DSST Exam Information

Thinking of taking a DSST Exam?  Are you considering taking a DSST exam to earn credits? What do you need to know/do before you take an exam?

1. Check with your Academic Advisor to see what DSST exams you are eligible to take and which ones will help eliminate your GAP.  Click Here for a list of Exam Titles and Descriptions (note that there are some exams Houghton College will not allow due to being too similar to your P.A.C.E. coursework; also there maybe some differences as to what General Education Requirements the exam would fulfill).
2. Go to the Fact Sheet section of the DSST Website and download the Factsheet(s) by clicking on the exam title(s) that you are considering.  Read the Factsheet(s) to determine if the content suits you.
   1. Need help trying to find an exam that is right for you - take a five question quiz on-line.  There are quizzes available for nine of the exams (listed to the Right under Take a Quiz for Free)
3. Listen to the DSST preparation Podcasts here  (Are DSST Exams Right for You?  and  How to Prepare for an Exam)
4. Secure and start studying from at least one of the DSST recommended textbooks found on the Factsheet.  You can obtain these either from your Academic Advisor, through your local community library, or by purchase.
5. Listen to the DSST preparation Podcasts here  (Student Checklist and The ABC's of DSST: Everything You Need to Know to take an Exam)
6. Explore the DSST study resources such as: InstantCert Academy  -  iStudySmart  -  2010 Official Guide to Mastering the DSST (only covers 7 different exam titles)  -  DSST Official Test Preparation Guide (only covers 8 different exam title).
7. If available, take the $5 on-line practice exam found here after you have studied for some time.
8. Schedule a DSST exam date with your Academic Advisor (allow at least 1 week for ordering materials and arranging an agreeable time).
9. When you take your exam, bring with you a #2 pencil and the $80 exam fee in the form of a Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express) or Money Order payable to "The DSST Program" (personal checks or cash will not be accepted)

After you have taken the exam, you will receive a notice from Prometric containing your score and the passing score.  The exam score will not affect your GPA.  An official transcript will be sent to Houghton.  If you have passed, you will be billed $35 per credit transferred (you may transfer up to 3 college credits per exam). 

Be certain that you are prepared to take the DSST exam.  If you do not pass the exam, Prometric will not allow you to retake the exam for 90 days.  If you retake the exam after the 90 days, you will need to pay the $80 exam fee again.  The consequences are much greater for failing the exam than they are for rescheduling the exam because you are not ready to take it.  Let your academic advisor know if you need more time to study, and a new day and time can be set to take the exam.