DSST Frequently Asked Questions

DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) is a credit-by-examination program that allows you to earn college credit by demonstrating knowledge in specific subject areas. Originally developed for military service members through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program, DSST exams are now available to everyone. The program offers over 30 exams across subjects including business, humanities, mathematics, science, social sciences, and technology. Each exam is designed to measure knowledge equivalent to a lower-level undergraduate college course. DSST is accepted by approximately 1,900 colleges and universities, making it a valuable option for earning college credit efficiently.

While both DSST and CLEP are credit-by-examination programs, they have several key differences. DSST offers over 30 exams while CLEP offers 34 exams, with some subject overlap but many unique offerings in each program. DSST exams are administered at Prometric testing centers, while CLEP exams are administered at Pearson VUE centers (often on college campuses). DSST exams typically have 100 questions with a 2-hour time limit, while most CLEP exams have 80-120 questions in 90 minutes. DSST scores range from 200-500, while CLEP uses a 20-80 scale. Both programs have strong military connections, but DSST originated specifically from the military education system. Acceptance policies vary by institution, so some schools may accept one program but not the other.

DSST exams are available to anyone regardless of age, educational background, or military status. While the program originated for military service members, it's now fully open to civilian test-takers as well. High school students take DSST exams to earn college credit before graduating. Working adults use DSST to convert professional experience and independent learning into college credit. Current college students take DSST to accelerate degree completion or fulfill requirements more efficiently. Military service members, veterans, and military family members are particularly well-served by the program due to funded testing benefits through DANTES.

DSST currently offers over 30 examinations across multiple subject areas. Business subjects include Business Ethics and Society, Business Mathematics, Human Resource Management, Introduction to Business, Management Information Systems, Money and Banking, Organizational Behavior, Personal Finance, and Principles of Finance, Supervision, and Statistics. Social Sciences covers A History of the Vietnam War, Art of the Western World, Criminal Justice, Foundations of Education, Fundamentals of Counseling, General Anthropology, Human Cultural Geography, Introduction to Law Enforcement, Introduction to World Religions, Lifespan Developmental Psychology, Substance Abuse, and The Civil War and Reconstruction. Science and Mathematics includes Astronomy, Environment and Humanity, Health and Human Development, and Principles of Physical Science. Humanities includes Ethics in America and Introduction to World Religions.

DSST exam difficulty depends largely on your background knowledge in the subject area. The exams are designed to measure knowledge equivalent to an introductory college course, so test-takers with relevant education, work experience, or dedicated preparation typically find them achievable. Pass rates vary by exam but generally range from 60-80%. Exams in areas where you have practical experience (such as Human Resource Management for HR professionals) tend to be more approachable than subjects you're learning from scratch. Success requires honest assessment of your knowledge gaps, targeted preparation, and familiarity with the exam format through practice tests.

The DSST examination fee is $100 per exam for civilian test-takers as of 2024-2025. This fee is paid to Prometric when scheduling your exam. Active duty military members, National Guard, and Reservists can take DSST exams completely free through the DANTES program, which funds both the exam fee and any testing center fees. Some veterans may also qualify for funded testing through VA education benefits. Civilian test-takers should budget for the $100 exam fee plus any additional costs for study materials, though many free preparation resources are available online.

Registration for DSST exams is handled through Prometric. Visit the Prometric website (prometric.com) and search for DSST to find available testing locations and schedule an appointment. You'll create a Prometric account if you don't have one, select your exam and testing location, choose an available date and time, and pay the exam fee. Civilian test-takers pay at the time of scheduling. Military members should coordinate through their Education Center to access funded testing and may schedule directly or through DANTES. Bring valid photo identification that matches your registration name exactly on test day.

DSST exams can be rescheduled or cancelled through Prometric, but fees and policies apply. If you reschedule or cancel at least two business days before your appointment, you typically receive a full refund minus any processing fees. Cancellations or changes made with less than two business days notice may forfeit part or all of your exam fee. Prometric's specific policies may change, so verify current terms when scheduling. If you're a military member testing through DANTES, contact your Education Center about rescheduling procedures since the process may differ from civilian scheduling.

The primary discount available for DSST is free testing for military members through DANTES. Active duty service members in all branches, National Guard, and Reservists qualify for fully funded DSST exams. The DANTES program covers both the exam fee and testing center fees, making DSST an excellent no-cost option for military education benefits. Some veterans may access funded testing through VA programs. Civilian test-takers generally pay the full $100 fee, though some employers offer education benefits that may cover testing costs. Check with your employer's HR department about tuition assistance programs that might apply to credit-by-examination.

DSST exams use a scaled scoring system ranging from 200 to 500. Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to this scaled score using statistical methods that account for slight variations in difficulty across different test forms. The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends a minimum passing score for each exam, typically around 400, which represents the performance level of students who would earn a C grade in the equivalent college course. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should attempt every question even if you're uncertain. Your scaled score is calculated based only on correct responses.

