Arizona State University
Are you an Arizona State University student looking to save money and graduate faster?
DSST exams could be your answer.
Imagine graduating a semester or even a year earlier than planned.
By taking advantage of DSST exams, you could potentially save $16,770 per year on tuition fees and graduate sooner.
This comprehensive guide will explore the numerous benefits of utilizing DSST exams to bypass and test out of general education and elective courses to earn credits toward an undergraduate degree at Arizona State University.
Table of Contents:
Understanding DSST Exams - A Strategic Approach to Academic Advancement
DSST Exams
DSST (or DANTES [Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support] Subject Standardized Test) exams are available in elective course subjects that include Business, Humanities, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Technology.
DSST exams offer a credit-by-examination program allowing test takers to demonstrate their proficiency in specific general education subjects without enrolling in traditional courses.
Arizona State University recognizes the significance of DSST exams.
It enables students to receive credit for an Arizona State University course by taking a DSST examination instead of the actual course.
Utilizing DSST exams, students may study the subject matter independently and take their exam once they feel prepared.
This flexible pathway allows for significant savings in tuition costs and saves time to graduate faster.
ASU Students Have an Incredible Opportunity to Test Out of Their General Education Classes with DSST Exams.
Arizona State University Tuition vs. DSST Exam Fees
ASU's Cost of Attendance
Arizona State University students face an estimated annual Cost of Attendance that ranges between $11,308.00 to $29,438.00 and are actively seeking ways to reduce costs associated with tuition expenses.
The cost associated with a 3-semester-hour unit general education class at Arizona State University is approximately $1,777.00.
The cost associated with a 3-semester hour unit general education DSST course exam is $100.00.
Three (3) Semester Units Vs. DSST Exam Fees
Description | Unit Type | Cost per Unit | Number of Units | Total Cost | Total Savings |
Arizona State University Tuition: | |||||
Undergraduate General Elective Class | Semester-hour | $592.33 (1 unit) | 3 | $1,777.00 | |
DSST Exam Fees: | |||||
DSST Exam | Semester-hour | $33.33 (1 unit) | 3 | $100.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exam | $1,677.00 |
One Undergraduate General Elective Class at Arizona State University:
$592.33 (semester-hour) x 3 semester-hour units = $1,777.00
One DSST exam awards credit for three (3) semester-hour units.
Regardless of residency status, a non-refundable $100.00 test fee is required to take the exam.
This substantial difference of $1,677.00 savings per class underscores the potential for Sun Devil’s to save on tuition costs.
Taking one DSST exam would save a student $1,677.00.
Tuition Savings: Full-Time Student
An undergraduate student's full-time course load schedule comprises roughly 15 units (5 classes) per semester.
If a student were to complete five general education courses (15 semester-hour units) at Arizona State University, the cost of tuition would be approximately $8,885.00.
Let's view the potential savings below.
Fifteen (15) Semester Units Vs. DSST Exam Fees
Institution | Semester-Units | Unit Cost (3) | # of Classes | Tuition Cost | DSST Exam Fees | Total Cost | Total Savings |
Arizona State University | 15 | $1,777.00 | 5 | $8,885.00 | - | $8,885.00 | |
DSST Exams | 15 | $100.00 | 5 | - | $500.00 | $500.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $8,385.00 |
Utilizing DSST Exams, a Full-Time ASU Student Can Save $8,385.00 Per Semester ($16,770 Yearly).
Arizona State University Students: Accelerate Your Graduation
Graduate Faster
Students can complete general education courses at Arizona State University or fulfill the requirements at a community college and transfer the units to Arizona State University.
However, both options consume a premium of time and money.
Rather than enrolling in monthly semester-long classes, DSST exams offer a flexible and efficient way for Arizona State University students to fast-track their education and make graduating in three years or less a reality.
Utilizing DSST exams allows students to study independently, take one final DSST exam once they feel adequately prepared to pass, and test out to receive credit for elective course units.
Pro Tip:
Before taking any DSST exam, you MUST contact your academic advisor to discuss your options and confirm course credit for specific programs.
ASU Students Can Test Out of 60 Units (Two Years) Worth of General Education Courses at a Fraction of The Cost and Move Directly Into Upper-Division Classes Faster.
