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TESTS FOR COLLEGE CREDIT
- CLEP tests
- DSSTs
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- TECEP Exams
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- Preparing for Credit-by-Exam Tests
- Study Materials
DSSTs
The DSST program is an extensive series of examinations in college subjects that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examinations in undergraduate courses. The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends 3 semester hours of credit per test. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are recommended for upper level bachelor's credit. Official fact sheets (study guides) are available when you click on the title.
Many colleges/universities accept some or all DSST scores for credit toward their degrees.
Each colleges and university decides for itself if it will accept credits earned through these tests toward its degrees and, if it does accept them, how many credits it will accept. Before you take any of these tests, check with your school to find out if it will accept the results toward your degree.
There are 38 DSSTs in all, but only 16 of them are available in an untimed, paper-based format through DANTES Test Control Officers (TCOs). These 16 are listed directly below.
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mATHEMATICS |
business |
|---|---|
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Social sciences |
physical science |
|---|---|
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humanities |
technology |
|---|---|
The tests listed below are available only at National Test Centers in a timed, computer-based format. You can also take the tests listed above (except for Principles of Public Speaking) in a timed, computer-based format at National Test Centers.
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mATHEMATICS |
business |
|---|---|
|
Social sciences |
physical science |
|---|---|
|
humanities |
technology |
|---|---|
Preparation Materials
Study materials are no longer be available from the DoD.
Study materials relevant to most of the tests you can take for college credit are now available free through various sources via the Internet. You can find a long list of them by clicking here.
Practice DSST Exams
You can also take on-line practice tests for each DSST exam.
DSST Exams
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Cover 38 college course topics
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No time limit
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No penalty for guessing
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May re-take an exam after 6 months
Score Reports
You and your TCO will automatically receive score reports only for tests paid for by DANTES (i.e., those which are free to you). If you pay for a test yourself, your score will not be transmitted automatically to you or your TCO; you must request it. To do so, use the DSST Transcript Order Form.
Costs
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For Coast Guard uniformed personnel at DANTES test centers, the first time you take a paper-based test there will be no charge.
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For civilian Coast Guard employees and spouses of Coast Guard military personnel at DANTES test centers, the first time you take a paper-based test there will be no charge.
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For all personnel who are re-taking a test (uniformed personnel and their spouses, civilian Coast Guard employees) and for retirees, CGES employees, and Auxiliarists) who are taking a paper-based test at a Coast Guard DANTES test center for the first time there will be a charge of $122.
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For uniformed personnel and their spouses, and civilian Coast Guard employees, taking a computer-based test for the first time, the exam fee is paid by the Coast Guard through DANTES. You have to pay the registration fee (between $15 and $25, depending on the test center), but may be reimbursed (if you're eligible) through Coast Guard Foundation or Coast Guard Mutual Assistance grants.
Re-testing
If you fail to pass one of these tests, you may re-take it after a 90-day waiting period. However, you’ll have to pay for all re-tests for the same test yourself. That is, the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) will not pay for you to re-take any of these tests.
Computer-based re-tests: If you’re re-taking a test at a National Test Center (i.e., taking a computerized test), you will be required to pay the examination and administration fees by credit card.
Paper-based re-tests: If you’re re-taking test with your Test Control Officer (i.e., using paper-and-pencil tests), you will need to pay using a certified check or money order in U.S. dollars, drawn on a U.S. bank, made payable to Prometric.