What This Exam Covers
The Human Resource Management DSST / DANTES exam covers the basics of how employees relate to an organization. Topics include the full employment lifecycle: workforce planning, staffing, training, performance appraisals, compensation, workplace safety, employment law, and labor relations. This is one of the more practical DSST business exams and anyone with corporate or management work experience will recognize many of the questions.
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 Human Resource Management DSST / DANTES*?
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| An Overview of the Human Resource Management Field | 8% | Definition and scope of HRM, HR department roles and structure, strategic HR as a business partner, HR metrics and effectiveness |
| Human Resource Planning | 9% | Job analysis and job design, job descriptions and specifications, workforce forecasting, HR information systems |
| Staffing / Talent Acquisition | 11% | Internal vs. external recruiting, selection methods (interviews, tests, background checks), onboarding and orientation |
| Training and Development | 9% | Needs assessment, training methods (on-the-job, classroom, e-learning), career development, succession planning |
| Performance Management (Appraisals) | 11% | Appraisal methods (rating scales, MBO, BARS, 360-degree feedback), performance improvement plans, coaching |
| Compensation and Benefits / Total Rewards | 12% | Job evaluation, pay structures, incentive pay, employee benefits (health, retirement), executive compensation |
| Safety and Health | 12% | OSHA standards and compliance, hazard identification and prevention, workplace safety programs, workers' compensation |
| Employment Law | 12% | Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, EEO enforcement, affirmative action, employee discipline and termination |
| Labor Relations | 10% | Union organizing, NLRA, collective bargaining, grievance procedures, labor-management relations |
| Current Issues and Trends | 6% | Diversity and inclusion, global HR, HR technology, remote work, ethical issues in HRM |
Source: For a full breakdown of what is on the exam, see the DSST / DANTES Human Resource Management exam page.
How hard is the Human Resource Management DSST / DANTES*?
This exam can be easy if you have business experience, but you'll need to learn some vocabulary. Employment Law is the toughest section, at 12% of the exam, requiring specific federal law knowledge. The rest of the exam is vocabulary-heavy but you probably know what a lot of the terms mean just not the official language. With HR or management background, you can pass in a week or two. Starting from scratch then you should plan for 4 to 5 weeks.
How to study for the Human Resource Management DSST / DANTES*
- Work through the InstantCert flashcards reading each answer even when you get it wrong. Knowing which federal law covers which workplace situation is the area most likely to trip you up so spend some time on those questions.
- Download the official practice questions to get a few free questions.
- Build a simple one-page chart of the major federal employment laws: Title VII (race, color, religion, sex, national origin), ADA (disability), ADEA (age 40+), FMLA (up to 12 weeks unpaid leave), FLSA (minimum wage and overtime), and OSHA (workplace safety).
What score do you need to pass?
A scaled score of 400 is the standard passing threshold, but some schools require 500. Credit typically applies to business administration, management, or HR requirements. Confirm with your school how it applies to your specific program before you start studying.
Pass and the credit appears on your transcript with no grade. Fail and the attempt does NOT appear on your transcript at all.
Can you pass Human Resource Management DSST / DANTES* with just flashcards?
Yes, especially since the material is a mix of HR vocabulary and legal memorization, both of which respond well to flashcard study. Our 94% pass rate results show how easy this exam can be.
Which colleges accept the Human Resource Management DSST / DANTES*?
Most regionally accredited colleges and universities accept DSST credit and award 3 semester hours for a passing score. HR management credit typically satisfies a business, management, or general elective requirement. Policies vary, and most schools cap how many DSST and CLEP credits apply toward a degree, so confirm your school's specific rules before you commit.
Human Resource Management DSST / DANTES* vs. taking the class
A semester of HR management at a community college costs a few hundred dollars. At a four-year university, expect $1,000 to $3,000 or more for a single course. The DSST gets you the same 3 credit hours for $100, and it's 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 | 4–5 weeks self-study |
| GPA impact | None, pass/fail only |
| Failed attempt on transcript | No |
The exam makes sense for most business, management, or HR majors who need the credit. If you are pursuing an HR career and want deeper exposure to employment law or labor negotiations then the classroom discussions may be beneficial for you. For everyone else, $100 and a little studying will get you the credit.
Happy testing!