ASU: What Classes Can I Test Out Of?
DSST Credit Articulation
Here are the undergraduate classes for which students may receive DSST credit and the examination articulation guidelines determining how credits are counted toward General Education requirements at Arizona State University.
DSST Course Exam | ASU Course Credit | DSST Course Credit |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
ARS 101 or 102 | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
CRJ 100 | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
TEL DEC* | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
HST DEC* | 3 units |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
GCU 102 | 3 units | |
GLG 101 | 3 units | |
CRJ DEC* | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
Math for Liberal Arts | MAT 142 | 3 units |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
Principles of Statistics | STP 226 | 3 units |
Elective credit | 3 units | |
ENG DEC* | 3 units | |
HST DEC* | 3 units |
*Credit awarded as a department elective will display as DEC. A DEC course is not directly equivalent to a current ASU course but could be used for graduation requirements.
DSST Exam Credit Limits and Academic Planning at ASU
Credit By Examination
Before taking any DSST exam, students must consult their academic advisor to ensure alignment with their degree plan and avoid duplicating coursework.
Credits may fulfill general education or elective requirements for graduation.
Arizona State University students can earn up to 60 units for a baccalaureate degree through DSST exams.
Pro Tip: Avoid Duplication and Regression
Students must plan with their academic advisor to determine how specific DSST exam courses may apply to their major and refer to the Transfer Credit Guide for equivalencies of exams taken outside of the current catalog year.
Arizona State University must receive a score report or transcript showing their DSST exam results directly from Prometric to receive credit.
Students may not receive credit for a prerequisite course if credit has already been given in a higher-level course within the same subject or has already been awarded from any other educational institution.
Maintain Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
Grade Point Average
DSST passing scores earn college credit without impacting your grade point average (GPA), and students who fail to pass on a first attempt may retest after 30 days until they successfully pass.
A score of 400 points is required to pass your DSST exam.
There are about 100 multiple-choice questions, and approximately 58% to 62% must be answered correctly to receive a passing score.
DSST exams allow test takers 90 minutes, and examinees should allocate 2 hours for the entire appointment.
With lenient scoring criteria, DSST exams are a desirable option for students who seek to accelerate acquiring undergraduate elective credits.
DSST exams don't affect your GPA.
Arizona State University's Test Center: DSST Exam Testing
Arizona State University Testing Services
Arizona State University accommodates DSST exams with proctored testing on campus at the Testing Office located at:
Arizona State University Testing Services
1130 E. University Drive, Suite 204
Tempe, AZ 85288
480-965-7146
Test Center And Exam Details
DSST exams last 90 minutes, and examinees should allocate 2 hours for the entire appointment.
Scores can be printed immediately post-exam, and official results are mailed to Arizona State University.
Registration and Exam Fees
The total cost of DSST exams is $135.00, divided into a non-refundable and non-transferrable $35.00 registration fee payable to ASU and a $100.00 exam fee payable to DSST.
You must pay the $100.00 DSST exam fee on the exam day using a credit card.
Accepted payment types include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.
Cash or check payments cannot be accepted.
Walk-ins are not allowed.
Exam Registration
Examinees MUST complete the pre-registration online and pay the $35.00 registration fee at least one day before their intended test date.
Registration fees are non-refundable, and rescheduling requires a new $35.00 registration fee.
If you don't pass on your first attempt, you must wait 30 days before retaking the same DSST exam.
Test Day
All test takers must check in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment test time and present a non-expired government-issued ID containing a current photo and signature (e.g., driver's license, state-issued identification card, passport, or military identification card).
Without proper identification, you will not permitted to take your DSST exam.
Pro Tip: The Institutional Score Report Recipient Code for Arizona State University is 9943.
On the day of your scheduled exam, you must register at the test center and input Arizona State University's Institutional Score Recipient Code: 9943.
This will ensure that a complimentary transcript of your exam score is sent to Arizona State University.
Failure to provide the Institutional Score Report Recipient Code (9943) may incur additional fees for transcripts.
For detailed information, please read: How Can I Guarantee My School Receives My DSST Exam Results (For Free)?
Arizona State University's Test Center: Military Members
Active military members, spouses, and specific civilian employees may have fees waived for particular exams.
