Test Out Of Your Classes With DSST Exams
If you are considering attending or currently enrolled at Florida International University (FIU), did you know you can save thousands in tuition and earn up to 45 undergraduate college units towards your bachelor's degree by taking 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 "test out" of certain subjects and earn college credits by successfully passing one final exam.
Florida International University 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 utilizing DSST exams to quickly test out of general education courses and earn college credit to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements.
FIU: Earn College Credits Fast
Ready, Set, Accelerate!
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.
Students can showcase proficiency in specific general education subjects without the obligation of traditional classroom attendance, offering an opportunity to save both time and money.
This accelerated pathway enables transitioning into upper-division coursework faster and saves significant tuition costs.
By leveraging DSST exams, busy students and working professionals can independently study and select a date to take the exam when they feel adequately prepared.
FIU students can test out of a maximum of 45 credits with DSST exams. Additional credits may be awarded upon request.
Maintain Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
Protect Your GPA with DSST Exams
At FIU, 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.
FIU: Undergraduate Tuition And Fees
Annual Tuition Rates
Florida International University recognizes the substantial financial investment of pursuing a college education and embraces DSST exams as a valuable method for students to earn credits toward their undergraduate degree.
For a full-time undergraduate student at Florida International University (FIU), the estimated annual tuition cost is:
Florida Residents: Approximately $27,444
Non-Florida Residents: Approximately $39,842
These estimates are based on a 15 semester-hour unit schedule and off-campus attendance.
The total expenses associated with attending Florida International University encompass various factors, including administrative fees, course materials, living expenses, travel, and additional student-related costs.
FIU Tuition Versus DSST Exam Fees
Most undergraduate general education classes are structured as 3 semester-hour units.
Let’s compare the approximate cost of a 3-semester-hour unit to the cost of taking an equivalent 3-semester-hour unit DSST exam.
3 Semester Units
Scroll through the table below.
Description | Unit Type | Cost per Unit | Number of Units | Total Cost | Total Savings |
Florida International University Tuition: | |||||
Undergraduate General Elective Class | Semester-hour | $205.57 (1 unit)* | 3 | $616.71 | |
DSST Exam Fees: | |||||
DSST Exam | Semester-hour | $100.00 (3 units) | 3 | $100.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $516.71 |
*Non-Florida residents $618.87 tuition 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 General Elective Class at Florida International University:
$205.57 (semester-hour) x 3 semester-hour units = $616.71
One Non-Resident General Elective Class at Florida International University:
$618.87 (semester-hour) x 3 semester-hour units = $1,856.61
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 FIU will save $516.71 in tuition costs for one 3-semester-hour unit course by testing out with DSST exams.
Non-resident students can save $1,756.61 per 3-semester-hour course.
15 Semester Units
Scroll through the table below.
Institution | Semester-Units | Cost Per Unit | # of Classes | Tuition | DSST Exam Fees | Total Cost | Total Savings |
Florida InternationalUniversity | 15 | $205.57 | 5 | $3,083.55 | - | $3,083.55 | |
DSST Exams | 15 | $100.00 | 5 | - | $500.00 | $500.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $2,583.55 |
15 Units - DSST Exam Savings
A full-time course schedule for undergraduate students typically comprises 15 units (5 classes) per semester.
Resident students will save over $2,583.55 in tuition costs at FIU.
Non-resident students can save $8,783.05.
45 Semester Units
Scroll through the table below.
Institution | Semester- Units | Cost Per Unit | Number of Classes | Tuition | DSST Exam Fees | Total Cost | Total Savings |
Florida International University | 45 | $205.57 | 15 | $9,250.65 | - | $9,250.65 | |
DSST Exams | 45 | $100.00 | 15 | - | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $7,750.65 |
45 Units - DSST Exam Savings
Save time and graduate faster.
Passing DSST exams can allow students to obtain up to 45 college credit units (15 classes) at Florida International University.
