DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

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College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) to the public. Please be aware, while CWI administers most DSST exams, the College does not accept all DSST scores. Please check with the Registrar's Office to see if your score will transfer, or review the PLA Student Handbook

Important Information!

DSST credit will only be awarded to CWI students who are currently enrolled, past census date, in credit courses with a declared major. For more information, please contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@cwi.edu.

About the DSST

DSST gives students the opportunity to earn college credit for learning acquired outside the traditional classroom. With more than 30 exam titles in college subject areas such as Social Sciences, Math, Applied Technology, Business, Physical Sciences, and Humanities, DSST exams shorten the pathway to graduation while reducing college costs. Prior learning assessment tools like DSST, offer students a cost-effective, time-saving way to use knowledge acquired outside of the classroom (from personal research, on-the-job training, independent study, or work or military field experience) to accomplish their educational goals. DSST, originally only available to military personnel, is now available to all!

Why DSST?

  • Earn 3-5 college credits for each passing test (varies by subject)
  • Save tuition dollars
  • Earn your degree on time or early
  • Add flexibility to your degree program

Military Eligibility

  • DANTES pays the fee for an eligible candidate’s first attempt to pass an exam
  • Funding can be requested through the Department of Defense
  • Exam appointments can be scheduled online
  • Bring the DSST voucher to your exam
  • Eligible candidates who do not pass an exam on their first attempt will be subject to a 30-day waiting period before retesting and are responsible for paying all retest and administration fees