How DSST Exams Can Save You Time and Money at Palm Beach State College
If you have been considering attending Palm Beach State College (PBSC) 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 Tests) represent a national standardized testing approach that allows students to demonstrate their comprehension of specific subjects by successfully passing a single comprehensive exam.
Palm Beach State College 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 utilizing DSST exams to test out of general education courses and earn college credits.
Alternative Ways to Earn College Credit With DSST Exams
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (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.
Palm Beach State College Tuition Versus DSST Exam Fees
The Cost of Education at Palm Beach State College
Pursuing a college degree is a significant financial investment that requires careful consideration of various expenses.
At Palm Beach State College, the total cost of attendance encompasses tuition fees, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and other student-related costs.
These expenses can vary depending on residency status and enrollment level.
Estimated Tuition Costs
For the current academic year, the estimated annual tuition cost for a full-time undergraduate student taking 28 semester-hour units at Palm Beach State College is roughly:
$27,374 for Florida residents
$39,611 for non-Florida residents
Embracing Cost-Effective Pathways
Palm Beach State College recognizes students' financial challenges and promotes cost-effective strategies to accelerate degree completion.
One such approach is the acceptance of DSST exams, which allow students to earn credits and potentially shorten the time required to obtain their baccalaureate degrees.
3 Semester-Hours: In-State and Out-of-State
3 Semester-Hour Units
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 Palm Beach State College to that of a three-semester-hour unit DSST exam.
Scroll through the table below.
Description | Unit Type | Cost per Unit | Number of Units | Total Cost | Total Savings |
Palm Beach State College Tuition: | |||||
Undergraduate General Elective Class | Semester-hour | $122.85 (1 unit)* | 3 | $368.55 | |
DSST Exam Fees: | |||||
DSST Exam | Semester-hour | $100.00 (3 units) | 3 | $100.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $268.55 |
*Non-Florida resident's tuition is $558.00 per credit hour. The fee schedule is subject to change within the guidelines approved by the Florida Legislature.
Example Savings: Test Out of 3 Units (1 Class)
One Resident General Elective Class at Palm Beach State College:
$122.85 (semester-hour) x 3 semester-hour units = $368.55
One Non-Resident General Elective Class at Palm Beach State College:
$558.00 (semester-hour) x 3 semester-hour units = $1,674.00
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 Palm Beach State College will save $268.55 in tuition costs for one 3-semester-hour unit course by testing out with DSST exams.
Non-resident students could save $1,574.00.
15 Semester-Hour Units
Scroll through the table below.
Institution | Semester-Units | Cost Per Unit | Number of Classes | Tuition | DSST Exam Fees | Total Cost | Total DSST Savings |
Palm Beach State College | 15 | $122.85 | 5 | $1,842.75 | -- | $1,842.75 | |
DSST Exams | 15 | $100.00 | 5 | - | $500.00 | $500.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $1,342.75 |
Example Savings: Test Out of 15 Units (5 Classes)
A full-time course load schedule for undergraduate students comprises 15 units (5 classes) per semester.
Resident students can save over $1,342.75 in tuition costs.
Non-resident students could save $7,870.00
45 Semester-Hour Units
Scroll through the table below.
Institution | Semester - Units | Cost Per Unit | # of Classes | Tuition | DSST Exam Fees | Total Cost | Total Savings with DSST Exams |
Palm Beach State College | 45 | $122.85 | 15 | $5,528.25 | - | $5,528.25 | |
DSST Exams | 45 | $100.00 | 15 | - | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | |
Total Savings with DSST Exams | $4,028.25 |
Example Savings: Test Out of 45 Units (15 Classes)
Using DSST exams saves resident students over $4,028.25 in tuition costs.
Non-resident students could save $23,610.00
PBSC: Which Classes Can I Test Out Of?
DSST Exams Articulation Guidelines For PBSC
Students can earn college credits by completing an equivalent DSST subject exam, as outlined in the table below.
