Accelerate Your Degree with DSST Exams at the University of Arizona
Are you a current or prospective Wildcat at the University of Arizona (UArizona)?
If so, you can fast-track your academic journey and save money through DSST exams, also known as DANTES Subject Standardized Tests.
At UArizona, DSST exams are recognized as a valuable way for students to earn college credits by demonstrating their mastery of various subjects.
These comprehensive exams test your understanding of college-level material, whether acquired through traditional classroom settings or alternative learning environments.
The Power of DSST Exams
By passing DSST exams, you can fulfill general education requirements and potentially satisfy course credits towards your degree program.
This flexible approach empowers you to:
Accelerate Degree Completion: Earn credits without attending classes, allowing you to graduate sooner and reduce overall costs.
Validate Prior Learning: Leverage your existing knowledge and life experiences to demonstrate proficiency in specific subjects.
Customize Your Learning Path: Choose which exams to take based on your strengths and academic goals.
Whether you're an on-campus or online student, the University of Arizona embraces DSST exams as a strategic tool to streamline your educational journey and maximize your potential.
In the following sections, we'll explore the benefits of DSST exams in detail, the subjects offered, and how to get started at UArizona.
Table of Contents
Top Three Benefits of DSST Exams for University of Arizona Students
DSST Exams
We have helped thousands of students earn college credits by passing their DSST exams, saving them time and money.
Read below and discover the top three advantages of DSST exams for UArizona students.
1. Save Money on Tuition and Reduce Your Student Debt
DSST Exams: Unlock Affordable Education at the University of Arizona
Pursuing higher education is a significant investment, but the University of Arizona offers a smart solution to make it more accessible – DSST exams.
By accepting these credit-by-examination tests, the university empowers students to save money while earning credits toward their undergraduate degrees.
The Cost of Traditional Education
The expenses associated with attending the University of Arizona can quickly add up.
Tuition, fees, course materials, living expenses, and other student costs contribute to the overall financial burden.
On average, the estimated annual cost for undergraduate students ranges from $22,850 for Arizona residents to $58,200 for non-residents.
DSST Exams: A Cost-Effective Alternative
DSST exams, or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, offer a cost-effective solution to offset these expenses.
Students can earn college credits without enrolling in traditional courses, saving both time and money.
Here's how DSST exams can help you save:
Reduced Tuition Costs: Each DSST exam you pass translates to fewer courses you must take, effectively reducing your overall tuition costs.
Accelerated Degree Completion: Earning credits through DSST exams can expedite your academic journey, potentially allowing you to graduate sooner and minimizing living expenses.
Flexible Learning: DSST exams allow you to study independently and take the tests when you're ready, eliminating the need to attend classes and incurring additional expenses.
With annual tuition and fees stemming from $22,850 for Arizona residents to $58,200 for non-residents, students can benefit from the cost savings of DSST exams.
University of Arizona Tuition Versus DSST Exam Fees
Main Campus Undergraduate Tuition Per Semester Hour
The tuition per semester hour at the University of Arizona main campus costs between $500.00 and $600.00.
Source: University of Arizona Tuition Calculator
3 Semester-Hour Units
Most undergraduate general education classes are structured as three (3) semester-hour units.
Let’s compare the approximate cost of a 3-semester-hour unit class at the University of Arizona to the cost of taking an equivalent 3-semester-hour unit DSST exam.
Description | Unit Type | Cost per Unit | Number of Units | Total Cost |
University of Arizona Tuition: | ||||
Undergraduate General Elective Class | Semester-hour | $500.00 (1 unit) | 3 | $1,500.00 |
DSST Exam Fee: | ||||
DSST Exam | Semester-hour | $100.00 (3 units) | 3 | $100.00 |
Source: University of Arizona Tuition Calculator
One Undergraduate General Elective Class at the University of Arizona:
$500.00 (semester-hour) x 3 semester-hour units = $1,500.00
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.
Students at the University of Arizona will save $1,400.00 in tuition costs for one 3-semester-hour unit course by testing out with DSST exams.
Let's Review Your Potential Savings
Maximize Your Savings: DSST Exams and Full-Time Course Loads
While DSST exams offer cost savings on an individual course basis, the true financial benefits become even more substantial when considering a full-time course load at the University of Arizona.
15 Semester-Hour Units
A typical full-time undergraduate student at the University of Arizona enrolls in 15 semester-hour units per semester, equivalent to five courses.
This standard course load is designed to keep students on track for timely degree completion.
Let's view the potential savings below.
Scroll through the table below.
