- DTP Success Team
How DSST Exams Can Fast-Track Your College Degree And Reduce Your Student Debt
Updated: Nov 21
Would you like to graduate faster and reduce your student debt?
DSST exams can help.
This article will discuss how DSST exams can help accelerate your graduation date and save tuition costs by "testing out" to complete lower-division general education courses.
These innovative and flexible exams offer a unique pathway to earn undergraduate college credits and pave a fast track to obtain your degree while saving time and money.
In this fast-paced, competitive world, DSST exams present an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve.
Whether you're a working professional or a motivated student eager to quickly complete your college degree, DSST exams offer a convenient and efficient way to earn college credits.
Don't let traditional academic college barriers discourage you from achieving your educational goals.
Let’s examine how DSST exams provide an alternative approach for students to complete lower-division course requirements.
Table of Contents
How Many Questions Must I Answer Correctly to Pass My DSST Exam?
General Education Courses Vs. Core Courses: What’s The Difference?
Real-Life Success Stories: How DSST Exams Help Students Graduate Faster And Save Money on Tuition
What Are DSST Exams?
DSST exams, also known as DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, are a series of exams designed to assess students’ knowledge in various subject areas.
DSST exams are endorsed by the American Council of Education (ACE).
The American Council on Education (ACE)
Reference: PDF version
As a recognized authority in higher education, the American Council on Education (ACE) approves national testing programs that represent college-level equivalencies based on sources of learning outside of a traditional college classroom.
DSST exams are one of many national testing programs used in academia. National testing programs are standardized testing systems used nationwide across the United States.
These programs are designed to provide a standard way of evaluating educational achievements to assess and measure students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in various subjects and areas of study.
A Practical Example: DSST Exams Are Similar To Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
Reference: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/ap-exams-overview
Reference: PDF Version
For example, some national testing programs, like Advanced Placement (AP) exams, are used by high school students to earn college credits.
AP exams grant students an opportunity to receive “dual credit,” which means they can simultaneously receive high school and college credit at the same time.
If a high school student performs well on AP exams, they also “test out” to gain college credits that fulfill lower-division course requirements.
AP exams incentivize students to bypass the need to take college elective courses.
DSST exams are conceptually similar to AP exams.
DSST exams allow students to test out college courses.
DSST Exams: Available For Everyone!
DSST exams are available for working adults, college students, high school students, homeschooled students, online students, and military personnel.
DSST exams are designed to help a wide range of students earn college credits for knowledge they have learned through non-traditional means, such as independent study, on-the-job training, or military experience.
DSST exams offer a unique opportunity to allow students to show proficiency in specific subjects required for an undergraduate degree.
By successfully passing a DSST exam, you demonstrate your comprehension of that subject and receive credits that apply to your undergraduate general education requirements.
These exams cover a variety of subjects, including business, humanities, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, and technology.
DSST exams are widely recognized and accepted by over 1,200 colleges and universities throughout the United States.
They are an extremely valuable resource for students who want to earn college credits quickly.
Before taking any DSST exam, consult your academic counselor to verify that your college or university accepts them.
Top 3 Benefits of Taking DSST Exams
Benefit One: Accelerate Your Graduation Date
Suppose you are a motivated student driven to graduate faster.
In that case, DSST exams offer an opportunity to accelerate the time required to obtain your degree.
“Test Out” and Say Goodbye to Semester and Quarterly Class Schedules.
Graduate sooner by “testing out” from lower-division general education elective courses instead of enrolling in them.
Testing out with DSST exams sidesteps the need to dedicate an entire semester to a traditional class.
How does “testing out” work?
Instead of enrolling in an entire course and attending a traditional class, you study independently and register to take a DSST exam at a time that is convenient for you.
If you possess expertise in a particular subject, you have the opportunity to promptly register for your exam and challenge that course.
To enhance your chances of success, consider enrolling in a preparatory course to acquaint yourself with the exam's format and the various question types you can expect to encounter.
Once you pass the exam, you have successfully “tested out” of that course.
Passing DSST exams allows you to instantly receive general education and elective units to fulfill lower-division course requirements toward a college degree.
