1. Different school-running entities: there are adult education colleges or continuing education colleges in adult education universities, and the school-running entities are institutions of higher learning; Strictly speaking, the self-study exam has no subject, but is self-study. At present, there are short-term self-study exams, which are generally run by individuals or non-governmental organizations, as well as universities.

2. Different examination methods and difficulties: Adult education should participate in the adult college entrance examination organized by the Ministry of Education, and obtain a graduation certificate after entering school and completing all courses; Self-taught exams are lenient and strict, and you don't need to take entrance exams, but you have to complete all the courses required by a major to get a diploma.

3. Different diplomas: Adult examinations are awarded by adult education colleges of various universities. Which university will be stamped when you graduate? There are two chapters on the graduation certificate of self-taught examination, one is the chapter of the examiner's college, and the other is the chapter of the local self-taught examination Committee.

4. Different learning methods: it is part-time to study on weekends or at the time specified by the school; The self-study exam is completely self-study.