DSST Lifespan Developmental Psychology
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The DSST Lifespan Developmental Psychology exam is a credit-by-examination test in the Social Sciences category, offered at the upper baccalaureate level. A passing score is recognized by participating colleges and universities, which may award three semester hours of college credit for knowledge equivalent to what students learn in a comparable course. The exam is intended for students who have already acquired developmental psychology knowledge through coursework, independent reading, military training, or life experience and who want to convert that knowledge into credit rather than repeat a class. Content spans the full human lifespan and is organized around ten areas: ethical issues; biological development; perception; learning and memory; cognition and language; social, emotional, and personality development; social behaviors; the family life cycle; adjustment to life stresses; and bereavement and loss. Because the exam is broad rather than deep, preparation should combine a developmental psychology textbook with a review of major theorists and stage models, plus practice with applied scenarios that ask you to identify which concept explains a described behavior. Official test preparation materials are sold separately through DSSTPrep, EBSCO LearningExpress, and Peterson's; a downloadable fact sheet is also available. The exam is delivered by computer or on paper at authorized testing centers, and registration and payment happen at the center on the day of your appointment, so confirm your chosen center's scheduling rules before you travel.
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About DSST Lifespan Developmental Psychology preparation
What is the format of the Lifespan Developmental Psychology DSST?
It is a multiple-choice exam offered in internet-based or paper-based formats and must be taken at an authorized DSST testing center, most of which are on college campuses. The exam contains 100 questions and you are given two hours to complete it.
How much does the exam cost?
The test fee is $100 per exam. That fee does not include any administrative costs the testing site may require, so ask your chosen center about its own charges. Eligible veterans may be reimbursed the exam fee and the testing center administrative fee under the VA National Testing Program.
What score do I need to pass?
The minimum score is 400. Note that the score is scaled, not a raw percentage of questions answered correctly, so do not try to convert it into a count of right answers. Your school decides whether to award credit for a passing score.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes. All test takers are eligible to retest after a 30 day wait period. If you are an eligible military student, DANTES funds only your first attempt to pass an exam; any later attempt to pass a failed exam is your own responsibility financially.
How hard is the exam, and what trips people up?
The exam is broad rather than mathematically difficult. Common failure modes are studying only one developmental stage, memorizing theorist names without being able to apply the concepts to a described scenario, and confusing similar stage models. Expect questions that present a behavior and ask which principle or stage it illustrates.
In what order should I study the content areas?
Start with biological development and perception to establish the foundations, then move through learning and memory and cognition and language. After that, work through social, emotional, and personality development, social behaviors, and the family life cycle, and finish with adjustment to life stresses, bereavement and loss, and ethical issues, which are easier to review once the developmental base is solid.
How do I register and pay?
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 the center before your visit, because some locations do not allow walk-ins and require you to schedule an appointment.
What identification should I bring?
All test takers must present 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. Only test takers are permitted in the testing room; visitors are not allowed.
When will I see my score?
For internet-based exams, results are available to the test taker immediately after the exam, and you can log in to the testing platform to review and reprint your score report. For paper-based exams, scores are mailed. Your designated school should receive the report within 90 days.
What can I bring into the testing room?
For paper-based exams you may bring No. 2 pencils with an eraser and black ballpoint pens. You may not bring reference or study materials, scratch paper, or electronics such as cell phones, personal handheld devices, cameras, alarm wrist watches, or tape recorders, regardless of exam format.