Prior Learning Assessment

Standardized Exams: CLEP, DANTES, and Excelsior

CLEP
DANTES DANTES exams and acceptance of DANTES scores are currently suspended at USM/PLA. Please contact PLA at 207-780-4663 for further questions or concerns.
Excelsior College Examinations

The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) helps students earn credit for what they already know, save time and money, and have a more rewarding college experience. CLEP or Dantes exams may be taken in lieu of certain courses. When an acceptable score is earned and the posting fee paid, credit can be posted to your USM college transcript, with the official CLEP score transcript which arrives usually within 4 weeks after the test. Be sure your college or university accepts the CLEP or Dantes exam you want to take.

CLEP

CLEP exams are standarized tests that may be taken for general credit or specific course equivalency. USM is an open testing site—registration is not restricted to USM students.

To register for CLEP examinations at USM, please download both the CLEP Registration Form and the USM Administration Form below, and either bring or mail them to the posted address with the appropriate payment of $95 per exam. All changes made to the Registration-Admission Form which you submit must be made in writing on a newly submitted form.

The CLEP web site offers study materials beyond the college texts you may use. Thirty-four individual subject test study guides are offered through CLEP. If you're taking just one CLEP exam, it may be more advantageous to purchase one of these Individual Subject Guides ($10) in downloadable electronic format instead of the Comprehensive CLEP Official Study Guide ($35), both of which are available through the link below to CLEP. In both formats, you will get an outline of the test, sample questions and answers, and general tips for preparing for the CLEP exams.

Note: The USM Libraries Reference Department on the Gorham Campus now has a copy of the CLEP Study Guide, along with a CD-ROM practice session. As always, PLA keeps a current copy of both for you to use in the Learning Center.

CLEP Forms and Information

Exams for Credit at USM
Exams for Credit at Lewiston-Auburn College/USM
Current Schedule of Exams
Registration Information and Policies
USM Administrative Application
CLEP Registration Form
To have your CLEP credit posted to a USM transcript
To reschedule your CLEP exam: submit with the rescheduling fee of $35; please reschedule prior to a week before the exam date
College Board Online (for more detailed information on CLEP exams)

DANTES exams and acceptance of DANTES scores are currently suspended at USM/PLA. Please contact PLA at 207-780-4663 for further questions or concerns.

DANTES

DANTES standardized exams (DSST - Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support) are processed through the Educational Testing Service and offer a roster of examinations different than CLEP. What started as an educational aid to military service personnel, has been expanded to a universal testing program for any student attempting to earn university credit.

DANTES Exams are scheduled on an individual basis at USM. Please submit your application to the Prior Learning Assessment office, along with the $95 application fee. Our Test Coordinator, Anne Russo-Ladd (207-228-8086) will call you to schedule the exam. Allow at least two weeks from the time of that call for your scheduled exam date.

Study information and sample test questions are available for copy in the Prior Learning Assessment Office, 253 Luther Bonney Hall. The USM University Bookstores will also special order exam study materials. When you contact the bookstore, please allow 10 days for delivery. The DANTES web site offers additional study information with the purchase of their materials.

Dantes Forms and Information

Excelsior College Examinations

Excelsior College is an external degree program of the New York State Board of Regents. USM faculty have reviewed the complete list of Excelsior College examinations and have accepted the following for USM credit:

English Composition
Abnormal Psychology
Microbiology
Psychology of the Life Span
Anatomy and Physiology (no lab credit)
Ethics: Theory and Practice

The Maine testing site for Excelsior College Examinations are Prometrics Test Center, South Portland (207-775-5812, 761-1178, or 773-2032) or Prometrics Test Center in Orono (207-581-1708). The Prometrics national service number is 1-800-967-1100. To register and/or order study guides, contact Excelsior College at admissions@excelsior.edu, www.excelsior.edu, or 1-888-723-9267.