Benefit Two: Reduce Your Student Debt
DSST Exams Offer A Cost-Effective Way To Earn Undergraduate College Credits.
Graduating with a bachelor's degree is a momentous achievement, but it comes at a high financial cost for many students.
Students often leave college with over $40,000 in debt.
That's a heavy burden to carry as they embark upon their careers.
Let’s consider that the average cost of an undergraduate three-credit college course is roughly $1200 and requires a semester time commitment.
The cost of taking a DSST exam is $100, which is significantly lower than $1200, making it a wise and beneficial choice for students who wish to graduate with less debt.
When you opt to test out with DSST exams, you utilize an option to study at your convenience and take the exam whenever you’re ready.
DSST exams allow you to obtain college credits by testing out of general education requirements, saving thousands of dollars on tuition, books, and other miscellaneous fees.
You can reduce the financial burden of student loans, helping you to graduate with less debt.
While traditional college courses have high tuition costs, DSST exams provide a cost-effective alternative to earning college credits.
Benefit Three: DSST's Minimum Scoring Requirements
DSST exams have generous scoring requirements.
Students can easily earn college credit and accelerate their educational journey without the burden of excessively high pass standards.
DSST exam results are scored using a criterion-referenced method.
This system determines a passing score by evaluating a test taker's knowledge instead of comparing their performance to that of other test takers.
Your score is measured based on your personal progress, effort, and mastery of the material.
This feature makes DSST exams more accessible and attainable for a broader range of test-takers.
The more time you commit to studying and preparing for the exam, your chances of passing are significantly higher.
How Many Questions Must I Answer Correctly to Pass My DSST Exam?
DSST exams contain approximately 100 questions that you must answer within 120 minutes (2 hours).
To pass most DSST exams, you must correctly answer an average of 58% to 62% of the questions.
The table below shows the passing percentage for each DSST subject exam.
Exam Title | Percentage Correct To Pass |
50% - 52% | |
51% - 58% | |
48% - 50% | |
57% - 58% | |
DSST Business Mathematics | 45% - 46% |
67% - 68% | |
55% - 56% | |
58% - 60% | |
55% - 61% | |
44% - 45% |
54% - 56% | |
DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra | 54% |
63% - 66% | |
54% - 58% | |
64% - 66% |
60% - 62% | |
55% - 58% | |
65% | |
56% - 59% | |
56% - 57% |
DSST Math for Liberal Arts | 61% - 64% |
52% | |
69% | |
52% | |
66% - 70% |
56% | |
56% - 58% | |
DSST Principles of Statistics | 56% |
60% | |
56% |
57% - 59% | |
55% - 57% |
Reference: DSST-exam-scoring-101.pdf
How Are DSST Exams Scored?
What Is A Passing Score?
DSST exams are scored between 200 and 500 points.
You must score 400 points or higher to earn college credit.
A 400-point score is equivalent to a letter grade of C in a corresponding college course.
DSST Exams Don’t Affect Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
DSST exams allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and gain academic credits without the pressure of maintaining a perfect academic record.
One of the remarkable advantages of DSST exams is that they have no impact on your grade point average (GPA).
If you share your test results with your college or university, the data is transferred as a "pass" or "fail" and does not affect your GPA.
DSST Answers: If You Don’t Know The Answer to a Question, You Can Guess.
You may have wondered, "Am I penalized for guessing on DSST exams?"
The answer is no.
If you answer a question incorrectly, you won't be penalized.
So, feel free to take your best guess.
Don’t leave a question blank.
Make sure to fill in an answer for each question.
DSST Exams: The New Community College
One of the advantages of community colleges is that they are generally more affordable than four-year institutions.
You can complete your freshman and sophomore years at a community college, transfer to a four-year college, and finish the last two years as a junior and senior.
The freshman and sophomore courses you usually take at community colleges cover your general education and elective requirements. These courses are also referred to as lower-division units.
DSST Exams Are The New Community College
Instead of attending a community college, you can fulfill your lower-division general education requirements by taking DSST exams.
DSST exams only apply to lower-division general education and elective unit course requirements.
