The DSST Exam lets you earn college credit for knowledge you already have. It's a great option for homeschoolers, covering various subjects and even offering upper-level credits.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024).
What is the dsst exam?
The DSST Exam, or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, offers 38 ways to earn college credit. It started for military members but became available to everyone in 2006. Administered by Prometric, these tests help homeschoolers show their college-level knowledge. This can save you a lot in tuition. Unlike CLEP exams, some DSSTs can give upper-level credits. This is great for major requirements, not just general education.
Subjects available
DSST has subjects you won't find in CLEP or AP tests. Unique options include The Civil War and Reconstruction, History of the Vietnam War, Cybersecurity, Ethics in Technology, and Principles of Public Speaking (which even has a speech component). You'll also find traditional subjects like Principles of Statistics, College Algebra, Introduction to Business, and many psychology courses. There's something for nearly every interest. If you’ve studied a topic deeply as a homeschooler, there’s likely an exam that fits.
Dsst vs. CLEP
Both DSST and CLEP let you earn credit through exams, but they differ in key ways. DSST tests are 2 hours long with 100 questions. CLEP exams are 90 minutes with 5 answer choices. DSST costs a bit more—about $100 compared to $85 for CLEP. Plus, DSST is accepted at fewer schools—1,900 compared to over 2,900 for CLEP. However, DSST can offer upper-level credit, which is a big plus for students focusing on their majors. Many savvy homeschoolers use both to find the best fit for their subjects.
How to prepare and test
To prepare, you can use free study guides from getcollegecredit.com, paid prep courses, or standard college textbooks. You can take tests at authorized centers, usually on college campuses, or online with remote proctoring. You’ll get your score right after testing. A score of 400 or higher (on a 200-600 scale) passes. If you don’t pass, you’ll need to wait 90 days to retake it. Make sure your target colleges accept DSST credits for what you want to do.
The bottom line
DSST exams are a smart choice for homeschoolers wanting college credit, especially in subjects not covered by CLEP or AP. The chance to earn upper-level credits makes DSSTs even more valuable for motivated students. At about $130-140 per test, it’s a fraction of the cost of a college course. Just check with your target schools first, as not all colleges accept exam credits equally.
