DANTES DSST Exams: Everything You Need About the DSST Test
Sitting in class is one way of earning college credit. But you can take a test instead of completing a class for that same college credit. One way is to take the DSST exam, which can be a money saver, as you will not have to pay for the whole class. They can help you get into programs or finish your degree without taking more in-person classes.
Here is what you need to know about the DSST Exam:
What is the DSST Exam?
DSST stands for DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, and as of 2006, they are available to anyone seeking college credit outside the traditional classroom, although in the past they were only available to military members and their families. The exams let you further your educational goals while serving in the military, even if you are deployed.
Prometric created the exams, a trusted provider of market-leading test development and delivery solutions. They are accepted for credit by more than 1900 colleges and universities nationwide.
The ACE (American Council on Education) has evaluated and recommended the college credit for all DSST exams.
How Much Do They Cost?
Veterans eligible for the Post 9/11-GI Bill can be reimbursed for their DSST exams.
The DSST credit-by-exam program is an approved VA National Testing program. The VA will reimburse the DSST exam fee and the testing center administrative fee. The amount of that fee varies. To be reimbursed, you must submit a receipt or proof of payment.
You will need to apply for the Post 9/11-GI Bill benefits and then complete a VA Form 22-0810, which is the Application for Reimbursement of National Exam Fee.
What Type of Exams Can You Take?
- Business
- Humanities
- Math
- Physical Science
- Social Sciences
- Technology
What Does The Testing Look Like?
Testing takes place at colleges and universities nationwide. You can also take the exams at your local base education office or nearby locations funded by DANTES. You can check for locations here. If you are looking for a specific duty station, enter it in the search to find exact locations. Remote testing options may also be available depending on your location and other variables.
On exam day, be ready at least 30 minutes early. Have your government ID ready and, if you are military, your CAC (Common Access Card). Exams are internet- or paper-based and need to be completed online or at the testing center.
As you prepare for the exams, you can get practice exams and test preparation tools for DSST exams free of charge if you are a military member. You can also find study guides, but if you want to use the ones endorsed by Prometric, look for the DSST and Prometric logos.
How Do I Sign Up?
You will need to register at the testing center on the day that you take the exam. You can then have the scores sent to your college or university or request them yourself.
How Is The DSST Exam Different Than The CLEP Exam?
In addition to the DSST exam offered by Prometric and the CLEP exam offered by the College Board, the main difference between the two exams is their content. While CLEP is mostly for lower-level credit, DSST is for both upper- and lower-level credit. DSST exams also tend to be more specific about subject levels.
RELATED:
- CLEP Exam Overview
- College Credit for Military Experience
- The Reality of College Credit for Military Service
- JST and CCAF Transcript
