How much does a DSST exam cost?
How much does a DSST exam cost?
$100 per exam
$25 – $50 administration fee
$125 – $150 total cost per exam
Average DSST Exam Price
A DSST exam costs $100 per test, paid directly to DSST (formerly known as DANTES) when you register. Most testing centers also charge a separate administration fee of $25 to $50, bringing the total out-of-pocket cost to $125 to $150 per exam. For active-duty military personnel, both the exam fee and the administration fee are typically waived entirely.
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| DSST exam fee (per test) | $100 |
| Testing center administration fee | $25 – $50 |
| Total cost per exam (civilian) | $125 – $150 |
| Total cost per exam (active-duty military) | $0 |
Compared to the average cost of a three-credit college course, which can range from $500 at a community college to over $2,000 at a four-year university, paying $100 to $150 for a DSST exam represents a significant savings. Each passing exam typically awards three college credits, making DSST one of the most affordable ways to earn credit for prior learning.
What is a DSST exam?
DSST exams are standardized credit-by-examination tests that allow students to demonstrate college-level knowledge in specific subject areas. Originally developed by the United States Department of Defense under the DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) program, these exams are now available to all students, not just military personnel.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of exams available | 30+ |
| Credits earned per exam | 3 credits (typical) |
| Passing score | 400+ |
| Test format | Multiple choice, computer-based |
| Time limit | 2 hours |
DSST exams cover subjects across the humanities, social sciences, math, physical sciences, technology, and business. Popular subjects include Ethics in America, Introduction to Religions, Astronomy, Introduction to Business, and Principles of Statistics.
More than 1,900 colleges and universities accept DSST credit, though each institution sets its own policies on which exams it accepts and how credits are applied. Always check with your school's registrar before registering for an exam.
DSST exam fee breakdown
The total cost of taking a DSST exam has two components: the exam fee paid to DSST and the administration fee charged by the testing center. Understanding both fees helps you budget accurately before registering.
| Cost component | Paid to | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Exam registration fee | DSST (Prometric) | $100 |
| Administration fee (university testing center) | Testing center | $25 – $50 |
| Administration fee (Prometric site) | Prometric | $0 – $30 |
| Score report (included with registration) | DSST | $0 |
| Additional score report requests | DSST | $25 per transcript |
DSST exam registration fee
The $100 exam fee is paid at the time of registration through the DSST website at getcollegecredit.com. This fee is the same regardless of the subject you choose, and payment is made online via credit or debit card.
Testing center administration fee
Most testing centers charge an additional administration fee that covers the cost of proctoring and facility use. This fee varies by location. For example, The Ohio State University charges a $50 administration fee, while other centers may charge as little as $25.
Some Prometric testing sites may charge a smaller facility fee or no additional fee at all. It is worth comparing nearby testing centers to find the most affordable option.
Score report fees
Your initial score report is included with the $100 registration fee and can be sent to the institution of your choice. If you need additional official transcripts sent to other schools, expect to pay around $25 per additional report.
DSST exam cost for military personnel
Active-duty military service members can take DSST exams at no cost through the DANTES-funded program. This benefit covers both the exam fee and the testing center administration fee, making the total cost $0.
| Military status | Exam fee | Administration fee | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active-duty military | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Reserve military | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Military spouses (eligible) | $0 | Varies | $0 – $50 |
| Veterans (no longer active-duty) | $100 | $25 – $50 | $125 – $150 |
The DANTES program funds the first attempt of each DSST exam for eligible military members. If you do not pass on the first attempt, subsequent retakes are at your own expense at the standard $100 rate.
Administration fees are waived for active-duty and reserve military personnel at most testing centers. However, policies can vary by location, so confirm with your specific testing site before scheduling your exam.
Veterans who have separated from service are not eligible for the DANTES-funded benefit and must pay the standard civilian rate. That said, some veterans may be able to use GI Bill benefits or tuition assistance programs to offset exam costs. Check with your VA education benefits counselor for details.
DSST vs. CLEP exam cost comparison
DSST and CLEP are the two most popular credit-by-exam programs. CLEP exams cost $93 per test, making them slightly cheaper than DSST's $100 fee. However, total costs also depend on the testing center's administration fee.
| Feature | DSST | CLEP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $100 | $93 |
| Typical admin fee | $25 – $50 | $25 – $35 |
| Total cost per exam | $125 – $150 | $118 – $128 |
| Credits per exam | 3 | 3 – 12 |
| Number of exams available | 30+ | 34 |
| Administered by | Prometric | College Board |
| Military funded | Yes | Yes |
The price difference between the two programs is minimal. Your decision should be based on which subjects are available, which exams your college accepts, and your existing knowledge in a given subject area. Some subjects are available through DSST but not CLEP, and vice versa.
Both programs are funded through DANTES for active-duty military, so cost is not a differentiating factor for service members.
How to save money on DSST exams
There are several strategies to reduce your total DSST exam costs, from choosing the right testing center to taking advantage of institutional policies.
| Savings strategy | Potential savings |
|---|---|
| Choose a testing center with a lower admin fee | $10 – $25 |
| Military DANTES funding (active-duty) | $125 – $150 |
| Use free study resources instead of paid prep courses | $50 – $200+ |
| Pass on the first attempt (avoid retake fees) | $100+ |
Compare testing center fees
Administration fees vary significantly between testing centers. Some university testing centers charge $50, while others charge $25. Prometric testing sites may charge even less. Call nearby centers to compare rates before scheduling your appointment.
