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Test Taking Strategies
The DSST program (formerly known as DANTES) is a nationally recognized testing program that gives you the opportunity to receive college credit for learning that is acquired outside the traditional classroom. These exams afford students the opportunity to demonstrate their academic proficiency at the freshman and sophomore college levels in various general areas and in specific subjects.
  • Students who have successfully completed a DSST exam may receive college credit when they meet or exceed the American Council of Education (ACE) recommended score. http://www.getcollegecredit.com/pdfs/ACELIST_20071115.pdf


  • Credit received through DANTES is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges, but does not necessarily transfer to other colleges and universities. It is the applicant's responsibility to consult with the institution that will be receiving the test scores to ensure that the proper tests are taken, and to verify its acceptance of the exam.


  • Credit awarded for DSST will appear on the college transcript in the section "Credit Awarded by Advanced Standing" and will have a "DT" in the note column

DSST Information

Testing Site:
Rio Salado College
2323 W. 14th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Testing Center (2nd floor)

Test Dates & Times @ Tempe
Rio Salado College@ Tempe All exams, except Public Speaking, are administered on a walk-in basis during the days and times listed below. Exams are not timed and must be completed by closing time.
Monday - Thursday 9:00am to 9:00pm
Fridays 9:00am to 6:00pm

Rio Salado College @ Luke
56th Mission Support Center, Room 3138
7383 North Litchfield Road
Glendale, AZ 85309
(two blocks north of Glendale Avenue on Luke Air Force Base)

Test Dates & Times @ Luke
All exams are administered by reservation only. Reservations can now be made for Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting July 29, 2008, by calling 623-856-3239. There are two testing sessions; 8:30 am – 12 pm and 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm.

Fees and Methods of Payment:
  • There is a $70 DSST fee that is paid on the day of the exam. DSST can only accept Credit/Debt. Checks, Money Orders and Cash will not be accepted.


  • There is a $15 Rio Salado College administratin fee that is paid on the day of the exam. Rio Salado College can only accept check, money order or debit/credit. Cash will not be accepted.

Testing candidates bringing in one check or money order with the fees combined will not be allowed to test.

Exam fees are subject to change without prior notice

DSST Exams: Study Materials: Ordering Public Speaking Tests
  • Register for the Public Speaking exam by phone at 480-517-8560 or online at DANTES Registration Form


  • Allow 2 weeks for receipt of test


  • You will be notified when the Testing Center receives your exam
DSST General Information:

Picture Identification Two forms of idenitification are required. The primary form of identificationmust be a national, state or school issued photo ID card. The second form must have the candidate's full name, but does not need to have a picture.

Computer-based DSST examinations are computer-based and not timed. (Except for the speech portion of the Public Speaking exam)

ADA Conditions Applicants with documented disabilities may request special accommodations. Applicants must provide official documentation to the Testing Center before their planned testing date.

Objective Tests With the exception of the Public Speaking test, the exams are composed primarily of multiple-choice questions.

Scores After completing the examination, except for Public Speaking, the examinee can click here to view their score online. The examinee and will receive a printed DSST Candidate Score Report from the testing center.

Credit and Transcripts In order to receive credit, score reports must be received by the credit granting institution directly from DSST. Additional DSST transcripts may be ordered directly from DSST by completing this form and submitting it to DSST.

Credit received through DSST is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges, but may not necessarily transfer to other colleges and universities. Read the MCCCD policy on credit by examination. (It is the applicant's responsibility to consult with the institution that will be receiving the test scores to ensure that the proper tests are taken and to verify the schools' acceptance of the examination.

Repeating Tests
Examinees must wait 6 months from the last test date to retaking the same DSST title. For more information contact the Tempe Testing Center at Rio Salado, (480.517.8560 or by email).