Once you’ve completed your lower-division general education requirements, you can transfer to a four-year college as a junior and begin your upper-division core courses (also referred to as residency requirements).
General Education Courses Vs. Core Courses: What’s The Difference?
In pursuing a four-year bachelor's degree, you often face a formidable challenge – accumulating 120 college credit units.
Remember, one course typically gives you three college credit units.
All colleges and universities require students to complete general education courses, regardless of whether they are pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree.
These credits are neatly categorized into two distinct sections:
Lower-division general education (GE) units.
Upper-division core courses (also known as residency requirements).
Here's a closer look:
General Education (GE) - Lower-Division Courses: 60 Units Total
30 Units: Freshman Year
30 Units: Sophomore Year
General education lower-division units are foundational courses that offer a broad spectrum of knowledge, encompassing subjects like business, humanities, mathematics, physical sciences, and social sciences.
In most cases, DSST exams can only be applied to your lower-division general education and elective courses.
Ways to Complete your General Education (Lower-Division) Course Units:
Attend a four-year college or university, entering as a freshman.
Attend a community college.
“Test out” with DSST exams.
To save on tuition expenses, you can satisfy your general education lower-division course units at a community college or by “testing out” through DSST exams.
Core Courses (Residency Requirements) Upper-Division Courses: Typically 60 Units
30 Units: Junior Year
30 Units: Senior Year
Core courses are upper-division units that your specific college or university explicitly requires. To be awarded a degree from your institution, you must complete a specified number of core courses (residency requirements) at your college or university.
It is important to note that every college and university has specific residency requirements. Therefore, you must consult with your academic counselor to review and confirm detailed requirements for your degree.
DSST exams CANNOT be applied to your upper-division core courses (residency requirements).
Now, let's delve into the power of testing out of your courses with DSST exams.
General Education (GE) Lower-Division Requirements:
By focusing on subject areas that you possess prior knowledge of or excel at, you can “test out” to amass a substantial chunk of college credits and successfully fulfill lower-division graduation requirements.
This approach can shave off a year or two from your degree timeframe.
Imagine graduating in two or three years instead of the conventional four years!
Core Course (Residency Requirement) Upper-Division Requirements:
Core courses (also known as residency requirements) are upper-division units that represent the heart of your college experience.
These courses are taken during junior and senior years at a college or university.
DSST Exams CANNOT be Applied to Core Courses.
Your core courses (upper-division units) MUST BE completed at the college or university you graduate from.
Since every college or university sets unique residency requirements, you should consult your academic counselor to confirm your degree specifications.
DSST Exam Subjects
How do you know if DSST exams are right for you?
If you are highly motivated to graduate quickly and have a strong interest or prior knowledge in a specific subject, consider testing out with DSST exams.
For example, if you’re in the medical or health-related field with hands-on experience, DSST exams “Substance Abuse” and “Health and Human Development” should be passable subjects.
Suppose you’re working in security or have a career within the legal system. In that case, DSST exams “Criminal Justice” or “Introduction to Law Enforcement” are great choices.
A great option is to take a free practice exam to preview the types of questions that may be presented on the DSST exam.
If you can correctly answer the questions with ease, you may want to consider testing out of the subject.
DSST exams cover a wide range of subjects, ensuring an exam is available for students with various interests and academic goals.
Here is the most recent list of DSST categories and subjects:
Business
Business Mathematics
Humanities
Mathematics
Fundamentals of College Algebra
Principles of Statistics
Math for Liberal Arts
Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
Technology
Before taking a DSST exam, it's essential to review the exam's content outline and ensure that you have a solid understanding of the subject matter.
While DSST exams are designed to be accessible to students with different levels of knowledge, proper preparation is critical to passing successfully.
Real-Life Success Stories: How DSST Exams Help Students Graduate Faster And Save Money on Tuition
Reference: https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-degrees/business-bachelors-degree.html
Case Study: Sarah’s Journey
Meet Sarah: A dedicated mother of two young children, working full-time in corporate America.
Attending: University of Phoenix
Major: Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB)
Sarah is an online student enrolled at the University of Phoenix and is vying for a lucrative job opportunity that awaits her upon earning a degree.
