Scope of Services
Career Services provides testing services to its students, alumni, and community members. Two standardized testing options are available for students to earn college credit for knowledge already learned: College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The CLEP exam allows students the opportunity to receive college credit for knowledge already learned. Students may CLEP up to 45 credits toward their degree. CLEP credits do not count toward a student's overall GPA.
The CLEP test is offered at the University of Mary on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Test-takers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time. Individuals arriving less than 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time will not be allowed to test. CLEP tests are computer-based and administered in the Welder Library. List of CLEP testing dates. The CLEP credit card lists available CLEP tests and their equivalent University of Mary course for which students can receive credit.
Note: CLEP study materials are available at the main campus (Career Services Office). Students can also visit the InstantCert website for additional resources.
DSST
The DSST program, similar to CLEP, allows students to gain credit for knowledge they have already learned. DSST offers 37 unique tests across many disciplines. Students are awarded credits which count toward their degree but do not affect their GPA. Students may test out of up to 45 credits toward their degree.
DSST tests are offered on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m to 2:30 p.m. at the University of Mary main campus. Test-takers are asked to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled test. Individuals arriving less than 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time will not be allowed to test. DSST tests are computer based and given in the Welder Library. A DSST Candidate Information Bulletin may be downloaded by clicking here. The DSST credit card lists available DSST tests and their equivalent University of Mary course for which students can receive credit. Please note that DSST will be offered on the same days as CLEP (see above).
There are two separate fees required for DSST test-takers. A $25 administrative fee, made payable to the University of Mary, must be paid at the time of registration with Career Services. This fee reserves a student’s spot to take the DSST! Please register one week prior to the desired test date. Additionally, the DSST testing fee is $100 and must be paid online via credit card prior to beginning the test. For frequently asked DSST questions, click here.
Other resources
To learn about tests not previously mentioned or to inquire about additional testing times, the following sites may be helpful:
• Bismarck State College Testing Center: (701) 224-5658
• Sylvan Learning Center: (701) 223-0010
• Pearson Professional Centers: (701) 223-8737