Standardized Testing -
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where are the exams held:

All exams are held at:

Charter Oak State College
55 Paul J. Manafort Drive
New Britain, CT 06053-2150
860.832.3822

Q: How do I register for an exam at Charter Oak State College?

All of our registration information can be accessed at http://www.charteroak.edu/enrolled/testadminschedule.cfm
You will find important information on taking exams at the College, how many open seats are currently available for our upcoming dates, costs, as well as links to the registration forms. Read all of the information carefully.

Q: How soon should I register for an exam?

A: We typically fill CLEP sessions at least 8 weeks before the scheduled date. DSST (DANTES) exams should be registered for at least 5 weeks before the scheduled test date. To register, you must send in the form with the correct test fee(s).

Q: How should I pay for an exam?

Each exam you take requires two fees, an administrative fee payable to Charter Oak State College, and a fee to the test company for the test itself.

Only the Charter Oak State College administrative fee can be paid by check, money order or charge.

Each exam company (CLEP/DSST) has different specific requirements for payment of the exam fee itself. Please refer to the registration form for each exam for the correct amounts and the correct form of payment. Read this information carefully to avoid delay in processing your request.

* The testing staff cannot accept cash payments for exams.

Q: In your CLEP and DANTES registration materials you reference different fees for COSC students and applicants and for non-COSC students. I am taking a distance learning course with Charter Oak State College; does that mean I am considered a COSC student?

No. You must be either a matriculated degree-seeking student (or applicant) with Charter Oak State College or you must be part of a Credit Registry with the College in order to qualify for the lower administration fee for exams.

Q: When are the exams offered at Charter Oak State College?

All the specific test dates are listed at CLEP Exam Schedule and Other Exams (DANTES, COSC, TECEP and Correspondence).

Q: How do I study for an exam?

A: Testing companies publish information describing their exams. Your first step must be to carefully review this information; it is the best source on the exams offered. A wealth of information is on the CLEP and DSST (DANTES) respective web pages.

• College Board
• Get College Credit

Q: How long will it take to study for an exam?

Your study habits have a lot to do with the time needed. Most exams are worth 3 semester hours of college credit. We suggest that you provide yourself with ample time that suits your learning style. Some test takers may be able to complete their study in less than the time of a typical course. However, this varies by the individual. The key to remember is "time" is not your focus. Learning the subject matter is what counts.

Q: Where do I find the textbooks to study for the exam?

DSST (DANTES) provides a book list with their information describing each exam. Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and other booksellers can special order any book you choose.

CLEP suggests that you contact a local college that offers a course comparable to the CLEP exam you plan to take. Use the textbook required for that for that college's course to help you prepare. See the linked sample booklists for standardized exams for more information.

CLEP Sample Booklist
DANTES Sample Booklist

Q: I need more assistance to complete my self-study for a CLEP or DSST (DANTES) exam. What should I do?

Commercial test preparation guides are available in larger bookstores or on line. They may provide some secondary assistance in your study regimen. If you need even more structure, you might consider the istudysmart study program.

Q: If I am not matriculated and do not plan to earn a degree at Charter Oak State College, will you automatically place credits on a transcript?

No. If you are not matriculated at Charter Oak State College and would like a transcript of credits for exam(s) passed, you will need to use our credit registry service. Contact our Associate Registrar at pmorganti@charteroak.edu or 860.832.3823 for more information on this service. If you are matriculated at another college you should have the testing program send the score directly to the college.

Q: I took my exam at Charter Oak State College; don't you keep the score?

No. Charter Oak State College is only a test center for your exam. Only if you designate Charter Oak State College as your score recipient will we be sent your official exam score from the testing program.

Q: How long does it take to receive my exam score?

A: CLEP scores are shown immediately (with the exception of English Composition with Essay) with the official scores mailed from CLEP in approximately two weeks. DSST (DANTES) scores are sent approximately 4 weeks after the test date.

Q: If I don't pass an exam, when can I re-take it?

In most cases, you will need to wait at least 6 months to re-take an exam.

Q: What exam should I take?

A: The determination is made by you and your academic advisor.

Q: What exams does Charter Oak State College accept for credit?

Charter Oak State College accepts most (but not all) exams. Review our testing administration information for specific exams recognized or an Information Bulletin from our Admissions Office for the same information.

Q: What score do I need to pass?

The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends cut-off scores on each exam. Each institution has its own policy on accepting exams and the scores required.

CLEP exams have a cut-off score of 50 for credit awards,

DSST (DANTES) exams' cut-off scores range from 45-52, depending on the exam.

Charter Oak State College uses the ACE recommended passing scores to award credit. If you are not a Charter Oak student, check with your home institution for its policy.

Q: Will Charter Oak State College provide a grade for passing my exam?

A: Because DSST (DANTES) exams are standardized, normed exams, Charter Oak State College will issue a grade for passing those exams. CLEP exams are not scored in the same manner and therefore no grade other than "P" can be issued for CLEP exams.