By utilizing DSST exams, resident students could save $$7,750.00 in tuition costs and graduate 18 months faster.
Non-resident students could save over $26,349.15 in tuition and fees.
Academic Assistance
Contact Advising
Consulting with your academic advisor is essential to avoid duplicating coursework and to clarify the alignment of DSST exams with your degree requirements.
Once you obtain approval, explore our diverse selection of online DSST examination preparation courses to initiate your studies and consider taking a complimentary practice test to acquaint yourself with the testing format.
Contact your academic counselor to confirm that specific DSST exams apply to your degree program.
Which Classes Can I Test Out Of?
Test-Out Of Your Classes By Taking One Final Exam!
Below is a list of courses that students can test out of using DSST exams.
DSST Course Exam | FIU Code | FIU Equivalent Course | FIU University Core Curriculum (UCC) | DSST Course Credit |
HVW | HUM UCC2 (3) | Humanities G-II | 3 units | |
AWW | ARH 2000 (3) | Humanities G-I | 3 units | |
AST | AST 1002 (3) | Natural Sciences G-I (No lab) | 3 units | |
Business Mathematics | BMAT | MCF UCC1 (3) | Mathematics G-I | 3 units |
BES | ELE UCC1 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
CIT | CGS 2060 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
CRIM | CCJ 2020 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
ENVS | ENR 1001 (3) | Natural Sciences G-I (No lab) | 3 units | |
EIA | HUM UCC2 (3) | Humanities G-II | 3 units | |
Fundamentals of College Algebra | FCA | MAC 1105 (3) | Mathematics G-I | 3 units |
FOE | EDF 1005 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
COU | PSY 2930 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
CYBER | ELE UCC1 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
GA | ANT 2000 (3) | Social Sciences G-I | 3 units | |
HHD | HSC 2100 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
HSU | HUM UCC 2 (3) | Humanities G-II | 3 units |
HRM | ELE UCC1 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
BUS | GEB 2011 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
HCG | GEO 2000 (3) | Social Sciences G-II | 3 units | |
GLY | GLY 1030 | Social Sciences G-II | 3 units | |
ENF | CJE 3110 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
IWR | REL 3308 (3) | Social Sciences G-II | 3 units | |
LDP | DEP 2000 (3) | Social Sciences G-II | 3 units | |
MIS | CGS 2100 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
Math for Liberal Arts | MATLA | MGF 1106 (3) | Mathematics G-I | 3 units |
MOB | ELE UCC1 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
OB | INP 3004 (3) | Social Sciences G-II | 3 units | |
PFI | ELE UCC1 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
PAE | ENC 1101 (3) | Communication | 3 units | |
FIN | ELE UCC1 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
PUS | SPC 2608 (3) | Arts | 3 units | |
SUP | ELE UCC1 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
Principles of Statistics | PST | STA UCC1 (3) | Mathematics | 3 units |
SUA | PSY 2930 (3) | Elective | 3 units | |
TWR | ENC UCC4 (3) | Communications or GRW | 3 units | |
CIVW | HUM UCC2 (3) | Humanities G-II | 3 units |
Notes: ELE UCC1 - Lower-division elective. UCC designations (e.g., GPS UCC1 = Meets UCC requirements, may not meet major requirements. Students who passed discontinued exams may send official scores for review.
Where Can I Take My DSST Exam?
Testing Options
You have three choices for where to take your DSST exam:
At FIU's test center.
At a Prometric test center.
Remotely online with Prometric.
Let's discuss all three testing options and learn how FIU will receive your exam results.
FIU: Campus Test Centers And Registration Process
Test CenterRegistration: Modesto Maidique and Biscayne Bay Campus
Registering to take your DSST exam at FIU is easy.
Florida International University has two testing centers committed to providing quality testing services to university students, faculty, and community members.
The Center for Testing and Career Certification offers proctored testing services at the Modesto Maidique and Biscayne Bay Campus.
