Earn College Credit With DSST Exams
If you have been considering attending Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) or are currently enrolled as a student, did you know you can earn up to 45 undergraduate semester units towards your degree with DSST exams?
DSST exams (formerly DANTES [Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support] Subject Standardized Test) represent a national standardized testing approach that allows students to demonstrate their comprehension of specific subjects by successfully passing a single comprehensive exam.
Florida Gulf Coast University recognizes various pathways to learning and encourages students to leverage DSST exams for cost-effective tuition management to expedite their progress toward graduation.
This comprehensive guide will enlighten prospective and existing students on how to utilize DSST exams as an option to test out of general education courses and earn college credits.
DSST exams allow students to test out of courses and accelerate their studies to acquire college credit.
FGCU: Degree Acceleration Program
DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)
DSST exams offer credit-by-examination to evaluate students' understanding of college-level topics acquired through conventional and non-traditional learning environments.
Rather than attending a semester-long class, DSST exams empower students to demonstrate mastery of a particular subject by successfully passing a final examination.
This adaptable approach enables students to showcase proficiency in specific general education subjects without the obligation of traditional classroom attendance, offering an opportunity to save both time and money.
By leveraging DSST exams, busy students and working professionals can independently study and select an exam date when they feel adequately prepared.
FGCU students can strategically use DSST exams to test out of up to 15 undergraduate general education elective courses (45 units) and accelerate the transition into upper-division coursework.
DSST Exam Opportunities at Florida Gulf Coast University
FGCU: Cost of Attendance
Florida Gulf Coast University recognizes the substantial financial investment of pursuing a college education and embraces DSST exams as a valuable method for students to earn credits and shorten the time required to complete a baccalaureate degree.
The total expenses associated with attending Florida Gulf Coast University encompass various factors, including residency, administrative fees, course materials, living expenses, travel, and additional student-related costs.
Florida Gulf Coast University Tuition Versus DSST Exam Fees
Most undergraduate general education classes are structured as three (3) semester-hour units.
Let’s compare the approximate cost of a three-semester-hour course at Florida Gulf Coast University to that of taking an equivalent three-semester-hour unit DSST exam.
3 Semester Units Vs. DSST Exam Fees
Scroll through the table below.
Description | Unit Type | Cost per Units | Number of Units | Total Cost | Total Savings |
Florida Gulf Coast University Tuition: | |||||
Undergraduate General Elective Class | Semester-hour | $203.94 (1 unit)* | 3 | $611.82 | |
DSST Exam Fees: | |||||
DSST Exam | Semester-hour | $100.00 (3 units) | 3 | $100.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $511.82 |
*Non-Florida resident's tuition is $838.73 per credit hour. The fee schedule is subject to change within the guidelines approved by the Florida Legislature.
3 Units - DSST Exam Savings
One Resident Undergraduate General Elective Class at Florida Gulf Coast University:
$203.94 (semester-hour) x 3 semester-hour units = $611.82
One Non-Resident Undergraduate General Elective Class at Florida Atlantic University:
$833.73 (semester-hour) x 3 semester-hour units = $2,501.19
Passing one DSST exam awards credit for three (3) semester-hour units:
Regardless of residency status, a non-refundable $100.00 test fee is required to take the exam.
Resident students at Florida Gulf Coast University can save $511.82 in tuition costs for one 3-semester-hour unit course by testing out with DSST exams.
Non-resident students can save $2,401.19 in tuition fees.
15 Semester Units Vs. DSST Exam Fees
Scroll through the table below.
Institution | Semester-Units | Cost Per Unit | Number of Classes | Tuition | DSST Exam Fees | Total Cost | Total Savings |
Florida Gulf Coast University | 15 | $203.94 | 5 | $3,059.10 | - | $3,059.10 | |
DSST Exams | 15 | $100.00 | 5 | - | $500.00 | $500.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $2,559.10 |
15 Units - DSST Exam Savings
A full-time course schedule for undergraduate students typically comprises 15 units (5 classes) per semester. Resident students at FGCU can save $2,559.10 in tuition costs.
Non-resident students can save $12,505.95 in tution fees.
45 Semester Units Vs. DSST Exam Fees
Scroll through the table below.
Institution | Semester - Units | Cost Per Unit | # of Classes | Tuition | DSST Exam Fees | Total Cost | Total Savings |
Florida Gulf Coast University | 45 | $203.94 | 15 | $9,177.30 | - | $9,177.30 | |
DSST Exams | 45 | $100.00 | 15 | - | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $7,677.30 |
45 Units - DSST Exam Savings
Passing DSST exams can earn students up to 45 college credits (equivalent to 15 classes) towards their baccalaureate degree at Florida Atlantic University.
Resident students can save $7,677.30 in tuition costs and graduate faster.
Non-resident students can save $36,017.85 in tuition fees.
Which Courses Can I Test Out Of?
Students can earn college credits by completing an equivalent DSST subject exam, as outlined in the table below.
