DSST exams (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) are credit-by-examination tests that allow students to earn college credit for knowledge gained outside traditional classrooms, with 38 subjects available and acceptance at over 1,900 colleges.
What is the DSST Exam?
DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) offers 38 standardized exams that can earn you college credit for what you already know. Originally developed for military personnel through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support program, these exams became available to civilians in 2006 and are now administered by Prometric. For homeschoolers, DSSTs provide a way to demonstrate college-level knowledge, potentially saving thousands in tuition costs. Unlike CLEP exams, some DSSTs can award upper-level (300-400 level) credit, making them particularly valuable for meeting major requirements rather than just general education.
Key Takeaways
- Offers 38 exams across business, humanities, math, science, social sciences, and technology
- Accepted at over 1,900 colleges and universities
- Costs $100 per exam plus testing center fees (typically $130-140 total)
- Some exams award upper-level college credit (unlike CLEP or AP)
- Military members get first attempt funded through DANTES program
Subjects Available
DSST covers subjects you won't find in CLEP or AP testing. Unique options include The Civil War and Reconstruction, History of the Vietnam War, Cybersecurity, Ethics in Technology, and Principles of Public Speaking (which includes a recorded speech component). Traditional subjects include Principles of Statistics, Fundamentals of College Algebra, Introduction to Business, and various psychology courses. The full catalog offers something for nearly every interest area, and homeschoolers who've done deep dives into particular topics often find relevant exams.
DSST vs. CLEP
Both programs offer credit-by-examination, but key differences matter. DSST exams are 2 hours with 100 questions (4 answer choices), while CLEP exams are 90 minutes with 5 answer choices. DSST costs slightly more ($100 vs. ~$85) and is accepted at fewer schools (1,900 vs. 2,900+). However, DSST's ability to award upper-level credit is a significant advantage for students wanting credits toward major requirements. Many savvy homeschoolers use both programs strategically, choosing whichever offers the best fit for each subject.
How to Prepare and Test
Study resources include free study guides from getcollegecredit.com, paid prep courses, and standard college textbooks in each subject. Testing happens at authorized centers (usually on college campuses) or via remote proctoring. You'll receive your score immediately after testing. A score of 400 or higher (on the 200-600 scale) passes. If you don't pass, you must wait 90 days before retaking. Before studying, verify that your target colleges accept DSST credit for your intended use.
The Bottom Line
DSST exams offer homeschoolers a cost-effective path to college credit, particularly for subjects not covered by CLEP or AP. The potential for upper-level credit makes DSSTs especially valuable for motivated students ready to demonstrate advanced knowledge. At roughly $130-140 per attempt versus thousands in tuition for a college course, the math makes sense for well-prepared test-takers. Just confirm acceptance with your target schools before investing study time, since not all colleges accept credit-by-exam equally.
