- DTP Success Team
5 Questions You Should Ask Your Academic Counselor Before Taking Any DSST Exam
Updated: Apr 10
You're considering taking a DSST exam but unsure if it's the right decision.
With over 30 business, math, science, and social sciences exams, the DSST program offers college credit for learning that you've already mastered.
But deciding to take a DSST exam is just the first step.
The next step is figuring out which exam is right for you.
That's where your academic counselor comes in.
Your counselor can help you choose the right test and give you tips on preparing for it.
Table of Contents
1. Does my institution accept DSST exams?
Most institutions accept DSST exams; however, some restrict the total amount of credits accepted.
Be sure the exam you want to take fits your curriculum needs and will be accepted.
2. How many DSST exam units will your institution accept?
Many institutions that accept DSST examinations have fixed criteria for a certain number of credit units you may test out.
For example, one university may restrict your units to 30, whereas another might allow you to accumulate 60 units.
3. Which specific DSST exams can you take?
Every school has criteria for recognizing DSST units and how they will meet your degree requirements.
You want to avoid regressing or duplicating your DSST exam.
Your academic advisor can point you to the institution's "Course Equivalencies," which detail which DSST examinations are eligible for your degree.
Remember to develop a testing exam strategy.
You can then formulate a plan that spreads your studies over appropriate weeks based on the available study time.
Download our Student Strategy Forms.
Review it with your academic counselor and maintain your records.
Complete the forms so you can have a visual guide of what is needed to complete your degree.
4. What is my institutional score recipient code?
Confirm your university or college's Institutional Score Recipient Code with your academic counselor.
This four-digit code is unique to each institution.
When you arrive at the testing facility, you'll be required to create a student account.
You'll need your code later when you take your final exam.
Enter the correct code to ensure your transcripts are forwarded to the proper institution's Registrar's office.
There, your results will be evaluated and applied to your degree.
There could also be delays in receiving scores if there was an error with entering your code during registration; make sure that this does not happen by double-checking institutional codes before submitting any information!
5. How long will it take for my institution to receive my score report?
Check with your school within 90 days after testing to verify your scores were received.
6. Summary: 5 Questions You Should Ask Your Academic Counselor Before Taking Any DSST Exam
Most of the approximately 1,200 DSST testing centers are located at colleges and universities.
Search DSST's site for a list of schools: https://www.getcollegecredit.com/search/
Some schools require enrollment before accepting a report, and due to privacy requirements, student score reports cannot be reported over the phone.
Most institutions accept DSST exams, but some restrict the total amount of credits that can be applied.
Check with your institution to see what they accept and how many DSST credits you're allowed before taking action.
Also, double-check your school's Institutional Score Recipient Code for accuracy when registering for a test.
This code must match up exactly, or else there may be delays in receiving results from your exam!
The college or university you specified on test day receives your score report.
Your score report should arrive at your school or institution within 90 days of your test date.
An incorrect institution code might be the reason for a delayed score.
Contact your school immediately if your score is delayed.
7. Student Resources
DTP_Student_Strategy_Forms
.pdf
Download PDF • 894KB