DSST Introduction to Geography

It is a multiple-choice exam offered in internet-based or paper-based formats. The publisher states test takers are given two hours for the 100-question exam. Exams must be taken at authorized testing centers, mostly on college campuses, so confirm your center's scheduling rules before you travel.

The published minimum score is 400. DSST scores are scaled, not raw percentages, so do not convert a practice-test percentage directly. Your school makes the final credit decision, so check whether it requires anything beyond the published minimum before you register.

The test fee is $100 per exam, and that fee does not include any administrative costs the testing site may require. Ask your chosen center about its own fee, since it varies by location. Eligible veterans should check VA reimbursement under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which the publisher says covers the exam fee and the center fee.

Yes. All test takers are eligible to retest after a 30-day wait period. Note that for eligible military students, DANTES funds only the first attempt to pass an exam; later attempts to pass a failed exam are the test taker's responsibility. Plan your first attempt seriously rather than treating it as a diagnostic.

It is an introductory survey, so difficulty comes from breadth rather than depth. Study physical geography, map interpretation, and cultural and regional patterns in rotation rather than mastering one area first. The publisher lists Peterson's and EBSCO LearningExpress as prep options; a standard introductory geography textbook covers the same ground.

Registration and payment are completed at the testing center within the testing platform on the day of the exam; there is no advance online registration. Bring current, valid picture identification such as a driver's license, passport, or picture student ID. DANTES-funded military test takers must provide a valid Common Access Card.

Bring no reference or study materials, scratch paper, or electronics such as cell phones, handheld devices, cameras, alarm wrist watches, or tape recorders. For paper-based exams you may bring No. 2 pencils with an eraser and black ballpoint pens. Unauthorized visitors are not permitted in the testing room at any time.

Internet-based test takers receive results immediately after the exam and can log in to the testing platform to review and reprint the score report. Paper-based scores are mailed. Official reports go to the institution whose 4-digit DSST code you provide on test day, so have that code ready before you sit down.

Two avoidable failures: not confirming the school accepts this exam for the specific requirement, and not supplying the correct 4-digit institution code on test day. Without a code you must go through the transcript or score-report request process. Verify both with your advisor before testing.

No. The exam was formerly titled Human/Cultural Geography, and the publisher still lists both names for the same Social Sciences exam at 3 Baccalaureate level worth 3 semester hours. If your school's catalog uses the old title, that is the same exam; quote either name when checking acceptance.