The ACE-recommended passing score varies by exam but is typically around 400 on the 200-500 scale. However, individual institutions set their own credit-granting policies and may require different scores. Some colleges accept the ACE recommendation directly, while others may require higher scores for credit or set different thresholds for different subjects. A few institutions may award different amounts of credit based on score ranges. Before taking a DSST exam, verify your target institution's specific score requirements through their website, registrar, or admissions office to ensure you're aiming for the right target.

For most DSST exams, you receive your unofficial score immediately upon completing the exam at the Prometric testing center. Your score displays on the computer screen after you submit your answers, and you receive a printed score report before leaving. This instant feedback lets you know whether you've passed before you leave the testing center. Official score reports and transcripts are processed separately and can be requested through Prometric or the DSST program. Official transcripts sent to institutions typically take 2-3 weeks to arrive after you request them.

Yes, you can retake a DSST exam if you don't achieve your desired score. The waiting period before retaking the same DSST exam is 30 days from your previous attempt. There's no limit to how many times you can attempt a particular exam, though each attempt requires paying the full exam fee (unless you're eligible for military-funded testing). Use the 30-day waiting period productively by focusing your study on the areas where you struggled. Consider what contributed to not passing - content gaps, time management, or test anxiety - and address those specific issues before your next attempt.

DSST scores remain on your record indefinitely and don't have an expiration date from the testing program's perspective. You can request official transcripts be sent to institutions at any time after taking the exam. However, individual colleges may have their own policies about how recent a score must be for credit consideration. Some institutions accept scores regardless of age, while others may only accept scores from the past 5-10 years, particularly for subjects where content evolves significantly over time. Verify with your specific institution whether they have any time limitations on accepting DSST credit.

Most DSST exams award 3 semester hours of credit, equivalent to a typical one-semester introductory course. The exact credit amount can vary by institution and may depend on how the credit applies to your specific degree program. Some schools may award the ACE-recommended credit amount while others have their own credit policies. Credit is typically applied as elective credit or toward general education requirements, depending on the subject and your degree plan. The maximum total DSST credit accepted varies by institution, with some schools capping credit-by-examination at 30-60 hours while others have no limit.

Approximately 1,900 colleges and universities accept DSST credit, but policies vary significantly. Most public universities and community colleges have favorable DSST policies. Many private institutions also accept DSST, though some highly selective schools do not or have very limited acceptance. Each school determines which DSST exams they accept, what scores are required, and how the credit applies to degree requirements. Before investing in DSST preparation, verify that your target institution accepts the specific exam you're considering and that the credit will meaningfully apply toward your degree goals.

Official DSST transcripts must be ordered separately from your exam and sent directly to your institution. You can request transcripts through Prometric or the DSST program website. There's typically a fee for each official transcript sent. When ordering, you'll need your institution's name and address, and sometimes specific department information. Transcripts are processed and mailed within 2-3 weeks of your request. Unlike the immediate unofficial score you receive at the testing center, official transcripts are required by colleges before they'll award credit. Plan ahead to ensure transcripts arrive in time for registration or graduation deadlines.

In most cases, DSST credits are recorded as credit-by-examination or transfer credit without a letter grade, so they don't factor into your GPA calculation. Your transcript typically shows the course equivalent and credit hours with a notation like "CR" (credit) or "P" (pass). This can actually benefit your GPA since you receive credit without the risk of a low grade affecting your average. Some institutions may have different transcript notation policies, so check with your school's registrar about exactly how DSST credit will appear on your record if this matters for your situation.

DSST credits can potentially transfer between institutions, but transferability depends on both schools' policies. If your original college accepted DSST credit and recorded it on your transcript, the receiving institution will evaluate it during their transfer credit review. However, the new school applies their own DSST policies - they might accept the credit, require a different score than you achieved, or not accept that particular exam. Sometimes it's more effective to order a new official DSST transcript sent directly to your new institution rather than relying on credit-to-credit transfer. Always verify the receiving school's DSST policy before assuming credits will transfer.

Active duty military members, National Guard, and Reservists can take DSST exams at no cost through the DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) program. DANTES funds both the exam fee and testing center fees for eligible service members. To access free testing, coordinate with your installation's Education Center or Education Services Officer. They'll verify your eligibility and help you schedule exams either at on-base testing facilities or at approved Prometric centers. The program covers unlimited exam attempts, making it an excellent benefit for military members pursuing college credit.

Veterans who have separated from active duty generally don't qualify for DANTES-funded DSST exams, which are primarily available to current service members. However, several options exist for veterans. Some VA education benefits may cover testing fees - check with your VA education counselor about current policies. If you're a member of the National Guard or Reserves, you likely still qualify for DANTES funding. Additionally, some states offer veteran education benefits that might cover testing costs. Veterans should also explore whether their GI Bill benefits can be applied to credit-by-examination fees.