You can take your DSST exam at FIU or at a Prometric test center. We'll provide you with the details for each.
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
11200 SW 8th Street, GL 120
Miami, FL 33199
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tel: 305-348-2441
Fax: 305-348-2609
Email: testing@fiu.edu
Biscayne Bay Campus
3000 NE 151st Street, AC1 160
Miami, FL 33181
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tel: 305-919-4043
Fax: 305-919-5370
Email: bbctesting@fiu.edu
Pro Tip:
Regarding: DSST Principles of Public Speaking Exam
Candidates taking DSST Principles of Public Speaking must contact the Modesto Maidique or Biscayne Bay Campus testing center office to complete the registration process.
DSST Exam Fees
The cost of taking your DSST exam at FIU totals $130.00.
This includes a non-refundable and non-transferrable $30.00 test center administration fee payable to Florida International University and a $100 exam registration fee payable to Prometric on the exam day.
The $100.00 DSST exam fee is paid on the exam day using a credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or American Express).
To schedule your DSST exam date at the Modesto Maidique or Biscayne Bay Campus, you must preregister and pay the $30.00 test administration fee.
FIU: Test Center And Exam Details
Exam Registration
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.
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.
Without proper identification, you will not permitted to take your DSST exam.
Test takers must pay Prometric the $100 exam fee, which can be paid only by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express).
DSST exams last 90 minutes, and examinees should allocate 2 hours 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
All personal items must be placed inside one of the lockers outside the testing lab.
FIU: Test Registration Process And Score Results
Source: Prometric Test Registration
Test Day
On the day of your exam, you must register at the test center and input your university's 4-digit Institutional Score Recipient Code.
Entering the correct Institutional Score Report Code will ensure that a complimentary transcript of your exam score is sent to Florida International University.
FIU's Institutional Score Report Recipient Code
Score Report Code
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.
Pro Tip:
The 4-digit Institutional Score Report Recipient Code for Florida International University, Modesto Maidique Campus, is 8000.
The 4-digit Institutional Score Report Recipient Code for Florida International University, Biscayne Bay Campus, is 9463.
You must enter the correct Institutional Score Report Code to ensure your official score report is sent directly to the Florida International University.
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.
On the day of your exam, you must register at the test center and enter FIU's 4-digit Institutional Score Recipient Code, which ensures that FIU receives your exam results.
FIU: Active Duty Military Members
DSST exams enable military personnel to advance their educational and academic goals while in the service.
Eligible military members and eligible spouses can have the Test Center sitting fee waived (first attempt only) for any of the given DSST exams.
Register with the FIU Center for Testing and Career Certification
Florida Test Centers: Prometric Registration Process
Prometric DSST Test Centers
As mentioned earlier, you can take your DSST exam at FIU 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 in Florida, click here.
Prometric Remote Proctoring: Take Your DSST Exam Remotely
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 FIU 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, FIU 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 FIU for free.
The processing time for FIU to receive the score report ranges from 3 to 6 weeks.
Once FIU receives your score report, they will apply your units toward your degree program.
The 4-digit Institutional Score Report Recipient Code for Florida International University Modesto Maidique Campus is 8000.
The 4-digit Institutional Score Report Recipient Code for Florida International University, Biscayne Bay Campus, is 9463.
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 your university's Institutional Score Recipient Code.
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 International University academic advisor to confirm which DSST exams are eligible for your degree requirements.
Study for your DSST exam.
Schedule your final exam with FIU or Prometric.
Successfully pass your DSST exam, save money on tuition, and graduate sooner.
Conclusion
Save Money and Accelerate Your Graduation Date With DSST Exams
DSST exams are a forward-thinking, progressive choice for students to optimize a strategic educational journey at Florida International University.
These national 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 an accelerated pathway.
With Florida International University fully embracing this credit-earning opportunity, students are encouraged to explore DSST exams confidently to enhance a successful collegiate experience.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at support@dssttestprep.com, and we'll be more than happy to help.
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