NKU Testing Services is a registered Testing Site for DSST exams. Community members are welcome to take DSST exams at NKU and have their scores transferred to other institutions at no additional cost.
College credits are available in 38 unique subjects. Disciplines include Business, Humanities, Mathematics, Physical Science, and more. From personal accounting to public speaking, from your health to law enforcement or ethics, there's a DSST subject you already know well. Make sure to check with your college or university to learn about their credit awarding policy. For a list of exams and exam descriptions, visit http://www.getcollegecredit.com.
Whether you are looking to start a new career or advance in your current job, a few more academic credits can make a big difference. Since you are on your way to a college degree, the extra credits you earn through DSST will free up time and energies to focus on the courses you want to take.
The DSST test is offered everyday Monday-Friday, at various times.
DSST is not administered when the NKU Campus is closed due to campus holiday or closure. Appointments can be made by clicking the "Register Now" button below.
Testing Services may provide evening testing hours upon request. Please email testing@nku.edu to inquire.
Important Note: The same exam may NOT be taken within 30 days.
At the time of the registration, the examinee is required to pay Northern Kentucky University a registration fee of $35. This fee is non-refundable. If you wish to reschedule, you may do so without a charge 7 days prior to your scheduled test date. If you reschedule after the 7-day grace period, you must register and pay the fee again.
On the day of the test, the examinee must pay DSST a $100 fee per exam taken. DSST does not accept Discover credit cards.
On the day of the test, examinees must also present a picture identification card that includes both a picture and a signature. Also, a second form of identification is required.
NKU Testing Services strives to provide an equal testing opportunity for all candidates. If you are in need of testing accommodations, please contact our office at (859) 572 - 6373 or testing@nku.edu before registering for your appointment.
DSST asks that all candidates requesting an accommodation to take the time to carefully complete this packet before submitting their request. A completed Accommodation Request Packet includes the Candidate Accommodation Request Form, the Professional Evaluation Form and any additional verification required. A complete packet will allow Prometric to assist the candidate in arranging the best accommodation possible for the situation.
Examinees in search of study resources can check out the DSST website at http://www.getcollegecredit.com. This website gives examinees the option to purchase test study guides. These guides can also be found at your local library or bookstore. Test Fact Sheets can be found by click on the hyperlink for the name of the test in the below table.
The Test Taker Bulletin can be found HERE.
DANTES offers and supports voluntary educational programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2006, DANTES authorized up-front funding of DSST exam fees for eligible military members at authorized National Test Centers that administer the Internet-based DSST exams. Test takers attempting a test title for the first time will not only have their exam fee funded by DANTES, but will also have their administrative fee waived.
The DANTES Funding Guide provides information about who can benefit from DANTES funding.
For more information and how to register for a DSST exam using DANTES, please refer to the Military Benefits page on the DSST website.
The following lists DSST exams that will help to satisfy NKU's General Education categories:
Mathematics & Statistics -- Principles of Statistics
Natural Science -- Astronomy, Environmental Science, Health and Human Development
Culture & Creativity -- Introduction to World Religions
Global Viewpoints -- Introduction to Geography, Ethics in America
The following lists of DSST examinations are those that are accepted at NKU. They have been equated with specific courses offered at the University. For NKU students, a grade of pass (P) will be assigned for the successful passage of a DSST examination. Awarded DSST credit will not replace any prior earned class credit.
| Examination |
Minimum Score |
Credit Hours |
Equivalent NKU Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| A History of the Vietnam War | 400 | 3 | HIS 565 |
| Astronomy | 400 | 3 | AST 100G* |
| Art of the Western World | 48 + department essay | 3 | ARTH 101 |
| The Civil War and Reconstruction | 400 | 3 | HIS 394 |
| Ethics in America | 400 | 3 | PHI 200 |
| Ethics in Technology | 400 | 3 | PHI 310 |
| Environmental Science | 400 | 3 | ENV 110 |
| Fundamentals of College Algebra | 400 | 3 | MAT 100T |
| General Anthropology | 400 | 3 | ANT 100T |
| Health and Human Development | 400 | 3 | BIO 125 |
| Introduction to Geography | 400 | 3 | GEO 100 |
| Introduction to World Religions | 400 | 3 | REL 200 |
| Computing and Information Technology | 432 | 3 | BIS 101 |
| Management Information Systems | 430 | 3 | BIS 300 |
| Principles of Statistics |
400 | 3 | STA 205 |
| Substance Abuse | 400 | 3 | HSR 340 |
*This will go towards a student's elective credit and can satisfy a general education natural science requirement. This will not substitute a course.
