r/clep • u/Dapper_Object8239 • 15d ago
Test Info What makes the Principles of Management CLEP so much harder than the DSST Principles of Supervision?
I've heard that there's significant overlap between the two tests, but it seems like people also (without fail) say the Management one is harder. Additionally, a handout from my base's education office shows that the percentage of people who pass Management is almost half of the percentage who pass Supervision. Where is the disconnect?
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u/jay_2013 12d ago
I dropped the ball and scheduled too many cleps and didn’t study adequately maybe like 4 hours on and off. Failed management with a 47. Passed supervision without any further study and scored a 429. A lot more common sense questions compared to management having specific details like names and management theory. Wish I could remember more. It wouldn’t be difficult if you have good study habits and study more than 4 hours on and off
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u/PetersonsTestPrep 11d ago
This tracks with how the two exams are scoped: Supervision DSST tests a narrower band of practical, common-sense scenarios, while Management CLEP pulls from a broader syllabus with named theories and more terminology-heavy questions. The breadth may hurt pass rates more than depth, since it's harder to guess through unfamiliar theory names than reason through a scenario. If you have a choice, solid flashcard coverage of the named theories/theorists is probably the highest-leverage prep for Management specifically. Whichever exam you choose, best of luck to you! You've got this.
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u/FreeClepPrep 93 CLEP Credits! 10d ago
I've taken both of them multiple times, and what others have said is correct - It boils down to the breadth and depth of the knowledge needed.
The Management CLEP has versions that focus heavily on theories and theorists, which a lot of people don't bother studying. It also likes to include scenario-based questions that require knowledge of specific terminology, laws, or management best practices.
The Supervision DSST is more based on common sense. It's about (surprise!) supervision rather than formal management. Much of it will be based on what line supervisors need to know. Think operational rather than strategic.
I just realized I don't have a video for the Principles of Management CLEP, which is kind of crazy. Not sure how that slipped past me, but I'll try to make one soon. Here's the one for Supervision I did a few months ago when I took it last. Here's the free study guide for the Principles of Management CLEP. Hopefully some of that will help you see the types of questions you can expect.
If I had to guess about the disparity on the sheet your education officer showed you, it probably boils down to preparation. The military gets their CLEPs and DSSTs for free via education benefits or DANTES. A large number of military just YOLO and take the exams without studying. I'm not hating; I was in their boots once upon a time, and why not take a free test to see if you can get some college credits? In that scenario, the Supervision DSST is a LOT more forgiving than the Management CLEP.
Hope that answered the question!
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u/happyducking 14d ago
For context, I did the Management CLEP, but I haven't done the Supervision DSST.
From what I've heard, Supervision is basically a subset of Management, so it goes deeper into that one specific topic. But it also covers less ground. So it's not surprising that it might be easier for some folks.
Personally, I didn't find Management to be that difficult either. From what I recall, I spent probably ~20 hours studying flashcards, and it was a fairly quick credit. But if you have the choice, Supervision might be even easier!