes fairly simple due to experience. I was able to finish those by taking the tests in a couple of days without any study. I would have tested out of those if available. To me, the Straighterline courses are much like taking practice tests for CLEP and DSST only a little cheaper in the end. For the classes I didn't already know like Bus Comm, Law and Environmental Science, I read a lot and learned more than I would have if only studying to test out. I recommend SL if your school will transfer it in.

[Rhashad]

SL is probably the path of least resistance. Clep/Dsst can be failed, repeatedly, which takes time. But as with most tests, it depends on what you already know and feel comfortable with.

[cookderosa]

if you're going to TESC they have equal transfer acceptability- no issue there.
both require proctored exams, SL in your home, CLEP/DSST at a testing facility
cost can be a bid difference. SL requires a monthly subscription plus tuition and textbook. CLEP/DSST is $80 flat rate. (testing center fees vary)
SL offers lab sciences, CLEP/DSST do not.
SL has homework and quizzes, CLEP/DSST do not.
CLEP/DSST are independently studied for, SL guides you through a curriculum.
CLEP/DSST will transfer to about 3000 colleges anywhere in the US. SL is "maybe" half that, and I think that's a generous assessment.
CLEP/DSST is pass/fail. SL issues a grade.