DANTES Subject Standardized Tests Program (DSST) – Credit by Exam

Earn College Credit with DSST

Save time and money by using the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests Program (DSST) to receive college credit for what you already know! The nationally recognized DSST Credit-by-Exam Program gives students the opportunity to get college credit for learning acquired outside the traditional classroom. Over 1,500 colleges and universities recognize the DSST program and award college credit for passing scores. With more than 30 exam titles in college subject areas such as Social Sciences, Math, Applied Technology, Business, Physical Sciences, and Humanities, DSST exams shorten the pathway to graduation while reducing college costs. Virginia Western accepts many of the DSST offered exams which have been evaluated and recommended by The American Council on Education (ACE), which is the major coordinating body for all the nation’s higher education institutions. An official DSST transcript is required for the award of credit.

DSST is for Anyone Who is:

Already Enrolled in College
Thinking of Going Back to School
Graduating High School
Active Duty, Guard or Reserve Military Members and Veterans

DSST Testing is now available to students in the Testing Center at VWCC!

Key Facts About DSST Exams

VWCC accepts many DSST offered exams (full list is below).
Choose which exams are relevant to the credential you are pursuing or the experience you’ve had.
Review the available tests and see what preparation materials are available.
DANTES funded eligible military test takers must provide a valid Common Access Card (CAC)
DSST Exams are $100, paid at the time of the exam (by credit card) on the vendor registration website.
Military test takers are exempt from the Administration Fees.
Exams are multiple choice (100 questions).
Exam takers are given 2 hours to take the exam.

DSST Exam Team

Email: getcollegecredit@prometric.com
Phone: 1-877-471-9860

Take a DSST test at Virginia Western

1. Schedule an Exam Appointment with VWCC

Register for an appointment with the Testing Center by calling 540-857-7250. They will let you know the days and times testing is available. Walk-ins are not allowed.

2. Register at VWCC Testing Center the day of the exam

Bring a current and valid picture identification (such as driver’s license, passport, or picture student id) with you.
Review exam topics to make sure you are registering for the appropriate exam.
Enter the code of the school where you would like your grade(s) sent. (VWCC School Code: 9589)

Questions? Contact the Testing Center at 540-857-7250 or testingcenter@virginiawestern.edu.

Prepare for a Test

Before you begin your exam preparation, speak with your school’s advising or admissions department about their credit awarding policy.

Preparation materials available for DSST test takers:

DSST Exam Preparation Resources
Online Test Prep Materials – DSSTPrep
Online Test Prep Materials – EBSCO LearningExpress
Online Practice Exams – Prometric

DSST Exams at VWCC

Virginia Western Community College currently recognizes the following DSST exams and course equivalencies:

Business

Exam	Course Equivalent	Credits
Introduction to Business	BUS 100¹	3
Principles of Finance	FIN 215	3
Principles of Supervision	BUS 200	3
Human Resource Management	BUS 205	3

¹ This is a transfer course and transferability will be decided by the 4 year college admission policy, not VWCC.

Composition

Exam	Course Equivalent	Credits
Technical Writing	ENG 210	3

History and Social Science

Exam	Course Equivalent	Credits
Introduction to World Religions	REL 230^1,2	3
Introduction to Geography	GEO 210^1,2	3
Criminal Justice	ADJ 100	3

Science, Technology and Mathematics

Exam	Course Equivalent	Credits
Business Mathematics	MTH 132	3
Computing and Technology	ITE 152¹	3
Statistics	MTH 155²	3