Time is of the essence, and she's determined to promptly finish her college courses to graduate while saving as much money as possible.
Academic Counselor
Sarah meets with her academic counselor (AC) and learns that the University of Phoenix is familiar with the concept of “testing out” and confirms that the University of Phoenix accepts DSST exams.
They researched DSST exams online and found there's plenty of information provided by the University of Phoenix supporting her decision to
test out.
Please review the supporting articles below, and then we'll proceed with Sarah's journey.
University of Phoenix: What Does Testing Out of Course Mean?
Reference: PDF Version
Article from the University of Phoenix:
What does testing out of a course mean?
By taking a test from an eligible testing provider you can demonstrate that you are proficient in the content expectations and did not need to take the course.
How do I test out of college classes?
You may be able to test out of some college courses which can save you time and money on your degree. Follow these steps:
1. See what courses at the University of Phoenix are eligible for credits by exam
2. Study to prepare to take tests with a testing provider
3. Schedule and complete the tests with the testing provider
4. Transfer your credits to the University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix Accepts DSST (DANTES) Exams.
Reference: PDF Version
Article from the University of Phoenix:
"DSST Credit by Exam Program (formerly known as DANTES)
The DSSTTM credit by Exam Program (formerly DANTES), offered in 38 subject areas, allows you to earn college credit for knowledge you’ve gained through on-the-job training, professional development, or other life experiences. "
“University of Phoenix Alternative Credit Options and Prior Learning Assessments Saved Students $56 Million in Tuition and Fees in 2022.”
Not only does the University of Phoenix accept DSST exams, but many students have already saved on tuition costs by utilizing this valuable resource.
Article from the University of Phoenix:
“University of Phoenix is pleased to announce that in 2022, students who obtained and applied alternative and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits towards their program saved $56 million in tuition and fees.
Demonstrating a continued commitment to saving students time and money, this is an increase over the previous year.
In 2021, University students saved $49 million in tuition and fees for credit-related to alternative credit and PLA credit.”
Students May Earn Alternative Credit Through a National Testing Program Such as DANTES Subject Standardized (DSST) Exams.
Article from the University of Phoenix:
“University of Phoenix understands that adult learners benefit from flexible, high-quality programs that recognize their work and life experiences,” stated John Woods, Ph.D., provost, and chief academic officer.
“By pursuing an education at the University of Phoenix, many students have realized significant savings while receiving a quality education.
Our continued commitment to alternative credit and prior learning assessment programs means that students saved an additional $7 million in 2022, and our focus continues to be on helping our students quickly identify opportunities to save time and money while pursuing their educational goals."
“Students may earn alternative credit through a national testing program such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)®, DANTES Subject Standardized (DSST), or Advanced Placement.”
Sarah’s Available Options
Sarah’s Strategy
This is where DSST exams take center stage in Sarah's journey.
Sarah confirmed with her academic counselor that she could test out of her lower-division general education courses with DSST exams.
View below for a sample of general education (lower-division) courses that can be completed by testing out with DSST exams.
Bachelor of Science in Business | General Education Courses: Test Out of These Lower-Division Courses With DSST Exams.
Reference: https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-degrees/business-bachelors-degree.html
Reference: PDF Version
View the list below for the lower-division general education courses needed at the University of Phoenix to complete a Bachelor of Science in Business degree.
University of Phoenix | Bachelor of Science in Business
Notice that all of the general education courses listed below are denoted as 100 or 200-level courses.
General Education Courses:
GEN/201: Foundations for University Success
PSY/110: Psychology of Learning
ENG/110: English Composition I
HUM/115: Critical Thinking in Everyday Life
FP/100T: Everyday Economics and Finances
ENG/210: English Composition II
ENV/100T: Principles of Environmental Science
MTH/215T: Quantitative Reasoning I
MTH/216T: Quantitative Reasoning II
SOC/110: Teamwork, Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution
SCI/163T: Elements of Health and Wellness
HUM/186: Media Influences on American Culture
Essentially, these are lower-division freshman and sophomore courses that can be completed at either the University of Phoenix or with a “test out” with DSST exams.
