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The Daily Insight

Can civilians take DSST exams

Author

Sarah Silva

Updated on April 19, 2026

While DSST exams were traditionally taken by military members who wanted to earn their degree, they are now open to anyone who wants to receive college credit.

Can anyone take a DSST test?

At one time, DSST testing was used only by military service people. Now anyone can take DSST tests! … Active-duty military service members, veterans and dependents.

Can you take DSST online?

Currently, all DSST exams are available for online proctoring with the exception of The Principles of Public Speaking Parts 1 & 2, which are only available at a testing center. To schedule your remotely proctored exam or to make an appointment at a test site, visit the Prometric website.

How do I take the DSST test?

  1. Contact your school adviser to learn which DSST(s) they agree to award credit for, in lieu of their course requirements for your degree plan, then;
  2. visit Prometric’s website and locate a DSST Test Center near you.

What are the easiest DSST exams?

  • Ethics in Technology (81 percent)
  • Computing and Information Technology (79 percent)
  • Technical Writing (79 percent)
  • Fundamentals of Cyber Security (76 percent)
  • Management Information Systems (73 percent)
  • Introduction to Law Enforcement (72 percent)
  • Personal Finance (71 percent)

Is Dantes the same as CLEP?

DANTES sponsors the Credit-by- Exam Program which includes two separate groups: DSST (formerly DANTES Standardized Subject Tests) and CLEP (College Level Examination Program).

Can civilians CLEP?

Spouses and Civil Service Civilian Employees of Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and Air Force Reserve. Coast Guard Civil Service Civilian Employees only. The U.S. government pays for one attempt per CLEP examination title.

Is CLEP free for military?

The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) provides free College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations to eligible military service members, spouses and civil service employees.

What DSST tests are available?

  • Business Ethics and Society.
  • Business Mathematics.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Introduction to Business.
  • Management Information Systems.
  • Money and Banking.
  • Organizational Behavior.
  • Personal Finance.
How do you pay for DSST?

The DSST Examination Fee of $85 is due at the time of your scheduled appointment. You will pay with your credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard or AMEX) directly in the testing system. The registration fee for taking your exam at SUNY Empire State College is $25 and is due at the time of registration.

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How do I become a DSST Proctor?

To become a proctor, you must complete the newly revised 20-question “TCA Certification Exam”. This DSST proctor exam is an “Open Book” test, and encourages you to refer to the DSST Test Administration Guide, not only for the answers to the test, but for other answers to questions that may arise.

What does DSST stand for?

DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) are credit-by-examination tests originated by the United States Department of Defense’s Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program.

Can you CLEP oral communication?

To test out of a general education requirement (but earn no course credit) you can take the Critical Thinking or Oral Communication exams. To test out of a requirement and earn course credit, you can take CLEP, AP, or Special Credit by Examination.

Is the American government CLEP test hard?

For most people, the American Government CLEP is one of the more difficult Humanity exams that CLEP offers. … Study the material first, then take the exam.

Can you CLEP public speaking?

Available exams CLEP offers exams in composition, literature, world languages, history, economics, psychology, science, math and business. DSST also offers exams in history, science, math and business with additional tests for art history, ethics, education, technology and public speaking courses.

Can I take CLEP while in college?

Anyone can earn college credit through CLEP, whether they’re in high school or already in college. … Students can prepare for the exams with free online CLEP courses. The 2019-20 CLEP exam fee is $89—far less expensive than a college course.

How do I get a free CLEP test?

  1. Create an account at .
  2. Choose a class from the Modern States catalog.
  3. Enroll and complete the course. …
  4. Request a voucher when you’ve completed 100% of the course. …
  5. Register for the CLEP exam using the voucher number you received.

Can retirees CLEP?

The day of the exam, you will need to bring your military ID with you. This also applies to others who may be CLEP testing but who are not currently serving military members; dependents, spouses, retired or separated military, etc.

Are there other tests like CLEP?

Students looking to earn college credit for prior knowledge of a subject should consider two options—the College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) and the DANTES Subject Standardization Test (DSST).

What is a UExcel exam?

UExcel® is a credit-by-examination program that allows students to earn college credit for learning acquired elsewhere. The Excelsior College Examinations (ECE) designed for Excelsior College’s nursing program have been retired.

Can veterans take Dsst?

Veterans eligible for the GI Bill can be reimbursed for DSST exams. DSST is an approved VA National Testing Program. All others must pay a fee starting at $85 per test.

What are Tecep exams?

TECEP® is a credit-by-exam program specifically designed to allow students to demonstrate the college-level knowledge they have gained through job experience, personal interests and activities, or independent study.

What does CLEP stand for?

The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) helps you receive college credit for what you already know, for a fraction of the cost of a college course.

How many CLEP exams can you take military?

Benefits of CLEP for the Military The United States government offers funding for all 33 CLEP exams through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).

How many CLEP exams can you take?

You can take as many CLEP exams at one time as your test center will allow. Some test centers limit you to taking only one test per day, however the College Board and CLEP program do not have a limit on the number of tests you can take in a single day.

How do I study for CLEP?

  1. Review the specific info provided by the College Board about each exam you plan to take.
  2. Take free or paid CLEP practices tests online and review your results.
  3. Schedule your study sessions at a time when you can focus without distractions.

How much does it cost to retake DSST?

However, those who need to take the test again will be required to pay test fees for the retake. Test fees of $85 per test are standard. Some test sites charge additional testing fees (usually around $25), but these are waived for military test-takers who sit for an exam at a test center that is fully funded.

How do I get Dantes funding?

Service Members. Military personnel, to include active duty, Guard and Reserve components, U.S. Coast Guard and USCG Reserve members must have and maintain a valid government-issued Common Access Card (CAC) to be eligible for DANTES funding.

Where can I find DSST scores?

For most DSST exams, your results will be made available to you at the test center after your examination has been completed. You must provide the correct college code at the time of registration in order to have your official scores sent to the college of your choice.

How do I contact Prometric?

  1. 1-866-PROMETRIC (776-6387)
  2. 1-443-455-8000.

How do I check my Prometric test results?

To check the status of your testing center location, click Site Status List. To check the status of your exam appointment, click Prometric.com. You will need to provide the confirmation number, which you can find on the confirmation email you received when you scheduled your exam initially.