DSST Course Exam | PBSC Course Equivalent Course | DSST Course Credit |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
ARH1000 | 3 units | |
AST1002 | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
Business Mathematics | AAELECT | 3 units |
CGS 1100 | 3 units | |
CCJ1020 | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
PHI1600 | 3 units | |
EDF2005 | 3 units | |
Fundamentals of College Algebra | MAT1033 | 3 units |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
ANT 2000 | 3 units | |
HSC1101 or HSC2100 | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
GEB 1101 | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
GLY1000 | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
REL2300 | 3 units | |
DEP2004 | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units | |
SPC2608 | 3 units | |
Principles of Statistics | STA2023 | 3 units |
MNA2345 | 3 units | |
HSC2140 | 3 units | |
ENC1210 | 3 units | |
AAELECT | 3 units |
Pro Tip: PBSC students can use DSST exams to complete up to 15 undergraduate courses (45 units), fulfilling general education requirements and accelerating the transition into upper-division coursework.
Maintain Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
Protect Your GPA with DSST Exams
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.
Palm Beach State College: Academic Advising
Academics
We highly recommend contacting your academic counselor for further information regarding DSST exams.
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. Consider taking a complimentary practice test to acquaint yourself with the testing format.
Where Can I Take My DSST Exam?
Three Testing Options
You have three choices for where to take your DSST exam:
At PBSC's test center.
At a Prometric test center.
Remotely online with Prometric.
Palm Beach State College: Campus Test Center And Registration Process
Lake Worth Test Center
The Lake Worth Test Center at Palm Beach State College administers proctored DSST exams to university students and community members.
DSST Registration and Exam Fees
The total cost of DSST exams is $115.00, divided into a non-refundable and non-transferrable $15.00 testing fee payable to Palm Beach State College and a $100 exam fee (debit or credit card only) payable to Prometric on exam day.
If you wish to take your DSST exam at the Lake Worth Test Center, you must first preregister and pay the $15.00 test administration fee to schedule your credit by the examination DSST date. Walk-ins are not permitted.
DSST exams last 90 minutes.
However, examinees should allocate at least 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the check-in process, for the entire appointment.
Time waivers will not be granted within 30 minutes of closing time.
All students must surrender their exams 15 minutes before the test center closes.
Lake Worth Test Center
CT115
4200 Congress Avenue, MS# 38
Lake Worth, FL 33461
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday (Fall & Spring) | 8:00AM - 4:30 PM
Note: During Summer, the Testing Center is closed on Fridays.
Tel: 561-868-3019
Fax: 561-868-3015
Lake Worth Test Center: Exam Details
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 scheduling process.
Late arrivals will not be admitted.
Participants must present a valid, 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 the $100 exam fee payable only by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, American Express)to Prometric.
In the case of an exam retake, there is a mandatory waiting period of 30 calendar days, starting from the day after the initial test date.
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
Lake Worth Test Center: DSST Score Results
Source: Prometric Test Registration
Test Day
On the day of your exam, you must register for your DSST exam at the test center and input
PBSC's 4-digit Institutional Score Recipient Code.
Entering the correct Institutional Score Report Code will ensure your DSST exam scores are sent to your institution.
PBSC: 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.
The Institutional Score Report Code for Palm Beach State College is 8022.
You must enter the correct Institutional Score Report Code to ensure your official score report is sent directly to Florida Atlantic 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 PBSC's 4-digit Institutional Score Recipient Code (8022), which ensures that PBSC receives your exam results.
Prometric Test Center: Registration Process
Prometric DSST Test Centers
As mentioned earlier, you can take your DSST exam at PBSC or 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 advantages; 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 PBSC 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, PBSC 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 PBSC for free.
The processing time for PBSC to receive the score report ranges from 3 to 6 weeks.
Once PBSC receives your score report, they will apply your units toward your degree program.
Remember, the 4-digit Institutional Score Report Recipient Code for PBSC is 8022.
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 PBSC's Institutional Score Recipient Code (8022).
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 Palm Beach State College 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
Palm Beach State College 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 Palm Beach State College 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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