For example, Sarah could take SCI/163T: Elements of Health and Wellness at the University of Phoenix.
She would pay roughly $1200 for the course fee, spend weeks in class, and eventually receive three lower-division general education units.
Or, Sarah could take the DSST Health and Human Development exam, spend $100 for the exam fee, study independently, and take the exam at her convenience.
By passing the exam, she can successfully “test out” and automatically receive three lower-division general education units.
Recognizing the situational urgency to graduate faster and save money, Sarah makes a strategic decision to utilize DSST exams to test out of her lower-division general education courses.
Rather than dedicating months enrolled in online courses and paying approximately $1200 per class, an opportunity to study independently and test out for $100 with DSST exams would allow her to graduate early and save a significant amount on tuition costs.
Sarah’s academic counselor provided her with a list of the equivalent DSST exams, allowing her to “test out” to fulfill lower-division general education requirements.
In the example below, Sarah could attempt to "test out” from at least ten general education courses.
University of Phoenix | General Education Course | DSST Exam | Equivalent Tests |
PSY/110: Psychology of Learning | |
ENG/110: English Composition I | |
HUM/115: Critical Thinking in Everyday Life | |
FP/100T: Everyday Economics and Finances | |
ENG/210: English Composition II |
MTH/215T: Quantitative Reasoning I | DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra |
MTH/216T: Quantitative Reasoning II | DSST Principles of Statistics |
SOC/110: Teamwork, Collaboration, and Conflict Resolution | |
SCI/163T: Elements of Health and Wellness | |
HUM/186: Media Influences on American Culture |
Conclusion: Sarah’s Victory
Within six months, Sarah studied and passed each DSST exam to fulfill her lower-division general education requirements successfully.
Sarah must now complete her upper-division core course residency requirements at the University of Phoenix to fulfill the degree requirements necessary for graduation.
Bachelor of Science in Business | Core Courses: These Upper-Division Courses Must be Completed at The University of Phoenix.
Reference: https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-degrees/business-bachelors-degree.html
Reference: PDF Version
Sarah begins upper-division courses required to complete her Bachelor of Science in Business degree.
She then graduates from the University of Phoenix in two and a half years (versus four years), saving over $10,000 in tuition, and begins her dream job.
If you're a student eager to accelerate your degree completion and “test out” of general education requirements, DSST exams provide an alternative way to complete your college degree in an expedited, cost-effective way.
The University of Phoenix is only one of over 1,200 universities that accept DSST exams for college credit.
You must speak with your academic counselor to confirm whether or not DSST exams are an option for you.
If you’re unsure if your institution accepts DSST exams, email our team at support@dsstestprep, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
DSST Exams: Test Centers And Registration Process
DSST Test Centers Are Conveniently Located Throughout The United States.
As a working professional or full-time student, DSST exams provide an alternative, flexible, and convenient way to earn college credits.
When registering for a DSST exam, you have two primary options:
Take your exam at a physical Prometric brick-and-mortar test center.
Take your exam remotely using your computer.
While both options have different benefits, you can conveniently schedule your exam for either option online.
DSST Exams: Test Duration And Exam Results
You will have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the proctored exam.
After completing the exam, you will receive your results immediately, indicating whether you passed or failed.
Institutional Score Recipient Code (Transcript Code)
Whether you take your DSST exam online or in person, you must know the 4-digit school code for your college or university’s Institutional Score Recipient Code.
The 4-digit school code will allow you to send a free copy of your transcript of your exam score report to your college or university.
Prometric will only send one free copy of your score report to your college or university.
To prevent any delay in the process of receiving college credits, you must enter the correct code that is specifically designated to your college or university.
If you input the incorrect code, you must order your transcripts and have the scores resent.
You don’t need to order a transcript for each exam. All of your scores can be included on one transcript.
If you must send your scores to your school, wait until you take your last exam, then order your transcripts.
Your 4-digit school code must be inputted during the registration process.
If you were never given an opportunity to do so, don’t worry.
Once you’re finished taking your exam, you can contact Prometric directly at 1-877-471-9860 and provide them with your code.