Institution | Semester-Units | Unit Cost (3) | Number of Classes | Tuition | DSST Exam Fees | Total Cost | Savings with DSST exams |
University of Arizona | 15 | $1,500.00 | 5 | $7,500.00 | - | $7,500.00 | |
DSST Exams | 15 | $100.00 | 5 | - | $500.00 | $500.00 | |
Savings with DSST exams | $7,000.00 |
Utilizing DSST exams, a full-time student at the University of Arizona can save $7,000.00 per semester ($14,000.00 yearly).
2. Graduate Faster with Convenience and Ease
Minimize Your Time in College with DSST Exams
Students can take their general education courses at the University of Arizona; however, you’ll pay a premium with time and money.
Additionally, you can take your general education courses at a community college and transfer them to the University of Arizona, but that’s time-consuming.
A better option is to take one final DSST exam and test out of your introductory courses.
Rather than enrolling in monthly semester-long classes, DSST exams potentially allow motivated students to earn college credits within weeks.
DSST exams allow you to study independently and take your exam once you feel adequately prepared.
This allows students to move directly into their upper-division classes faster.
By leveraging DSST exams, students can test out of 60 units (two years) worth of general education and elective courses and save $28,000.00 in tuition costs.
Which Classes Can I Test Out Of?
Test Out of Your Classes
Contact a University of Arizona academic advisor to verify course credits apply to your program.
Here are the classes for which students may receive DSST credit and the examination articulation guidelines determining how credits are counted toward general education requirements at the University of Arizona.
DSST Exams and Articulation Guidelines at the University of Arizona (UA)
DSST Course Exam | General Education | UA Course Credit | DSST Course Credit |
A History of the Vietnam War | None | Elective credit | 3 units |
T2 Arts | ARH201 | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units | |
None | PA241 | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units | |
None | TLS departmental elective credit | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units | |
None | CYBV departmental elective credit | 3 units | |
None | FSHD departmental elective credit | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units |
None | Elective credit | 3 units | |
T1 Individuals & Societies | GEOG 150B1 | 3 units | |
T1 NATS | GEOS 170A1 | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units | |
None | COMM119 | 3 units | |
None | LDRV departmental elective credit | 3 units | |
None | Elective credit | 3 units |
Pro Tip:
College unit credits earned by passing DSST exams (and other exams) cannot exceed 60 units for a baccalaureate degree.
Before taking any DSST exam, you MUST contact your University of Arizona academic advisor to discuss your options and confirm course credit for specific programs.
Once you have confirmed approval to proceed, please view our list of online DSST examination preparation courses to jump-start your studies and take a free practice test to acquaint yourself with the testing format.
You must verify with your academic advisor that you are not duplicating previous coursework and clarify how DSST exams align with your degree course plan.
3. Maintain Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
Ensuring Your GPA Stays High
The University of Arizona accepts DSST passing scores for college credit.
Failing scores are not counted toward your GPA.
If you fail to pass an exam on the first attempt, you may retest after every 30 days until you successfully pass.
DSST exams are designed to test the existing knowledge and mastery of college-level subject matter acquired outside of a formal classroom setting through self-study or work experience.
DSST exams typically contain 100 multiple-choice questions with four answer choices and an opportunity to score between 200 and 500 points.
To receive a passing score of 400 points or higher for college credit, a test-taker must correctly answer approximately 58% to 62% of the exam questions.
This lenient scoring criterion makes DSST exams a favorable option for standardized test-takers.
DSST exams will not negatively affect your GPA.
Where Can I Take My DSST Exam?
Testing Options
You have three choices for where to take your DSST exam:
At the University of Arizona's test center.
At a Prometric test center.
Remotely online with Prometric.
Let's discuss all three testing options and learn how UArizona will receive your DSST exam results.
UArizona DSST Test Center
Convenient Testing at The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is committed to providing a convenient and accessible location for students and the general public to take DSST exams.
The university's Testing Office, located on campus, administers proctored exams to accommodate those seeking to earn college credit through DSST exams.
The Testing Office offers a secure and proctored environment for individuals to complete their exams, ensuring a smooth and efficient testing experience.
Exam Scheduling and Registration
The University of Arizona is committed to accommodating students to take DSST exams and administers proctored exams at the Testing Office on campus located at:
University Services Annex
220 W. 6th Street (85721)
Building B - Room B116
Tucson, AZ 85721
Contact: (520) 621-7589
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The DSST exam fee is $100.00, and an additional non-transferable and non-refundable $50.00 Administration Fee is required for registration.
After the $50.00 administration fee has been paid, contact the University of Arizona Testing Office at (520) 621-7589 to schedule an appointment.
UArizona: Test Day
University of Arizona Test Day Tips for Optimal Performance
On your test day, you will purchase the DSST exam for $100 on a Testing Office computer with your credit card.
All test takers are required to provide a valid government-issued ID that contains both a photograph and signature.
Military Members: DANTES-funded eligible military test takers must provide a valid Common Access Card (CAC).