FGCU: DSST Exam Articulation Guidelines
DSST Course Exam | FGCU Course Equivalent Course | DSST Course Credit |
AMH 1XXX | 3 units | |
ARH 2000 | 3 units | |
AST 2002C | 3 units | |
TBD | 3 units | |
Business Mathematics | TBD | 3 units |
TBD | 3 units | |
CCJ 1020 | 3 units | |
EVR 1XXX | 3 units | |
PHI 1XXX | 3 units | |
EDF 2005 | 3 units | |
Fundamentals of College Algebra | MAC 1105 | 3 units |
TBD | 3 units | |
TBD | 3 units | |
ANT 2000 | 3 units | |
HSC 2106 | 3 units | |
EUH 1XXX | 3 units |
MAN 3301 | 3 units | |
GEB 1011 | 3 units | |
GEO 1XXX | 3 units | |
GYL 1000 | 3 units | |
CJE 1000 | 3 units | |
REL 2306 | 3 units | |
DEP 2004 | 3 units | |
ISM 1XXX | 3 units | |
Math for Liberal Arts | MGF 1106 | 3 units |
TBD | 3 units | |
INP 1XXX
| 3 units | |
FIN 2100 | 3 units | |
ENC 1101 | 3 units | |
FIN X000 | 3 units | |
SPC 2023 | 3 units | |
Principles of Statistics | STA 1XXX | 3 units |
GEE 1XXX | 3 units | |
HSC 4150 | 3 units | |
ENC 1XXX | 3 units | |
AMH 1XXX | 3 units |
Pro Tip: College credits earned by passing DSST exams at FGCU cannot exceed 45 units (15 courses) for a baccalaureate degree.
Streamline Your General Education with DSST Exams
Academic Success Coach
Navigating general education requirements can be daunting, but DSST exams offer a streamlined solution.
Before diving in, it's crucial to consult with your academic advisor.
They can ensure you avoid duplicating coursework and clarify how DSST exams align with your specific degree requirements.
When you're ready to study, you can explore our diverse selection of online DSST preparation courses.
These courses provide a structured approach to kickstart your studies and equip you with the knowledge necessary to excel on the exams.
To gauge your readiness, consider taking a complimentary practice test.
This invaluable resource allows you to familiarize yourself with the exam content and format, boosting your confidence and increasing your chances of success.
By leveraging DSST exams, you can efficiently fulfill general education requirements, freeing up time and resources to focus on your major coursework and other academic pursuits.
Embrace this opportunity to simplify your educational journey and accelerate your progress toward earning your degree.
Before taking any DSST exam, it's crucial to contact your academic advisor to confirm and the course credits apply to your degree program.
Maintain Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
Protect Your GPA with DSST Exams
At Florida Gulf Coast University, DSST exams with passing scores of 400 points or higher are awarded college credit.
The best part?
The credit is denoted as a "P" (Pass) grade, ensuring that unsuccessful attempts do not impact your GPA.
If you don't achieve a passing score on your first try, don't worry!
You have the opportunity to retest every 30 days until you succeed.
DSST exams are designed to evaluate your proficiency in college-level subject matter acquired through self-study or practical experience outside traditional classroom settings.
Exam Format and Scoring
DSST exams consist of 100 multiple-choice questions with four answer choices, scoring 200 to 500 points.
To achieve a passing score of 400 points or higher, you must accurately answer approximately 58% to 62% of the exam questions.
This lenient scoring criterion makes DSST exams appealing for students comfortable with standardized testing.
DSST exams offer a low-risk, high-reward opportunity and don't affect your GPA.
Where Can I Take My DSST Exam?
Three Testing Options
You have three choices for where to take your DSST exam:
At FGCU's test center.
At a Prometric test center.
Remotely online with Prometric.
Let's discuss all three testing options and learn how FGCU will receive your DSST exam results.
FGCU: Campus Test Centers And Registration Process
Source: https://www.fgcu.edu/testing/
DSST Registration and Exam Fees
Florida Gulf Coast University provides testing services at the Emergent Technologies Institute Building, which is committed to providing quality testing services to university students, faculty, and community members.
The total cost of DSST exams is $135.00, divided into a non-refundable and non-transferrable $35.00 test center administration fee (credit or debit card) payable to Florida Gulf Coast University and a $100 exam voucher (credit or debit card) payable to Prometric on exam day.
If you wish to take your DSST exam at the Emergent Technologies Institute, you must first create an account on the DSST Prometric website (see below).
DSST Prometric Website
FGCU Exam Results: Institutional Score Report Recipient Code
Score Report Recipient
When registering with Prometric, you must enter FGCU's 4-digit Institutional Score Recipient Code (9713) to ensure that FGCU receives your exam results.
Failure to enter the correct Institutional Score Report Code for your school will delay the transmittal of your exam results and may result in an additional cost for a transcript.
*Make sure to use the code 9713 for both the testing location and the recipient school.
Failure to enter the correct 4-digit Institutional Score Report Code will delay the transmittal of an official score report and may result in an additional cost for a transcript.
In the case of a retake, there is a mandatory waiting period of 30 calendar days, starting from the day after the initial test date.
When registering with Prometric, you must enter FGCU's 4-digit Institutional Score Recipient Code (9713), which ensures that FGCU receives your exam results.
