What This Exam Covers
The Introduction to Business DSST covers the basics of business in three areas: how businesses are structured and regulated, how they function (management, marketing, finance, accounting, operations, MIS, and human resources), and how business interacts with society and the global economy. This may sound daunting, but in reality, it doesn't go too deep, so you will be fine with even minimal studying.
Exam at a Glance
| Questions | 100 multiple choice |
| Time | 120 minutes |
| Passing score | 400 (scaled score) |
| College credits | 3 semester hours (typical) |
| Exam fee | $100 (military free) |
What's on the Introduction to Business DSST / DANTES*?
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Business | 30% | Forms of business ownership (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC), government regulation and intervention, economics of business (supply and demand, economic systems, market structures), entrepreneurship and franchising, small business management |
| Functions of Business | 50% | Management (planning, organizing, leading, controlling), marketing (4 Ps, segmentation, pricing, distribution), finance (financial statements, sources of capital, stocks and bonds, risk management and insurance), accounting (balance sheet, income statement, basic accounting principles), production and operations management, management information systems, human resource management |
| Business and Social Responsibility | 20% | Business ethics and corporate social responsibility, global business environment, international trade, cultural and legal differences across markets |
Source: For a full breakdown of what is on the exam, see the DSST / DANTES Introduction to Business exam page.
How hard is the Introduction to Business DSST / DANTES*?
This is an easy DSST exam, with a 99% pass rate among our students. That is the highest pass rate of any exam we offer. The content is wide but not deep, which means you just need to know the vocabulary and simple concepts of business. Those who've worked in business or taken a class need just a week of study. Starting from scratch, plan for 2 to 3 weeks of study.
How to study for the Introduction to Business DSST / DANTES*
- Work through the InstantCert flashcards section by section. Read every answer explanation, including the ones you get right. Make sure you understand the vocabulary and the concepts underneath them.
- Download the official practice questionsas these will give you a good idea of the types of questions and they are free.
- OpenStax publishes a free Introduction to Business textbook. This is worth using if you want a more in-depth look at the subject.
- Know the four main forms of business ownership and their key traits. These are: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, and LLC. These show up regularly in many questions.
What score do you need to pass?
A score of 400 is the standard passing threshold at most schools, but some require 500. Credit typically applies toward a business administration core or general elective requirement. Confirm with your school to make sure it is the credit you need.
Pass and the credit appears on your transcript with no letter grade. Fail and the attempt does NOT appear on your transcript at all.
Can you pass Introduction to Business DSST / DANTES* with just flashcards?
Yes, as the material is largely vocabulary, which is exactly the kind of content that responds well to structured flashcard review. 565 out of 572 students who submitted results passed which is the highest of any exam we offer.
Which colleges accept the Introduction to Business DSST / DANTES*?
Most schools accept DSST credit and award 3 semester hours for a passing score. Introduction to Business credit typically satisfies a business administration core requirement or a general elective. Policies vary by school, and most cap how many DSST and CLEP credits count toward a degree, so confirm your institution's rules before you commit to the exam.
Introduction to Business DSST / DANTES* vs. taking the class
An intro to business course at a community college typically costs a few hundred dollars. At a four-year university, a single course runs $1,000 to $3,000 or more. The DSST gets you the same 3 credit hours for $100, and it is free for active duty military.
| Exam fee | $100 (military free) |
| Typical tuition equivalent | $700–$3,000+ (one semester) |
| Credits earned | 3 semester hours (typical) |
| Time to prepare | 2–3 weeks self-study |
| GPA impact | None, pass/fail only |
| Failed attempt on transcript | No |
For most students, this is an easy call. If you are considering a business major and want real exposure to accounting or finance before committing to upper-level coursework, the class has value. For the credit alone, $100 and a few weeks of study will get you there.
Happy testing!