PLA DSST- Dantes Exams

DSST® EXAMS (Dantes)

Formerly known as Dantes Exams , DSST® exams are delivered by Prometric, Inc. and offer college credit for 38 subject areas, different than those offered by CLEP®. What started out as an educational aid to military service personnel has now expanded to a universal testing program for any student. The USM faculty has reviewed these exams and recommended credit and passing scores for these exams. USM accepts DSST® (Dantes) scores with a B or better scaled score. You may want to view A Comprehensive Guide to DSST® for more information and background on the DSST exams.

To Register for the DSST® Exams (Dantes) at USM

To take the test at USM, students or the general public must register directly with the PLA/USM computerized test center at 240 Luther Bonney Hall on the Portland Campus. Testing times are scheduled to the convenience of the candidate and the testing center on an individual basis, once your registration and payment have been received.

Submit your registration with an application payment of $45 to:

Kristen Beahm, Testing Coordinator, Prior Learning Assessment, 240 Luther Bonney Hall, USM, Portland, Maine 04104-9300

ON THE DAY OF THE EXAM, PLEASE BRING A CREDIT CARD ISSUED IN YOUR NAME TOTHE TEST CENTER. YOU WILL BE ASKED AT THE START OF THE COMPUTERIZED EXAM TO PAY THE EXAM FEE OF $80 PER EXAM WITH THIS CREDIT CARD.

How Often Can I Take the Same Exam?

Test takers who choose to retake the same exam must wait 90 days between test dates.

To Study for the DSST® Exam (Dantes)

Study guides and additional information to prepare for the DSST® exams can be found at the DSST® website.  Abbreviated fact sheets for each test can be downloaded freely, and we have them available for photocopy at the PLA Testing site at 240 Luther Bonney Hall. You may also take DSST® practice exams for $5 per title (look on lower right of the webpage for the confidential link).

To Order an Official DSST® (Dantes)Score Transcript

If you need to order a DSST® official score transcript, your may go directly to:

http://www.getcollegecredit.com  or  call 877-471-9860 or  review this page

Be sure to ask that the DSST® score transcripts be sent to the USM school code: test site #3691.

USM Equivalencies for DSST® (Dantes) Passing Scores

• DSST® equivalencies for USM students matriculating Fall 2011or thereafter
• DSST® equivalencies for USM students matriculting prior to Fall 2011
• Students matriculated at the Lewiston-Auburn College

Would You Like to Have Your DSST® (Dantes) Credits Posted to Your USM Transcript?

All you need to do is download the DSST Posting Fee form, complete it, and either bring or send it with your $15 fee to:

Kristen Beahm, Testing Coordinator, Prior Learning Assessment, 240 Luther Bonney Hall, USM, Portland, Maine 04104-9300