Prepare thoroughly before registering
The best way to save money is to pass on your first attempt. Free and low-cost study resources are available through libraries, online study guides, and the official DSST fact sheets on getcollegecredit.com. Each fact sheet outlines the exact content areas and recommended references for every exam. If you need additional help, consider working with a tutor who specializes in the subject you plan to test.
Confirm credit acceptance first
Before paying $100 or more for an exam, verify with your college's registrar that they accept DSST credit for the specific exam you plan to take. Not all institutions accept every DSST subject, and some may require a higher score than the standard 400 passing threshold.
Cost of earning credit through DSST vs. traditional courses
Taking DSST exams instead of enrolling in traditional courses can save students thousands of dollars. The savings are especially significant at four-year universities where per-credit tuition rates are highest.
| Credit source | Cost for 3 credits | Savings vs. DSST |
|---|---|---|
| DSST exam | $125 – $150 | N/A |
| Community college course (in-state) | $300 – $600 | $150 – $475 |
| Public university course (in-state) | $900 – $1,800 | $750 – $1,675 |
| Public university course (out-of-state) | $1,500 – $3,600 | $1,350 – $3,475 |
| Private university course | $2,400 – $5,400 | $2,250 – $5,275 |
A student who passes five DSST exams earns 15 credits for approximately $625 to $750 total. The same 15 credits at a public university could cost $4,500 to $9,000 in tuition alone, not including textbooks, fees, and transportation.
DSST exams deliver the greatest savings when used for general education or elective requirements at four-year universities. Replacing even two or three traditional courses with DSST credit can save over $3,000 while potentially shortening your time to graduation.
How to register and pay for a DSST exam
Registering for a DSST exam is a two-step process. You first register and pay the exam fee through the DSST website, then schedule your appointment at a testing center.
- Create an account at getcollegecredit.com and select the exam subject you want to take.
- Pay the $100 exam fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Find a testing center near you. Options include university testing centers and Prometric testing sites.
- Schedule your appointment directly with the testing center and pay any applicable administration fee.
- Take the exam at your scheduled date and time. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Receive your score immediately after completing the exam. Official score reports are sent to your designated institution.
Available DSST exam subjects and credit
DSST offers more than 30 exams across multiple academic disciplines. Each exam costs the same $100 registration fee, and most award three college credits upon passing with a score of 400 or higher.
| Subject category | Example exams | Credits awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities | Ethics in America, Introduction to Religions | 3 |
| Social sciences | Introduction to Law Enforcement, Foundations of Education | 3 |
| Math | Principles of Statistics, Math for Liberal Arts | 3 |
| Physical sciences | Astronomy, Environment and Humanity | 3 |
| Business | Introduction to Business, Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| Technology | Introduction to Computing, Management Information Systems | 3 |
The specific courses and credit hours that a DSST exam replaces depend entirely on your college's policies. For instance, at The Ohio State University, passing Ethics in America with a 400+ score earns credit for Philosophy 1300 (3 credit hours), while Introduction to Religions earns credit for Comparative World Religions Studies.
DSST exam retake policy and costs
If you do not pass a DSST exam, you must wait a minimum of 30 days before retaking the same subject. Each retake costs another $100 exam fee plus any testing center administration fee.
| Attempt | Wait period | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| First attempt | None | $125 – $150 |
| Second attempt | 30 days | $125 – $150 |
| Third attempt and beyond | 30 days | $125 – $150 |
There is no limit to the number of times you can retake a DSST exam. However, at $100+ per attempt, failed exams add up quickly. Investing in proper preparation is the best way to avoid unnecessary retake costs.
For military-funded test takers, only the first attempt is covered by DANTES. All retakes are self-funded at the standard civilian rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a DSST exam cost in 2024?
A DSST exam costs $100 for the registration fee. Testing centers typically charge an additional administration fee of $25 to $50, bringing the total to $125 to $150 per exam.
Are DSST exams free for military members?
Yes. Active-duty and reserve military personnel can take DSST exams at no cost through the DANTES funding program. Both the $100 exam fee and the testing center administration fee are waived for the first attempt of each subject.
Is a DSST exam cheaper than a college course?
Significantly. A DSST exam costs $125 to $150 total and typically earns three college credits. The equivalent three-credit course at a public university costs $900 to $1,800 or more in tuition.
Can I get a refund if I fail a DSST exam?
No. The $100 exam fee and any administration fees are non-refundable regardless of your score. You will need to pay full price for any retake attempts.
How many credits can I earn through DSST?
There is no universal limit on the number of DSST exams you can take. However, most colleges cap the total number of credits earned through examination. Common limits range from 30 to 60 credits, depending on the institution. Check with your school's registrar for specific policies.
Where can I take a DSST exam?
DSST exams are available at college and university testing centers as well as Prometric testing sites across the country. Military personnel can also take exams at military education centers on base. Visit getcollegecredit.com to find a testing location near you.