The DSST (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests Program

DANTES is a series of examinations that allow individuals to earn college credit for what they know, regardless of where they learned it. The DSST Program offers over 35 examinations in a wide range of college-level academic, technical, and business subjects. Some are subjects that people may have studied as a hobby or special interest, e.g., astronomy, anthropology, and art. Others are tests that cover material people may have learned on the job, e.g., financial accounting, personnel supervision, and law enforcement.

CCA's DANTES Policy
Assuming that an acceptable grade is attained on a DANTES examination, CCA grants full degree credit for many of the examinations. With an acceptable score, all DANTES credits will be accepted for transfer students. For a complete list of DANTES exam equivalencies, inquire at the CCA Admissions office or call the Testing Center at (303) 340-7542.

Preparing for DANTES
For each of the DSSTs there is a fact sheet/Study Guide which outlines the topics covered by each test. Each Fact Sheet/Study Guide includes a list of sample questions and a list of recommended references for you to use. The Fact Sheet/Study Guide is available at www.getcollegecredit.com. DSST offers online preparation tools for a small fee.

How to Register
Registration packets are available in the Testing Center, S202. You must complete a DANTES registration form and return it to the Testing Center at least three weeks prior to testing. A non-refundable administration fee of $25.00 is due at the time of registration. Registration fee payments are valid for 90 days.  Registration fee payments can be accepted at the Testing Center in cash or by credit card or check made out to the Testing Center, or by Phoning the cashiers office at 303-360-4759 or 303-360-4757. Please specify that you would like to pay for a DSST/Dantes exam, and the Cashier’s office will notify the Testing Center of payments made.
A fee of $5.00 will be required to reschedule a test. The registration form is available here (pdf) .

Buckley AFB Personnel, Spouses/Dependants, and DOD/Civilians can register online here for DANTES/DSST test: http://class.ccaurora.edu/asp/testingsignup/.  This form is for Buckley testing only. Free for military funded personnel. Qualifying non-funded dependents and DOD/Civilians pay a $20 registration fee + the exam fee on the testing date. The DoD MWR Libraries have online practice tests available.

Payment for DANTES
Payment is made on the day of the test with a certified check or money order made payable to DANTES Program or you may charge the $80.00 fee to your Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card.  DANTES and DSST do not accept personal checks or cash.

Your DANTES Score
Allow four weeks after testing to receive your score report. Do not call before the allotted time for scoring has elapsed - this will not expedite the process of your scores. If you do not receive your scores after four weeks, please call 609-720-6740. The CCA Testing center does NOT get a copy of your scores. If you send your scores to CCA, scores go to the records office.

DANTES Testing Schedule
Please call or stop by the Testing Center for CLEP and DANTES Test Dates and registration information. DSST testing is available at the CentreTech campus only. Testing is done during regularly scheduled testing hours at http://www.ccaurora.edu/students/testing/.

DSST ID Verification

Please bring a valid, current, government issue picture ID such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport.

Credit for Prior Learning Guidelines
The Community Colleges of Colorado System – CCCS – has guidelines for credit for prior learning including credit by exam programs such as CLEP and DSST exams. The credit recommendations listed there go into effect for tests taken on 1 December 2008 and after. All tests taken prior to 1 December 2008 follow the old credit recommendations matrix.