DSST Testing

The Testing Center administers DSST exams (formerly known as DANTES) for Bucks students and the general public.

A current government issued ID (e.g., a driver's license, non-driver's State ID card, or passport) is required for any test at the Bucks Testing Center. 

Preparing for a DSST Examination

Even when you feel confident of your knowledge of the material, be sure to prepare for the exam. Download free individual Fact Sheets for each DSST exam. The current edition of the Official DSST Test Preparation Guide is in the reference section of the Bucks Library at all three campuses and it is also available for purchase in the Bookstore.

DSST exams are administered in a "paper and pencil" format at the Bucks Testing Center. You will be asked to indicate the code for the school that you wish to have your DSST exam transcripts sent to.

Bucks Students

While the Testing Center at Bucks administers all DSST exams, only the exams listed here may be taken to challenge the associated Bucks course. Scores at or above the minimum will lead to equivalent credit for the associated Bucks course, but no letter grade will be awarded. Students who do not achieve the minimum score must wait at least 90 days to repeat the exam.

Students will need to work with two areas of the College for the process of challenging a Bucks course by standardized exam:

1)      The Testing Center

Schedule, pay for and take the exam(s) with the Testing Center. The Testing Center’s DSST Application is available online and has scheduling and payment information on it.

2)      The Office of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Complete the top portion and Section 1 of the PLA Application, also available online, read and sign the back and return it to Student Services.

When the Office of Prior Learning Assessment is in receipt of both your PLA Application and DSST transcript showing a score at or above the cut-off a proposal for you to receive equivalent credit for the Bucks course you are challenging is processed. When that Equivalent Credit Award is fully signed and approved it is sent to Records for transcribing and a follow up email is sent to the student. There will be no grade(s) associated with the course(s) and the code “CL” will be indicated where the grade would be.

Credit based upon examination may not be transferable. However, many colleges and universities will have a similar process for awarding equivalent credit based upon DSST results. You can request that Prometric (the test publisher) submit official DSST transcripts to your transfer institution and work directly with the transfer institution to request that they consider them for credit.

Bucks students should familiarize themselves with Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) at Bucks to ensure that they meet and follow the eligibility guidelines and do not miss any potential opportunities to pursue equivalent credit.

General Public

General Public should submit the DSST Application with payment directly to the Testing Center to schedule their exam(s).

Courses Open to Challenge by DSST Exam

Department of the Arts

Hicks 125 · (215) 968-8425

 Department of Business Studies

Penn 401 · (215) 968-8227

 Department of Language and Literature

Penn 105 · (215) 968-8150

Department of Math, Science and Technology

Founders 113A · (215) 968-8305