- DTP Success Team
DSST Exam Pass Rates
Updated: Sep 1
Table of Contents
Introduction
In the dynamic world of education and career advancement, standardized testing is pivotal in evaluating students' knowledge and skills.
Among the various exam options available, DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) is an invaluable opportunity for students seeking to earn college credits efficiently and reduce their student debt burden.
Let's explore the DSST pass rates, their significance, and their positive impact on student debt reduction.
What are DSST Exams?
DSST exams, also called DANTES tests, allow students to showcase their knowledge in particular subjects and obtain college credits.
These credit-by-examination opportunities are available in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, business, and technology.
DSST exams are flexible, allowing students to customize their academic path to match their interests and professional goals.
The Importance of DSST Exam Pass Rates
DSST pass rates hold immense significance as they provide valuable insights into the efficacy of these exams.
Higher pass rates indicate many test-takers successfully demonstrate their knowledge and earn college credits.
This achievement validates their prior learning experiences and allows them to fast-track their degree completion, reducing student debt.
We've gathered the military passage rates for each course you'll need and those you might want to look at.
It is possible that the DSST Military Passage rates "may" be a good predictor of how complex or straightforward an exam will be.
And if you're anything like most students, you probably want to know which exams are the easiest and have the highest passage rates.
This information can help your studies go smoother when it comes time to take your test.
Generally, a lower passage rate indicates a more challenging test and a higher passage rate indicates a more straightforward exam.
However, this is not always the case, so use them as rough guidelines.
And remember, the wiser you study, the higher your probability of success will be, no matter how difficult the exam.

Military DSST Exam Pass Rates
DSST Exam Title | โFY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 |
A History of the Vietnam War | โ67% | โ49% | 47% | 43% | 61% |
Art of the Western World | โ14% | โ10% | 16% | 4% | 19% |
Astronomy | โ41% | 33% | 24% | 30% | 52% |
Business Ethics and Society | โ92% | โ61% | 55% | โ51% | 54% |
Business Mathematics | โ28% | 57% | 86% | 43% | 55% |
Computing and Information Technology | โ72% | โ65% | 66% | 79% | 78% |
Criminal Justice | โ69% | โ71% | 73% | 69% | 72% |
Environmental Science | โ76% | 63% | 60% | 52% | 51% |
Ethics in America | โ66% | 55% | 53% | 51% | 54% |
Ethics in Technology | 68% | โ66% | 90% | 81% | n/a |
DSST Exam Title | โFY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2019 | FY 2020 | FY 2018 |
Foundations of Education | โ42% | โ47% | 23% | 29% | 64% |
Fundamentals of College Algebra | โ17% | โ18% | 13% | 17% | 10% |
Fundamentals of Counseling | โ57% | 18% | 5% | 6% | 24% |
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity | โ68% | 73% | 76% | 73% | 76% |
General Anthropology | โ58% | 36% | 44% | 49% | 63% |
Health and Human Development | โ74% | 77% | 70% | 74% | 75% |
History of the Soviet Union | โ54% | โ51% | 70% | 73% | 52% |
Human Cultural Geography | โn/a | โn/a | n/a | n/a | 37% |
Human Resource Management | โ60% | โ60% | 57% | 61% | 58% |
Introduction to Business | โ81% | 70% | 84% | 66% | 81% |
DSST Exam Title | โFY 2022 | โFY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 |
Introduction to Geography | โ46% | 41% | 29% | 34% | n/a |
Introduction to Geology | โ18% | โ14% | 8% | 6% | n/a |
Introduction to Law Enforcement | 77% | โ77% | 72% | 72% | 63% |
Introduction to World Religions | โ31% | 45% | 62% | 55% | 61% |
Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 62% | โ58% | 53% | 48% | 48% |
Management Information Systems | โ78% | 57% | 62% | 73% | 66% |
Math for Liberal Arts | โ25% | โ19% | 5% | 5% | 5% |
Money and Banking | โ65% | โ67% | 62% | 49% | 54% |
Organizational Behavior | โ48% | 47% | 43% | 39% | 39% |
Personal Finance | โ71% | 71% | 70% | 71% | 75% |
DSST Exam Title | โFY 2022 | โFY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 |
Principles of Advanced English Composition | โ48% | โ52% | 47% | 45% | 43% |
Principles of Finance | โ57% | 14% | 22% | 24% | 25% |
Principles of Public Speaking | โ62% | 59% | 73% | 56% | 65% |
Principles of Statistics | โ32% | โ34% | 37% | 25% | 27% |
Principles of Supervision | โ65% | โ62% | 59% | 88% | 87% |
Substance Abuse | โ59% | โ65% | 72% | 51% | 60% |
Technical Writing | โ94% | 88% | 84% | 79% | 81% |
The Civil War and Reconstruction | โ45% | โ25% | 33% | 32% | 44% |

Factors Influencing DSST Exam Pass Rates
Preparation
Adequate preparation is a crucial determinant of success in DSST exams. Students who invest time reviewing study materials, taking practice tests, and engaging in focused study sessions tend to perform better, increasing their chances of earning college credits and minimizing student loan obligations.
Familiarity with the Subject Matter
Students with prior knowledge or professional experience in a subject area may find it easier to navigate DSST exams and secure passing scores, paving the way for reduced student debt.
Test-Taking Strategies
Effective test-taking strategies, including time management and critical thinking, significantly boost students' performance and improve their chances of success.
Trends and Insights
Technology and Business Subjects on the Rise
Recent years have witnessed a surge in DSST exam popularity, especially in technology and business-related subjects.
This trend aligns with the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields, opening doors for students to enhance their employability while curbing student debt.
Growth in Online Learning
The advent of online education and distance learning has democratized access to DSST exams.
This expansion in accessibility has led to an increased number of test-takers, positively influencing pass rates and contributing to reduced student debt burdens.
Conclusion
Remember, passage rates vary each year.
For example:
The DSST Principles of Supervision exam has held the top spot for many years, with a success rate of 87% in 2018 and 88% in 2019.
This is an excellent exam to attempt with figures like these.
However, in 2021, the passage rate fell to 62%.
The test is challenging, but you can still succeed with a little focus and extra study time.
Again, a lot of factors affect whether or not you'll pass an exam, such as:
The quality of the study materials you use
The amount of time you spend studying
Whether or not you have real-world experience in the subject
The test's difficulty level
And more!
So, while passage rates can give you a good idea of how other students have fared on a test, keep them from being the sole factor in your decision to take a DSST exam.
Use these DSST military passage rates as one of many factors in your decision-making process.
If you find yourself in a bit of a bind during your studies or need to know what study materials suit you, take a free practice test and see what subjects you're most comfortable with.
With some studying, you'll be able to ace your DSST test and get the scores you need for college credit.
We found that the average DSST pass rate with our assistance was around 70% - 90% (depending on the exam title).
As we acknowledge the success of past DSST exam pass rates, we should also recognize the significant potential these exams have in decreasing student debt and creating better opportunities for the future.
DSST exams offer a pathway to college credits and provide students with the tools to minimize the financial burden of higher education.
With a diverse range of subjects and consistent pass rates, DSST exams will continue to empower students to pursue their dreams while easing the weight of student debt, making education more accessible and achievable.
And remember - always speak with your academic counselor before taking any DSST exam.
Happy Testing!