Finding the Right DSST Exam for You

January 19, 2023

Congratulations! You’ve decided to pursue a college degree. There’s no denying that planning a curriculum can be overwhelming, especially considering the sheer number and variety of courses available to you. But, if you’re looking to complete a few general requirements or earn credit for subject matter you’re already familiar or experienced with, taking a DSST credit-by-exam is the time-saving and affordable way to do it. Since DSST offers more than 30 exams across a number of disciplines, we’ve broken down a few scenarios to help you figure out which one (or ones!) may be right for you. Before you enroll for any exam, however, be sure to verify that the college or institution where you intend to pursue your degree accepts DSST credits.

Choose Exams That Complement Your Field of Study

The fact is, most schools won’t allow students to test out of classes related to the core curriculum in their field of study. So, one approach to figuring out which DSST exam is best suited to your needs is to think about subject areas that complement your desired field of study. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in healthcare, for example, consider DSST’s physical science exam offerings, which cover topics such as astronomy, health and human development, and environmental science.

Choose Exams on Topics You Already Know

Take a step back and think about the things you’re already good at. Do you moonlight as a writer or are you a confident public speaker? The idea is to use the knowledge you already have to earn college credits. Let’s say you’re interested in studying finance, but you’ve mastered some technical skills as a hobby or as part of a job requirement. DSST course offerings in technology may be perfect for you. Leverage what you already know about cybersecurity, software development, and data networks so that you can spend your time focusing on financial audits and tax preparation.  

Choose Exams That Will Count for General Education Requirements

Still not sure which DSST exam can help get you where you want to go? When in doubt, go back to the basics—your general education requirements. One college class could cost you as much as $750, but for as little as $100, you could take a DSST exam and earn the same amount of credits toward your degree. There are over 1,900 institutions that accept DSST credit, which puts you in the position of enjoying maximum return on investment.

No matter where your strengths or interests lie, you can’t go wrong with DSST’s suite of exam offerings, which include over 30 exams across six different academic disciplines. Click here to learn which subjects are available, which institutions accept DSST credit, and details about test-taking. With DSST prior learning exams, you can be one step closer to earning that degree!