DSST testing now computerized
Cpl. William Getty, ground radio repairman, prepares to take a DANTES Subject Standardized Test at the Lifelong Learning Center Aug. 15.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Aug. 24, 2006) -- Beginning this fall, Marines pursuing an undergraduate degree may find the newly computerized administration of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Subject Standardized Tests helpful in reaching their goal.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/A30106BE04765AF3852571D5004A118E?opendocument
Aug. 24, 2006
By Lance Cpl. Sha'ahn Williams, MCB Quantico
The DANTES program is an extensive series of examinations in college and technical subjects. Essentially, the DSST tests are achievement exams, each of which is standardized on a sample of civilian students who successfully completed a comparable college course.
Each DSST measures knowledge, basic concepts, principles, relationships and applications involved in a course, which has the same or a similar title.
Normally, a student took the test and waited for the results that would, in turn, determine which classes he or she would register for.
“Formerly paper-based, the older testing system slowed the students down because they had to wait so long for the results to come back,” said Susan McIntosh, education services officer at the Lifelong Learning Center here. “Sometimes people would not register for a class thinking they passed the DSST and the results would come back saying they did not pass.
“That means that those people would have to take the class and could have registered but were not able to because registration time was over,” McIntosh said.
With the computerized testing, results are available immediately, which saves time, McIntosh said.
DSST tests save tuition assistance money because passing one eliminates the need to take a formal course. The tests are free for active duty and reserve personnel. Family members pay $60.00 for the test and an additional $20.00 sitting fee.
If passed, each examination awards students with college credits of three semester hours.
Click on photo for credits and descriptions.