DSST Principles of Statistics

The exam is multiple choice, offered in internet-based or paper-based formats at authorized DSST testing centers. The official source states that test takers are given two hours to take the 100 question exam. Registration and payment are completed at the testing center on the day of your exam.

The test fee is $100 per exam. This fee does not include any administrative costs the testing site may require. The exam itself takes two hours. Some testing centers require advance scheduling and do not allow walk-ins, so contact your chosen center before test day.

The minimum passing score is 400. This is a scaled score, not a raw number of correct answers. Your score report is available immediately after an internet-based exam, and paper-based scores are mailed. Confirm with your school that a 400 satisfies its credit-awarding requirement.

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 will be the test taker's responsibility. Plan your study time so you are ready on the first attempt.

The exam description lists four areas: principles and concepts underlying higher-order statistics, continuous and discrete distributions, use of predictive statistics using the linear model, and confidence intervals. Build a foundation in descriptive statistics and probability first, then move to distributions, linear regression, and confidence intervals, since later topics depend on earlier ones.

The exam is college-level and assumes prior exposure to statistics. Common failure modes include confusing population and sample notation, misreading distribution assumptions, and being unable to connect a confidence interval to a hypothesis test. Practice interpreting output and choosing the correct procedure rather than memorizing formulas alone.

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. If your exam requires a calculator, bring one that meets specifications. Reference materials, scratch paper, and electronics such as cell phones are not allowed.

Provide your institution's 4-digit DSST code at the time of your examination so official scores are sent there. If you did not provide a school code, contact the DSST Exam Team to order a score report. Check with your school 4-6 weeks after testing to confirm receipt.