DSST Introduction to Law Enforcement
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ExploreAbout this exam
The DSST Introduction to Law Enforcement is a standardized, multiple-choice credit-by-examination in the Social Sciences category, rated at Level 3 Baccalaureate and worth 3 semester hours at institutions that recognize DSST results. It is designed for students who have already acquired knowledge equivalent to a college course in law enforcement-through academy training, military service, criminal justice coursework, or self-study-and who want to convert that knowledge into college credit rather than sit through the class. The exam is administered at authorized testing centers, mostly on college campuses, and registration and payment are completed at the testing center on the day of the exam. Content spans four areas: the history of law enforcement; the U.S. criminal justice system and process; law enforcement systems, their organization, management, and current issues; and criminal and constitutional law and precedents. Preparation options include the EBSCO LearningExpress® and Peterson's test prep materials linked from the DSST exam page, and candidates should confirm with an advisor that their school accepts the exam before testing. This page and its practice questions are independent study material and are not affiliated with or endorsed by DSST, Prometric, or the American Council on Education.
What you'll study
About DSST Introduction to Law Enforcement preparation
How long is the exam and how many questions does it have?
Test takers are given two hours to take the 100-question exam. That works out to roughly 72 seconds per question, so plan to move steadily and leave time to revisit flagged items. The exam is offered in internet-based and paper-based multiple-choice formats at authorized testing centers.
What score do I need to pass?
The published minimum score is 400. Scores are scaled, so 400 is not a raw count of correct answers. Because each institution sets its own credit-awarding rules, confirm with your advisor that your school accepts DSST results and what it requires before you register.
What does the exam actually cover?
The official description lists four areas: the history of law enforcement; the U.S. criminal justice system and process; law enforcement systems, their organization, management, and issues; and criminal and constitutional law and precedents. Expect the law and precedents portion to test your grasp of landmark constitutional principles rather than obscure statutes.
How much does it cost, and is there a discount?
The test fee is $100 per exam, and that does not include any administrative costs the testing site may require. DSST is an approved VA National Testing Program under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, and the VA will reimburse the exam fee and the testing center administrative fee, which varies by location.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
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. Use the waiting period to target your weakest content area.
How do I register, and can I do it online in advance?
No. The registration process is completed at the testing center on your scheduled day and time, and payment happens there within the testing platform. Find an authorized center first, then contact it before test day, because some locations do not allow walk-ins and require exams to be scheduled.
What should I bring to the testing center?
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. For paper-based exams you may bring No. 2 pencils with an eraser and black ballpoint pens. Reference materials, scratch paper, and electronics are not permitted.
What is the most common way candidates lose points on this exam?
Two patterns stand out. First, candidates memorize police history trivia but cannot apply constitutional rules-search, seizure, interrogation, counsel-to a short fact pattern. Second, they misread questions asking for the exception or the best answer. Drill application-style questions and read each stem twice before choosing.
In what order should I study the four content areas?
Start with the criminal justice system and process, which gives you the vocabulary of courts, prosecution, and corrections that the other areas assume. Then study criminal and constitutional law and precedents, since it is the most application-heavy. Finish with law enforcement history, organization, and management issues, which reward recognition more than analysis.
When will I see my score?
Exam results are available to the test taker immediately after internet-based exams are taken, and you can log in to the testing platform at any time to review and reprint your score report. For paper-based exams, scores are mailed. Official reports go to the institution whose four-digit DSST code you supply on test day.