Inform the representative that you were never prompted to input your “institutional score recipient code” during the registration process and provide them with your school code.
Prometric will send your score report, free of charge, directly to your chosen college or university.
Be sure to confirm your score report code with your academic counselor.
If you provide Prometric with an incorrect code, you must pay the associated fees of reordering your transcripts.
It will take 3 - 6 weeks for your college or university to receive your score report.
It is important to note that the $100 exam fee remains the same regardless of where you take your exam.
Now let’s explore the process and benefits of each option.
DSST Exams: In-Person - Physical Test Centers
To schedule and register to take a 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.
To receive a free transcript of your exam scores, make sure you provide the test center with your 4-digit school code during the registration process.
If you’re interested in locating a testing center and reserving your exam date, view our article: How to Locate a Physical DSST Test Center and Reserve Your Appointment Online.
DSST Exams: Remote - Online Testing
Alternatively, you can take your DSST exam remotely online from your personal computer.
A live proctor will monitor you throughout the exam process.
To register to take a DSST exam remotely online, you will schedule your reservation by selecting the subject exam you wish to take, choosing a test date, and paying the exam fee online.
To learn how to schedule and take your exam remotely, please read our post: Can you take DSST Exams at home (remotely)? Yes, you can! Learn How.
How to Prepare for DSST Exams
Proper preparation is crucial when it comes to successfully passing DSST exams.
Here are some practical test preparation tips:
1. Familiarize yourself with the subject content:
Start by reviewing the subject content outline for the DSST exam you plan to take.
Identify areas of weakness you need to review and create a study plan to strengthen your knowledge.
2. Utilize study materials:
There are various study materials available for DSST exams, including textbooks, online resources, and practice exams.
Utilize these resources to reinforce your understanding of the subject matter and familiarize yourself with the exam format.
3. Practice time management:
DSST exams are timed.
You will have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete an exam, and it is essential to prepare and practice time management skills.
Dedicate time to study and practice taking timed DSST practice exams to simulate the timed conditions you will encounter on the day of your exam.
4. Seek support:
Don't hesitate to seek support if you need help with certain concepts or additional guidance.
Contact our support team, and we’ll gladly guide you through our study methods.
5. Take practice exams:
Repetition and retention are critical to successfully passing DSST exams.
DSST practice exams are an essential tool to assess readiness for an exam.
They will help gauge strengths and weaknesses under timed conditions.
Take advantage of regularly taking practice exams to gauge your knowledge, identify areas for further study, and reinforce the retention of the material.
Make sure you time yourself under test-like conditions and aim to score 90% or higher on your practice exams.
Remember, preparation is vital to successfully passing DSST exams.
Investing time and effort to prepare for the exam will significantly increase your chances of receiving a passing score to earn college credits!
DSST Exam Tips: How to Pass Your Exam
While each DSST subject exam is unique, here are some general tips that can help you successfully pass your exam:
1. Read the questions carefully:
Take the time to read each question and understand what is being asked.
Pay attention to keywords and phrases that may provide clues to the correct answer.
2. Eliminate incorrect options:
If you’re unsure of the correct answer to a question, try eliminating any options you know are incorrect.
This may increase your chances of guessing the correct answer (if necessary).
3. Pace yourself:
DSST exams are timed, so it’s important to pace yourself. You will have 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the exam.
So, you must allocate your time wisely.
Don't spend too much time on difficult questions; move on and return to them later when you have time.
4. Answer all questions:
Unlike other standardized exams, DSST exams DO NOT penalize you for incorrect answers.
Make sure to answer every question, even if you're unsure of the correct answer.
You have a chance of guessing correctly, and you won't lose any points for incorrect answers.
5. Review your answers:
If you have time remaining after completing the exam, take a few minutes to review your answers.
Double-check to make sure you answered every question and reviewed specific questions that you may have had difficulty with.
By following these tips and strategies, you can maximize your chances of successfully passing DSST exams and earning valuable college credits.
Resources And Study Materials For DSST Exams
There are a variety of helpful resources and study materials available to assist you in preparing for DSST exams.
Here are a few options:
1. DSST Study Guides:
DSST study guides provide comprehensive coverage of the exam content and include practice questions to help you assess your knowledge of the subject matter.
