DSST Foundations of Education

It is a multiple-choice exam offered in internet-based or paper-based formats. It contains 100 questions, and test takers are given two hours to complete it. The exam must be taken at an authorized DSST testing center, most of which are on college campuses.

The minimum passing score is 400. Your school ultimately decides how it applies that score toward credit, so confirm its policy before you test. For internet-based exams, results are available immediately after the test, and you can log in to the testing platform to review and reprint your score report.

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

Yes. All test takers are eligible to retest after a 30-day wait period. Eligible military students should note that DANTES only funds the first attempt to pass an exam; any later attempt to pass a failed exam is the test taker's responsibility.

Registration and payment are completed at the testing center within the testing platform on the day of the exam. You cannot register online in advance. Contact your chosen testing center before the exam date, because some locations do not allow walk-ins and require exams to be scheduled.

Start with the three content areas the exam covers: contemporary issues in education; past and current influences such as philosophies, democratic ideals, and social or economic forces; and the interrelationships between contemporary issues and those influences. Because the areas overlap heavily, study them together and practice connecting current debates to their historical and philosophical roots.

Candidates often memorize isolated names and dates without understanding how philosophies and social forces shape current school debates. Another common problem is treating the three content areas as separate subjects when the exam asks you to relate them. Also watch your pacing: with 100 questions in two hours, you have about 72 seconds per question, so do not linger on any single item.

Bring current and valid picture identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or picture student identification. DANTES-funded eligible military test takers must provide a valid Common Access Card. Do not bring reference or study materials, scratch paper, cell phones, or other electronics into the testing room.

Search the list of schools that accept DSST exams and consult your academic advisor to confirm the exam fits your curriculum. If your school is not listed, contact your advisor or admissions officer. Provide your institution's 4-digit DSST code at the time of the exam so official scores are sent there.