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In Colleges

DSST Testing Population: Who Takes DSST Exams and Why?

By 6 Mins Read
Student understanding DSST Testing Population by studying for a DSST exam.

DSST testing population refers to the population that takes the DANTES Subject Standardized Test or DSST. DSST exams help individuals earn college credits by testing them on information they are familiar with. Accepted or administered at more than 1,900 colleges and universities nationwide and approved by the American Council on Education (ACE), the DSST program enables individuals to use the knowledge they have acquired outside the classroom to accomplish their educational and professional goals. Credit-by-exam options assist in degree acceleration. Students can get a semester’s worth of credits by taking an exam, potentially allowing them to go on to other subjects for their degree sooner if they score adequately. So, who takes these exams?

Origin of DSST Testing Population

DSST testing was initially designed for military personnel to earn college credits while serving. Its early adoption by service members helped them to advance their careers or transition into civilian education.

Expanding Access to DSST Exams

DSST tests are now available to civilians, including adult learners, career professionals, and traditional students. Nowadays, military personnel and veterans use DSST exams to gain academic credentials. Adult learners and working professionals leverage DSST for career advancement. Traditional students utilize DSST practice tests to earn college credits faster. Homeschoolers and independent learners prove their subject mastery through DSST tests. The testing population of DSST exams is vast, and we’re confident you will find DSST exams also serve your needs. DSST provides a flexible alternative to earning college credits without attending an entire course.

Who takes DSST Exams?

The DSST program offers numerous advantages for individuals in all stages of their educational development:

Adult Learners

Adult learners desiring college degrees face unique circumstances—demanding work schedules, family responsibilities, and tight budgets. Yet adult learners also have years of valuable work experience that may apply toward a degree through the DSST program. The DSST program provides adult learners the unique opportunity to work toward college degrees without the time constraints of semester-long coursework. DSST exams take two hours or less to complete. In one weekend, you could earn credit for multiple college courses.

College Students

With college tuition costs on the rise, most students face financial challenges. Students already enrolled in a college or university can maximize tuition assistance by taking DSST exams for introductory or mandatory coursework. Once students have earned a passing score on a DSST exam, they can move on to higher-level coursework in that subject matter, take desired electives, or focus on courses in a chosen major.

Military Personnel

Members of the armed services, whether at home or abroad, can initiate their post-military careers by taking DSST exams in areas in which they have experience. Military personnel can gain credit anywhere in the world—DSST testing facilities are located at more than 500 military installations, so service members on active duty can jump-start a post-military career with the DSST program. DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) funds DSST test fees for eligible military members as an additional incentive.

What Subjects Do DSST Exams Cover?

With DSST offering more than 30 subject-matter exams available in the fields of Business, Humanities, Math, Physical Science, Social Sciences, and Technology, there has never been a better time to take advantage of the benefits of the DSST program. Below is a comprehensive list of Peterson’s available DSST courses:

Anyone interested in earning credit for one of the above subject areas can take a DSST course and prepare to take the test for credit. Peterson’s DANTES-specific courses provide DSST practice exams and study resources with a subscription—giving you access to all of these subjects for the price of one so you can walk into test day confidently. 

How to Prepare for DSST Exams

Accessing DSST practice tests will help test takers prepare for success and ensure they are ready on test day. DSST practice exams are vital to exam readiness, showing you areas of improvement or weakness—resources like Peterson’s DANTES, online DSST practice tests, and study guides are available with a Peterson’s subscription. For more information about the DSST, visit Get College Credit. 

Conclusion

The DSST testing population has evolved from focusing primarily on military personnel to expanding its reach to give people even more opportunities to earn credit regardless of their background. We encourage you to explore DSST exams as a flexible, cost-effective academic pathway that may suit your needs. Find DSST practice exams at Peterson’s, along with CLEP, AP, SAT, ACT, Firefighter, and more!

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