DSST General Anthropology exam-day guide
DSST General Anthropology · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you used to register. Acceptable ID types and name-matching rules vary by test center and provider, so confirm the exact list with your testing provider before test day.
Admission or registration confirmation
Have your appointment confirmation, registration ticket, or testing-provider account login ready. Whether a printed copy is required versus a digital version varies; confirm with the provider.
Know your test format and time limit
DSST exams are generally computer-delivered with multiple-choice questions, but confirm the current format, number of questions, and time limit for General Anthropology with the provider rather than relying on secondhand reports.
Confirm whether the exam is paper or computer at your site
Most DSST testing is computer-based, but delivery method can depend on the site. Confirm your site's setup so you know whether scratch paper, a pencil, or an on-screen calculator/scratchpad will be available.
Know the current scoring and reporting policy
DSST scoring conventions and passing-score expectations have changed over time. Do not assume a specific scaled score or pass mark; confirm current scoring and score-reporting details with the provider.
Confirm what is provided versus prohibited
Scratch paper, pencils, and calculators are typically controlled by the test center. Ask in advance what is supplied and what you must leave outside the testing room.
Review the content outline one last time
Skim the official DSST General Anthropology content outline (subfields, biological/physical anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, cultural anthropology) to confirm coverage rather than cramming new material.
Plan arrival time and route
Arrive earlier than your appointment time to allow for check-in and ID verification. Confirm your site's required arrival window, since late arrival policies vary.
Prepare for security screening
Expect ID check and possibly a photo, signature, or security screening. Confirm your site's specific procedures and what personal items must be stored.
Know the break policy
Break rules differ by exam and site. Confirm whether breaks are permitted, whether the clock stops, and whether you may leave the testing room.
Plan for rescheduling or cancellation rules
Know your provider's policy on rescheduling, cancellation fees, and refunds before test day so you are not caught off guard. Confirm specifics with the provider.
Arrange transportation and a backup plan
Have a confirmed route and a backup (rideshare, transit alternative) so a delay does not cost you your appointment.
Plan the day
Switch from learning new content to consolidating. Review your notes on the four main subfields - biological/physical anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology - plus applied anthropology. Practice recalling key definitions, major theorists, and classic examples from memory rather than rereading passively. Take one timed practice set if available to check pacing, then review only the explanations for items you missed.
Confirm logistics: appointment time, address, arrival window, ID requirements, and what the site provides or prohibits. Reconfirm with the provider if anything is unclear. Set out your ID and confirmation in one place so nothing is forgotten.
Do a light pass only: skim a one-page summary of terms and concepts (e.g., ethnography vs. ethnology, cultural relativism, holism, participant observation, stratigraphy, radiocarbon dating, phonology vs. morphology, kinship terminology). Stop studying early enough to sleep well. Avoid last-minute cramming of unfamiliar material, which tends to increase anxiety without improving recall.
Prepare and lay out items: ID, confirmation, any permitted items, and directions. Check the weather and transit schedules. Set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and hydrate; do not try a new routine the night before.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive early, and bring only what is permitted. Leave bags, phones, and smart devices secured as your site requires. At check-in, follow staff instructions for ID verification and seating.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers like 'most likely', 'primarily', and 'except'. Answer the easy items first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Use process of elimination. For definitional items, recall the specific subfield or concept before choosing. Keep an eye on the clock and leave time to review flagged items. If a question is truly unknown, make your best educated choice rather than leaving it blank, unless the exam penalizes guessing - confirm the guessing policy with the provider.
Follow the provider's instructions on score reporting and whether you receive an immediate unofficial result. Confirm how and when official scores are sent and whether you need to request transcripts. Note any retake policy in case you need it.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID in the name used at registration. Acceptable ID types and name-matching rules vary by provider and site, so confirm the exact requirements before test day.
Arrive at or before your scheduled appointment time and allow time for check-in. Late-arrival policies vary by site; confirm the required arrival window with your provider.
Follow all test-center security rules. Phones, smart watches, notes, and other unauthorized items are typically prohibited in the testing room; confirm what must be stored and where.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test and do not attempt to copy, photograph, or share exam content. Academic-integrity rules apply and violations can void your score.
Follow the site's break policy. Breaks may be limited or unavailable, and the clock may or may not stop; confirm the rules for your exam and site before you begin.
Scoring conventions and passing expectations for DSST exams have changed over time. Do not assume a specific scaled score or pass mark; confirm current scoring and score-reporting details with the provider.
If you need to reschedule or cancel, follow the provider's policy and deadlines. Fees and refund rules vary; confirm them in advance.
If a technical problem or distraction occurs during the test, raise your hand and notify the proctor immediately rather than trying to resolve it yourself.