2. Course Modules or Textbooks:
Utilizing educational course modules and textbooks are valuable study resources.
Many DSST exam subjects align with standard college and university courses.
Study for your final exam like you would for a typical college course.
3. Online resources:
There are numerous online resources (websites, forums, and video tutorials) that provide additional study materials and practice questions for DSST exams.
Online resources may offer alternative explanations and examples to enhance learning and understanding of the material.
4. Practice exams:
Preparing for a DSST exam can be achieved through practice exams.
Our DSST study guides and online resources provide practice exams that simulate the format and difficulty level of questions you may encounter.
Practice exams regularly can help reinforce and retain information.
5. Quality, Not Quantity:
Focus on the quality of the study material, rather than quantity, when utilizing study materials and resources.
Select materials that align with the specific DSST exam you're preparing for.
Worse Case Scenario
If you don't achieve a passing score on your first attempt, there's no need to worry.
DSST exams offer an opportunity to learn from your experience and improve your performance without affecting your grade point average (GPA).
Retest Policy: 30-Day Waiting Period
After a 30-day waiting period, you can retake your exam.
This grace period allows you time to review more practice exams and focus on the specific areas where improvement is needed.
If you don’t succeed in passing an exam on your first attempt, you can try again without recourse.
The benefit of a second attempt to pass your DSST exam is that you are familiar with the types of questions to expect.
If you take your exam in person at a Prometric test center, you’ll receive a printout of your exam results with details on how well you scored in each section.
This will allow you to assess specific areas of weakness and an opportunity to study to improve your score.
DSST Online Courses
You must prepare for your DSST exam like any other end-of-course final exam.
Investing more time in studying and preparing for an exam increases the likelihood of successfully passing.
Evaluate your study methods and set realistic expectations for yourself.
It is highly recommended to complete an online preparation course that offers quality resources in your subject matter.
DSST Practice Exams
Repetition is the key to successfully passing your DSST exam!
Take as many practice tests as possible, and continue to retake each exam until you score 90% or higher.
Be honest with yourself.
Did you study diligently to prepare for the exam and commit to a consistent study schedule?
Did you retake each quiz, final test, and practice exam until you scored a 90% passing grade or higher?
If that's not the case, commit to allocate additional study time and double your efforts.
Your chances of passing a DSST exam on your second try significantly improve when you invest time and effort to bolster your weaker areas.
Stay Positive: If At First You Don't Succeed, Try Again
Suppose you were unable to pass your DSST exam on your first or second attempt.
In that case, you can retake the exam until you successfully pass.
DSST exams do not affect your grade point average (GPA) and provide an affordable, time-efficient way to obtain college credits.
Ultimately, the time and money saved by utilizing DSST exams outweigh the tuition costs and time spent in a traditional college setting.
With the advantage of already being familiar with the types of questions asked, you can engage in focused preparation, addressing the areas where you need to improve and strengthen your knowledge.
Conclusion And Final Thoughts
DSST exams provide a distinctive and convenient route to earning lower-division undergraduate credits, expediting your progress toward meeting degree requirements.
With diligent preparation, the utilization of study resources, and the application of effective test-taking strategies, you can significantly enhance your likelihood of passing DSST exams and attaining valuable college credits.
Whether you're an enthusiastic student striving to graduate ahead of schedule or aiming to reduce your student debt burden, DSST exams offer a flexible and budget-friendly option for fulfilling your general education prerequisites.
Do not allow conventional obstacles to hinder your pursuit of academic and career ambitions.
Embrace the opportunities that DSST exams provide.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please feel free to reach out to our team at any time, and we'll be delighted to help.
Best of luck with your testing!
References
DSST-Exam-scoring-101
.pdf
Download PDF • 868KB
ACE DSST Credit By Exam Program
.pdf
Download PDF • 1.26MB
AP Exams Overview
.pdf
Download PDF • 1.21MB
University of Phoenix Save on tuition with National Testing Providers
.pdf
Download PDF • 2.45MB
Bachelor of Science in Business
.pdf
Download PDF • 7.49MB