Military members have two main options for DSST testing locations. Many military installations have Education Centers that administer DSST exams on base, often with convenient scheduling for service members. Alternatively, military members can test at civilian Prometric testing centers worldwide. When testing through DANTES funding at either location, coordinate through your Education Center to ensure proper funding authorization. On-base testing may offer more flexibility and familiarity with military schedules, while Prometric centers provide more location options, particularly for those not stationed near major installations.

Military training and experience can provide excellent preparation for certain DSST exams, though the alignment varies by subject and your specific military role. Exams in areas like Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, Supervision, and Management Information Systems often align well with military leadership and administrative training. Technical roles may provide preparation for related DSST subjects. However, military training alone may not cover all exam content, so review the official exam content outline to identify any gaps between your training and the test requirements. Supplementing your military knowledge with targeted study typically produces the best results.

DSST exams consist of 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours (120 minutes). Each question has four answer choices with one correct answer. Questions are presented one at a time on the computer screen, and you can navigate forward and backward through the exam. You can flag questions to return to later and review your answers before final submission. The computer interface shows your remaining time and progress through the exam. Some questions may be experimental items being tested for future exams and don't count toward your score, though you won't know which ones these are.

Calculator policies vary by DSST exam and subject. For most DSST exams, calculators are not permitted since questions are designed to be answered without calculation aids. However, some mathematics and quantitative exams may provide an on-screen calculator within the testing software. You cannot bring your own calculator to any DSST exam. Check the specific exam information on the DSST website to verify whether your exam provides a calculator or prohibits them entirely. Using unauthorized aids during testing could result in score cancellation and potential testing restrictions.

Effective DSST preparation begins with assessing your current knowledge through practice tests or self-evaluation. Review the official exam content outline on the DSST website to understand exactly what topics are covered and their relative weights. Focus your study time on areas where you have knowledge gaps rather than reviewing material you already know well. Use multiple resources including textbooks, online courses, practice questions, and video content. For subjects where you have work experience, identify how your practical knowledge aligns with academic terminology and concepts. Practice under timed conditions to build comfort with the 2-hour exam format.

Several resources support DSST preparation. The official DSST website provides exam fact sheets with content outlines and sample questions for each exam. Peterson's publishes comprehensive DSST preparation guides with content review and practice tests. InstantCert and other online platforms offer flashcards and study guides specifically for DSST exams. Free resources include library textbooks on exam subjects, Khan Academy for relevant topics, and YouTube educational content. Flying Prep offers AI-powered study tools and practice tests designed for DSST preparation. Military members can access free study resources through their Education Center.

Study time requirements vary significantly based on your existing knowledge and the subject area. Test-takers with strong background knowledge (from work experience, previous coursework, or military training) might need 15-30 hours to review content and practice exam format. Those learning material from scratch typically need 50-100+ hours of comprehensive study. Take a diagnostic assessment early to gauge your starting point - if you're scoring near passing before any preparation, you need less study time; if you're well below passing, plan for more extensive preparation. Most successful candidates spend 30-50 hours over 3-6 weeks.

DSST exams are administered at Prometric testing centers throughout the United States and internationally. Prometric operates thousands of testing locations, typically in commercial office buildings or professional testing facilities. Military members can also take DSST exams at Education Centers on military installations worldwide. Use the Prometric website's testing center locator to find convenient locations near you. Testing center availability varies by location, with major metropolitan areas having multiple options while rural areas may have limited choices. Some test-takers travel to take exams in areas with better availability.

Currently, DSST exams cannot be taken online or at home. All DSST exams must be administered at authorized Prometric testing centers or approved military testing facilities with in-person proctoring. This requirement ensures standardized testing conditions and security across all test-takers. The in-person requirement protects the integrity of DSST scores and maintains the credibility of the program with colleges and universities. If traveling to a testing center is challenging, check for testing centers along travel routes or during planned trips to more convenient locations.

Bring two forms of valid identification to your Prometric DSST appointment. Your primary ID must be government-issued with a photo and signature (driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID). Your secondary ID must have either a photo or signature. The name on your IDs must exactly match your exam registration. Bring your confirmation number or email. Do not bring cell phones, smart watches, notes, books, food, drinks, bags, or any electronic devices - these must be stored in a locker during testing. Dress comfortably in layers. Arrive 15-30 minutes early for check-in procedures.

If you experience technical issues during your exam (frozen screen, computer problems, etc.), raise your hand immediately to alert a test administrator. They can address technical problems and may pause your timer while issues are resolved. For procedural questions or needs like additional scratch paper, also raise your hand for assistance. If you have concerns about testing conditions or believe there was an irregularity affecting your exam, report it to Prometric and DSST before leaving the testing center. Document any issues and contact DSST customer service promptly if you need to file a formal complaint or request score review.