CLEP & DSST Proficiency Examinations

Credit for degree requirements and elective courses can be earned by achieving satisfactory scores on proficiency examinations. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST Subject Standardized Test (DSST) are nationally recognized proficiency exams that provide students the opportunity to demonstrate college-level knowledge and acquire credit applicable toward degree completion.

For a list of New York Tech course equivalencies for these exams, please refer to the following:

• New York Tech Equivalents for Current CLEP Exams
• New York Tech Equivalents for Current DSST Exams

Please note that New York Tech is not a testing center, but does accept credit.

Quick Information on Taking CLEP/DSST Exams

Information on finding participating test centers, examination fees, registration instructions, and suggested study material is available at the websites noted. When taking a CLEP or DSST exam, indicate New York Tech’s college code as the “score recipient” to have an official report sent to us.

• CLEP offers 34 exams and charges $93 to take an exam.
• DSST offers 37 exams and charges $100 to take an exam.
• Exams are typically computer-based, multiple-choice, and timed for 90 – 120 minutes.
• When taking computer-based exams, you will know your score at the end of the test (unless there is an essay).
• CLEP and DSST both offer Remote Proctoring options to take exams from your computer.  Contact CLEP or DSST regarding computer requirements and fees.
• If you do not pass, there is a 3-month CLEP and 30-day DSST waiting period to retake an exam.
• New York Tech charges $175 per course (2024-25) to process Proficiency Exam (PE) credit.
• When taking PE exams, always be sure to indicate New York Institute of Technology as the “score recipient.”
• Use DSST’s Parchment Online Ordering Service to expedite New York Tech’s receipt of your official score report.
• Only undergraduate students are eligible to receive credit for proficiency exams. Prior learning credit is not awarded at the graduate level. All prior learning policies outlined in the New York Tech Catalog apply.
• Military members may be eligible for CLEP or DSST exam fee waivers. Please visit the CLEP and DSST websites for more information.

Please be sure to obtain academic advisement before taking proficiency exams. Contact the Office of Prior Learning for any assistance with the process.

Office of Prior Learning
Gerry House, room 219
Long Island Campus
Phone: 516.686.7914
evaluations@nyit.edu