For more details, call (520) 621-7589, or email (test@arizona.edu) for additional information.
UArizona Test Center: Score Results
Source: Prometric Test Registration
Test Day
On the day of your exam, you must register for your DSST exam at the test center and input
UArizona's 4-digit Institutional Score Recipient Code.
Entering the correct Institutional Score Report Code will ensure that a complimentary transcript of your exam score is sent to Florida International University.
UArizona's Institutional Score Report Recipient Code
Score Report Code
Failure to enter the correct Institutional Score Report Code for your school will delay the transmittal of your exam results and may result in an additional cost for a transcript.
The Institutional Score Report Recipient Code for the University of Arizona is 9350.
You must enter the correct Institutional Score Report Code to ensure your official score report is sent directly to Florida Atlantic University.
In the case of a retake, there is a mandatory waiting period of 30 calendar days, starting from the day after the initial test date.
On the day of your exam, you must register at the test center and enter UArizona's 4-digit Institutional Score Recipient Code (9350), which ensures that the University of Arizona receives your exam results.
Testing With Prometric
Prometric DSST Test Centers in Arizona
You can schedule and take your DSST exam at any Prometric test center strategically positioned across the United States.
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.
Pro Tip:
If you take your DSST exam at the University of Arizona campus test center, you will be charged an extra administration fee of $50.00.
However, if you take your exam off-campus at a Prometric test center or online remotely, you will only pay the $100.00 DSST exam fee.
Most Prometric test centers don't charge an additional administration fee.
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 Prometric test centers, click here.
Prometric Remote Proctoring: Take Your DSST Exam Online
Take Your Exam Online
Experience the convenience of taking your DSST exam remotely from your personal computer.
A live proctor will monitor you throughout your exam, ensuring a secure testing environment.
Schedule your reservation, sign up for your DSST exam from the comfort of your home, and pick the subject you'd like to test in.
You can choose a suitable test date and pay the exam fee online. This straightforward process puts you in control of your testing experience.
Refer to our post below for detailed instructions on scheduling and taking your exam remotely.
Prometric Test Centers: How will UArizona Receive My DSST Exam Results?
You Must Follow Up with Prometric
Whether you opt for an online or in-person DSST exam, knowing your college or university's 4-digit school code and representing the Institutional Score Recipient Code is essential.
As discussed earlier, UArizona 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 UArizona for free.
The processing time for UArizona to receive the score report ranges from 3 to 6 weeks.
Once FAU receives your score report, they will apply your units toward your degree program.
Remember, the 4-digit Institutional Score Report Recipient Code for UArizona is 9350.
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
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.
Each time you take a DSST exam, ensure to provide your 4-digit code to Prometric if you wish for your institution to receive your exam results.
How Do I Get Started?
Getting Started with DSST Exams at the University of Arizona
Consult with Your Academic Advisor:
Discuss your eligibility for DSST exams with your academic advisor.
They can provide valuable insights into which exams align with your degree program and can help you earn credits efficiently.
Study for Your Exam:
Once you've identified your eligible exams, dedicate ample time to studying.
Prepare thoroughly using study guides, practice tests, and online materials.
Schedule Your Exam:
After adequate preparation, schedule your final exam.
Depending on your convenience and location, you can take it at the University of Arizona Test Site or a nearby Prometric Test Center.
Pass Your Exam and Reap the Benefits:
Successfully passing your DSST exam can lead to significant savings on tuition fees and expedite your path to graduation.
By earning credits through DSST exams, you can reduce the number of courses required for your degree, saving time and money.
By following these steps, you can efficiently navigate the process of taking DSST exams at the University of Arizona and accelerate your academic journey.
Office of Admissions and New Student Enrollment
DSST Exam Information
For further information regarding DSST exams at the University of Arizona, contact:
Office of Admissions and New Student Enrollment
The University of Arizona
PO Box 210040
Tucson, AZ 85721-0040
Phone: (520) 621-3237
Email: appinfo@arizona.edu
Feel free to contact their office for any inquiries or assistance regarding DSST exams and their administration at the University of Arizona.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
DSST exams at the University of Arizona present an innovative and cost-effective solution for students looking to fast-track their degrees, save on tuition, and maintain a stellar GPA.
With the flexibility to test out of general education courses, Wildcats can strategically leverage DSST exams to streamline their academic journey.
The financial advantages and the convenience of self-paced study and testing make DSST exams compelling for those seeking an efficient and affordable path to graduation.
As the University of Arizona embraces this credit-earning opportunity, students can confidently explore DSST exams to unlock a faster, more economical, and academically successful collegiate experience.
Optimize your educational path and explore the benefits of DSST exams – an innovative and strategic choice for University of Arizona students.
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