The military ID, specifically the Common Access Card (CAD), must indicate membership in the "Armed Forces of the United States."
Eligible Civil Service personnel must provide a current Armed Forces of the United States Card and one additional state or government picture ID with a signature (state driver’s license or a valid passport).
DoD Acquisition Personnel should present a current Armed Forces of the United States Common Access Card and one additional state or government picture identification with a signature (state driver’s license
or a valid passport).
Eligible Spouses must provide a current United States Uniformed Services ID card.
Military Members: Do not register online, as this process will not waive your administrative fee. Please call the testing center directly at (480) 965-7146 to schedule accommodations for complimentary DSST exams.
Prometric Test Centers: Registration Process
Prometric Test Centers
You can take your DSST exam at ASU or at a Prometric test center.
You can schedule and take your DSST exam at any Prometric test center strategically positioned across the United States.
When enrolling for a DSST exam, you can choose between two options:
Attend the exam at a physical Prometric brick-and-mortar test center.
Opt for a remote exam through Prometric.
Each option has unique advantages; you can easily schedule your exam online for added convenience.
Let's explore both.
Prometric Test Centers: Take Your DSST Exam in Person
In-Person Assistance
To schedule and register for your DSST exam in person, you must first locate a nearby testing center and reserve your appointment online.
Arrive Early
On the day of your exam, to ensure a smooth check-in process, it is highly recommended that you arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early with proper forms of required identification.
For a list of test Prometric test centers, click here.
Prometric Remote Proctoring: Take Your DSST Exam Remotely
Take Your Exam Online
You can take your DSST exam online remotely from your personal computer.
A live proctor will monitor you throughout your exam.
Schedule your reservation to sign up for your DSST exam from the comfort of your own home.
Pick the subject you'd like to test in, choose a suitable test date, and pay the exam fee online.
It's a convenient and straightforward process.
To schedule and take your exam remotely, please view our post below.
Prometric Test Centers: How will Arizona State University Receive My DSST Exam Results?
Institutional Score Recipient Code
Whether you opt for an online or in-person DSST exam, knowing your college or university's 4-digit Institutional Score Recipient Code is essential.
ASU will receive a complimentary copy of your exam scores from Prometric using their designated institution's 4-digit score recipient code.
Prometric will send your score report directly to ASU for free.
The processing time for ASU to receive the score report ranges from 3 to 6 weeks.
Once Arizona State University receives your score report, they will apply your units toward your degree program.
Arizona State University's Institutional Score Recipient Code is 9943.
Prometric Exam Results: You Must Follow Up with Prometric
Contact Prometric
Currently, Prometric doesn't allow you to input your Institutional Score Recipient Code during registration.
Until this feature is available, you must contact them directly for assistance.
Be sure to contact Prometric within two days after taking your exam and provide them with your four-digit institutional score recipient code.
Contact Prometric at:
Toll Free: 1-877-471-9860
For more details, view our blog:
Pro Tip: To expedite the processing of your college credits, contact Prometric two days after your exam, providing them with your university's Institutional Score Recipient Code (ASU: 9943 ).
If you want ASU to receive your exam results, ensure you provide your 4-digit code to Prometric each time you take a DSST exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Started?
Speak with your academic counselor and see if you can test out of any general education or elective courses.
Treat your DSST test like any other final exam. Study practice exams for 1 -2 weeks and review key terms.
Schedule your exam at ASU or with Prometric (at a test center or remotely).
Pass your DSST exam and earn college credits!
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
For current and prospective Arizona State University students, pursuing an undergraduate degree is undoubtedly accompanied by financial hurdles.
DSST exams allow prospective students to earn college units before attending ASU, allowing them to enter as second, or third-year students.
Current students can save on tuition and accelerate their graduation date.
DSST exams accommodate the needs of busy students and cater to both in-person and online learners.
We delved into the myriad benefits of utilizing DSST exams to strategically bypass and test out of general education courses, ultimately paving the way for a more cost-effective and efficient journey toward earning valuable credits at Arizona State University.
Embracing DSST exams is not just an intelligent academic choice; it's a key to unlocking a swifter and more economical route to achieving your educational goals.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with us at support@dssttestprep.com
We wish you the best of luck on your DSST exams!