Then, you must preregister and pay the $35.00 test administration fee to schedule your testing appointment for the DSST exam date using Registerblast (see below).
Walk-ins are not permitted.
FGCU: Administration Fee
Pro Tip: You must bring the preregistration email receipt sent by Registerblast with you on the day of your exam.
FGCU Test Center Details
Test Day
On exam day, all test takers must check in at least 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment test time and bring the email receipt sent by Registerblast during the pre-registration process.
Late arrivals will not be admitted.
Emergent Technologies Institute Building
16301 Innovation Lane - Room 118
Fort Myers, FL 33913
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tel: (239) 590-7955
Email: testing@fgcu.edu
Participants must present a non-expired government-issued ID containing a current photo and signature (driver's license, state-issued identification card, passport, or military/tribal identification card) that matches the name used during registration. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Test takers must pay Prometric the $100 exam fee, which is payable only by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express).
DSST exams last 90 minutes. However, examinees should allocate at least 2 hours and 15 minutes (check-in process) for the entire appointment.
Please be advised that the following items are prohibited in the testing lab:
No electronic devices (mobile phones, smart watches/glasses, tablets, laptops, tablets)
No hats, sunglasses, loose jewelry, hoodies, sweaters, jackets, coats, or outerwear
No snacks or drinks
No bags or other personal effects of any kind
Prometric Test Centers: Registration Process
Prometric DSST Test Centers
As mentioned earlier, you can take your DSST exam at FGCU or at a Prometric test center.
When enrolling for a DSST exam, you can choose between two options:
1. Attend the exam at a physical Prometric brick-and-mortar test center.
2. Opt for a remote exam through Prometric.
Each option has its own advantages, and you can easily schedule your exam online for added convenience.
Prometric test centers are conveniently located across the United States, offering flexibility in scheduling and taking your DSST exam.
Pro Tip:
If you take your exam at a Prometric test center (or online remotely), you'll only pay the $100.00 DSST exam fee.
Most Prometric test centers don't charge an additional registration fee.
Prometric Test Centers: Take Your DSST Exam in Person
In-Person Assistance
To schedule and register for your DSST exam in person, you must first locate a nearby testing center and reserve your appointment online.
Arrive Early
On the day of your exam, to ensure a smooth check-in process, it is highly recommended that you arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early with proper forms of required identification.
For a list of Prometric test centers, click here.
Prometric Remote Proctoring: Take Your DSST Exam Online
Take Your Exam Online
Experience the convenience of taking your DSST exam remotely from your personal computer.
A live proctor will monitor you throughout your exam, ensuring a secure testing environment.
Schedule your reservation, sign up for your DSST exam from the comfort of your home, and pick the subject you'd like to test in.
You can choose a suitable test date and pay the exam fee online. This straightforward process puts you in control of your testing experience.
Refer to our post below for detailed instructions on scheduling and taking your exam remotely.
Prometric Test Centers: How Will FGCU Receive My DSST Exam Results?
You Must Follow Up with Prometric
Whether you opt for an online or in-person DSST exam, knowing your college or university's 4-digit school code and representing the Institutional Score Recipient Code is essential.
As discussed earlier, FGCU will receive a complimentary copy of your exam scores from Prometric using their designated institution's 4-digit score recipient code.
Prometric will send your score report directly to FGCU for free.
The processing time for FGCU to receive the score report ranges from 3 to 6 weeks.
Once FGCU receives your score report, they will apply your units toward your degree program.
Remember, the 4-digit Institutional Score Report Recipient Code for FGCU is 9713.
Contact Prometric
Currently, Prometric doesn't allow you to input your Institutional Score Recipient Code during registration.
Until this feature is available, you must contact them directly for assistance.
Be sure to contact Prometric within two days after taking your exam and provide them with your four-digit institutional score recipient code.
Contact Prometric at:
Toll Free: 1-877-471-9860
Pro Tip: To expedite the processing of your college credits, contact Prometric two days after your exam, providing them with FGCU's Institutional Score Recipient Code (9713).
Each time you take a DSST exam, ensure to provide your 4-digit code to Prometric if you wish for your institution to receive your exam results.
How Do I Get Started with DSST Exams?
Getting Started with DSST Exams
Consult your Florida Gulf Coast University academic advisor to confirm which DSST exams are eligible for your degree requirements.
Study for your DSST exam.
Schedule your final exam with Prometric.
Successfully pass your DSST exam, save money on tuition, and graduate sooner.
Conclusion
Florida Gulf Coast University provides a forward-thinking, progressive option where students may shorten the time required to complete a baccalaureate degree with DSST credit by examination.
DSST exams offer an innovative and cost-effective solution for students who wish to expedite their degree requirements, minimize tuition expenses, and maintain a high GPA.
The flexibility provided by DSST exams allows students to efficiently navigate through general education courses, streamlining their academic path without sitting through an entire semester-long class.
The financial advantages and the convenience of self-paced study and testing make DSST exams enticing for students seeking a strategically effective and economically affordable pathway to graduation.
With Florida Gulf Coast University fully embracing this credit-earning opportunity, students are encouraged to confidently utilize DSST exams for an accelerated and enhanced collegiate experience.
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