I probably over studied for this exam, but seeing how this was the intro course for my major it probably wasn’t a bad thing. Because sure enough, the next course I took in my major we covered the exact same topics except just more in detail. I guess that’s what they mean by the saying, learning more and more about less and less!
Anyway, if you’re wondering whether you should take the DSST Introduction to Computing or CLEP Information Systems & Computer Applications that would probably depend on your major. The Dante’s is more an intro computer class for computer majors while the CLEP is more an intro computer class for non-computer majors. The difference being, if computers were like a car the CLEP you would just have to be familiar with the term “engine” and that it makes the car go while the Dante’s you would have to know the individual pieces of an engine like piston, cram shaft, etc. and how they work together to create a combustion that causes a chain reaction to propel the car forward. So basically same concepts, just the CLEP is more end-user focused while the Dante’s is more behind the scenes focused. But if you can get credit towards your degree for both tests I would take both because there is a lot of overlap.
Ease of Test:
I never like to call a test easy or hard because it will always depend on one’s individual knowledge and experience. But I do think it’s an “easy” test to study for. Below is the study material I used to get a 466/400(passing) and a study guide outline.
Study Material:
* InstantCert: InstantCert definitely was my main study material here. I felt they covered exactly what I needed to know on the test. And this is where I said I over studied, because I made over 200 note cards and flipped through them on a daily basis. But like I said, since this is the intro course for my major it’s definitely something I’ll reference again. If you don’t already have an InstantCert membership two words, “Get It!” For $20/month they pretty much have study material for all the DSST & CLEP tests. They have a 30 day money-back guarantee and if you use promo code: 30142 you’ll get $5 (or 25%) off your first month.
Study Guide for The Introduction To Computing DSST
* DSST Official Study Guide: I reviewed this after I reviewed the InstantCert material. I like it because it provides the quick and dirty cliff notes, about 19 page plus 80 sample test questions. I will warn you not to get over confident when taking the practice test because the sample questions are more on the easy side, but nonetheless they make great study material. You can pick up the electronic version at Amazon for $2 @
Amazon.com: Official Guide to Mastering DSST Exams- Kindle Store or if you’ll be taking other DSST tests I would get the full book that includes study material for a total of 8 tests. You can also get it at Amazon for $12 @
Amazon.com: Official Guide to Mastering DSST Exams -Books
* Peterson’s Nelnet: Peterson is a nice to have supplement for your studying. The difficulty of the questions is more aligned with the test than the study guide listed above. (Which I don’t know why seeing as how they are made by the same company and both only cover the same 8 DSST tests.) Anyway, it’s a nice confidence builder because if you can pass this then you can probably pass the real test. I believe a passing score is 60% (see
http://www.getcollegecredit.com/pdfs/exam-scoring.pdf and
http://www.getcollegecredit.com/down...v_20100108.pdf). Also it’ll help you get a feel for time management because you can see how fast you can go through the test. With Peterson you get 3 practice tests, so it’ll also help you gauge your improvement because you can take one test, review the answer explanations, go study some more, and then take another test. If you’re military you can get free access @
Peterson's DOD. If you’re non-military for some reason you have to have a corporate account. If you’re taking CLEP test you can purchase the subscriptions individual for $20 for 3 practice test for a 90 day access period. But for whatever reason you have to have a corporate account for the Dantes Intro to Computing. So if I was you I would check with my local library or university, that’s how I got access.
Study Guide:
http://www.getcollegecredit.com/download...080509.pdf
-Computers: History & The Basics
---Computer Terminology
-----File
-----Hardware
-----Input
-----Microprocessor Chip
-----Motherboard
-----Network
-----Output
-----Peripheral Devices
-----RAM
-----Software
-----Storage
-Data Representation (ie. Binary 0s & 1s)
-Types of Computers
---Supercomputer
---Mainframe Computer
---Workstation
---Microcomputer
---Microcontroller
---Memory (ie. RAM, CMOS)
-Software: System & Applications
---System Software
---Operation Systems
---User Interfaces (ie. GUI)
---Device Drivers
---Utility Programs
---Application Software
---Word Processing Software
---Spreadsheet Software
---Database Software
---Specialty Software
-Software Copyrights & Licenses (ie. multi-user license, site license, freeware, open source, etc)
-Software Development Cycle
---Preliminary Investigation
---System Analysis
---System Design
---System Development
-----Programming
-----Programming Languages
---System Implementation
---System Maintenance
-Networks, Communication, & Security
---Networks (ie. LAN, WAN,etc)
-----Network Components (Protocol, Packet, Router, etc)
---World Wide Web vs. the Internet
---Web Searches
---Personal Communication
---Security Issues
-Computers & Everyday Life
---Social Issues
---Computers & Careers
Test Tips
* Call multiple testing centers to find out their test administration fee. While the DSST test is a set $80, the test administration fee can vary from $20 to $50. So it pays to call around to different testing centers! You can locate testing centers in your area @
DSST - GetCollegeCredit.com
* Studies suggest rewriting and summarizing notes can help you memorize. So even if you don’t make 200 note cards like I did, I still recommend rewriting your notes by hand, because studies suggest that you retain information better when you write it down (even if you never review it again) than if you just read it.
* Trust you instincts. This is were practice test really come in. On practice test I will mark questions I’m unsure about and then note my instinct choice and my second guess. And sure enough 4 out 5 times my instinct is right!
* Use process of elimination. It's a multiple choice test, so that means the answer is right in front of you! If you don't know the answer try to eliminate 2 of the 4 possible choices, so that way you have a 50-50 chance to guess right
* Don’t forget the basics. Get a good nice rest, eat a well balanced meal, and just relax.
* Do NOT cram; as it only adds to your test anxiety! The night before the test I don’t look at any study material. Go to a movie or hang out with a friend — anything to get your mind off of the test! At this point you know what you know. And when it comes to Dantes test, most schools only award a pass-fail grade anyway; so there is no difference between passing with 100% and passing by the skin of your teeth!
* Set a date! Pick a test date and schedule your study time accordingly. Also about a week before you plan to test call the test center and schedule your exam. That way it forces you to be ready or not!
Books:
* Dante’s Introduction to Computing Official Study Guide (electronic):
Amazon.com: Official Guide to Mastering DSST Exams--Introduction to Computing eBook: Peterson's: Kindle Store
* Dante’s Introduction to Computing Official Study Guide (paperback):
Amazon.com: Official Guide to Mastering DSST Exams: Peterson's: Books
* InstantCert Study Material (Use Promo Code 30142 for $5 or 25% off)l:
Study Guide for The Introduction To Computing DSST
* Peterson’s Practice Test (Dantes only available for corporate accounts, but CLEP available for individual accounts):
CLEP Practice Tests
* Dante’s Intro to Computing Recommend Book 1:
Dantes Intro to Computing Book 1
* Dante’s Intro to Computing Recommend Book 2:
DSST Intro to Computing Book 2
Best Luck!
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