DSST Business Mathematics

It is a multiple-choice exam offered in internet-based and paper-based formats at authorized testing centers, mostly located on college campuses. Registration and payment are completed at the testing center within the testing platform on the day of the exam, so there is no online pre-registration for the exam itself.

The exam contains 100 questions to be answered in 2 hours. That averages roughly 72 seconds per question, so budget your time and skip or flag anything that turns into a long calculation, then return to it if time allows.

The minimum passing score is 400. Score reports go to the institution whose 4-digit DSST code you provide on test day, and internet-based test takers see results immediately after the exam. Confirm with your school how a passing score maps to credit in your program.

Yes. The use of a non-programmable calculator is permitted during this exam, so bring one that meets the specifications. You may not bring reference or study materials, scratch paper, or electronics such as cell phones and smart watches into the testing room.

Yes. Four tables are provided as reference within the exam: future value of one dollar, present value of one dollar, future value of an annuity of one dollar for N years, and present value of an annuity of one dollar. They appear as the first few items, so mark those items for review and refer back to them.

The mathematics is mostly arithmetic, percentages, and basic algebra, so difficulty comes from volume and multi-step word problems rather than advanced theory. Common failure modes are misreading whether a rate is annual or periodic, confusing markup on cost with markup on selling price, and losing time on one stubborn computation.

Start with number sense: fractions, decimals, ratios, averages, and reading business graphs. Then build the time-value-of-money formulas, since interest and annuities feed later topics. After that, work through payroll deductions, discounts and markups, depreciation and net worth, and finally corporate securities and turnover ratios.

The test fee is $100 per exam. This fee does not include any administrative costs the testing site may require, so check with your chosen test center about its own charges. Eligible veterans may be reimbursed under the VA National Testing Program.

Yes. All test takers are eligible to retest after a 30 day wait period. Note that for eligible military students, DANTES only funds the first attempt to pass an exam; any subsequent attempts to pass a failed exam are the test taker's responsibility.

Search the list of schools that accept DSST exams, then consult your advisor to confirm the exam fits your curriculum needs. If your school is not listed, contact your academic advisor or admissions officer. Also ask whether the school requires enrollment before it will accept a score report.