DSST® Computing and Information Technology Prep — Pass the Exam and Earn 3 Transferable College Credits
DSST® Computing &
Information Technology
A computer-literacy credit built around concepts, not coding. Hardware, software, networks, the software life cycle, and the history and social impact of technology. 100 questions in 2 hours. If you use computers daily and follow tech, you already know a surprising amount. Earn 3 transferable credits for $119 total.
Six Content Areas.
All Covered.
Every topic on the DSST® Computing and Information Technology exam — structured chapters with subchapter quizzes aligned to the official content outline.
- Processing components (CPU, ALU, fetch-execute cycle)
- Primary storage (RAM, ROM, cache, virtual memory)
- Peripherals and I/O devices
- Architectures and data representation
- Units of measurement
- Word processing & desktop publishing
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Hypertext, multimedia & presentation software
- Graphics and software licensing
- The World Wide Web
- Network access & architectures
- Data communications
- Mobile networks
- Safety and security
- History of computing
- Ethical & legal issues
- Safety and security
- Careers in CS & information systems
- Social issues, AI, globalization
- Operating systems
- Utilities
- User interfaces
- Resource allocation
- Software life cycle
- Programming methodology (conceptual)
- Data types & algorithms
- Program constructs & logic concepts
- Development tools
Four big areas carry 80% of the exam.
Hardware, Application Software, Networks, and Social Impact each make up 20%. Lock those down first, then layer in Systems Software and Software Development at 10% each. Nothing here requires writing code.
What You'll Learn
All six DSST® Computing and Information Technology content areas in structured chapters — from how a CPU works through networks, the software life cycle, and the history and ethics of computing.
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Explain how computer hardware works — processing components, the fetch-execute cycle, primary storage types, peripherals, architectures, and how data is represented and measured
- Describe systems and application software — operating systems, utilities, and user interfaces, plus word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia, and software licensing models
- Understand communications and networks — the web, network access and architectures, data communications, mobile networks, and the fundamentals of online safety and security
- Outline the software development process at a conceptual level — the software life cycle, programming methodology, algorithms, program constructs, and logic concepts, with no actual coding required
- Discuss the history and social impact of computing — major milestones, ethical and legal issues, careers in technology, artificial intelligence, globalization, and digital responsibility
Full Topic Coverage
How DSST® Credit Works
Three steps from enrollment to 3 transferable college credits — no campus, no coding, no 15-week semester.
Study with TransferCredit
Structured chapters across all six exam content areas — hardware, software, networks, development, and the social side of computing. Subchapter quizzes after every section and a readiness tracker tell you when to book.
Take the DSST® Exam
Book at any Prometric or on-campus DSST® test center. 100 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours, scored 200–500. Score 400+ to earn 3 college credits. Exam fee is $100 (free for eligible military via DANTES).
Transfer Your Credits
Send your DSST® score to your college and have 3 computer literacy or technology credits applied to your degree. Accepted at 1,900+ colleges and universities.
One Price.
Everything Unlocked.
Buy Computing and Information Technology alone for $19 lifetime access, get all DSST® subjects for $29/month, or unlock everything — CLEP® + DSST® — for life at $149.
- All 6 exam content areas covered
- Subchapter quizzes per topic
- Readiness score tracker
- DSST® official outline aligned
- Lifetime access, no expiry
- All DSST® prep courses
- Chapter + subchapter structure
- Readiness quizzes per topic
- Backup ACE/NCCRS credit path
- Cancel or pause anytime
- Lifetime access to all CLEP® + DSST® subjects
- All current & future courses
- 12-month ACE/NCCRS backup path
- Pay once, never renew
- Best long-term investment
All plans include a backup ACE/NCCRS credit path — if you don't pass the DSST® exam, you still earn the credit through coursework.
Questions? [email protected] · View all pricing →
Does My College Accept DSST® Computing and Information Technology?
DSST® exams are accepted at 1,900+ colleges and universities. Computing and Information Technology typically satisfies a computer literacy, introduction to computing, or general technology requirement that appears in most degree programs. Score 400+ (on the 200–500 scale) and most schools award 3 semester credit hours.
Students Also Prep For
Stack DSST® technology and business credits to clear multiple requirements with one $29/month subscription.
Pass DSST® Computing and Information Technology and earn 3 credits for $119 total.
$19 prep + $100 exam. 3 college credits. Six topics covering how computers, software, and networks work, plus the history and ethics of technology. No coding, no programming, just the concepts.
🎯 Why It Matters
- Four areas carry 20% each — Hardware, Application Software, Networks, and Social Impact make up 80% of the exam
- Systems Software and Software Development are 10% each and cover concepts only, not real code
- Daily computer use, office software experience, and general tech awareness give you a real head start
- Satisfies a computer literacy requirement that shows up in nearly every degree program
👤 Who Takes This Exam
- Students clearing a computer literacy or intro to computing requirement
- Anyone comfortable with everyday tech who wants the credit without the class
- Career changers moving toward IT or business roles
- Active-duty military (exam free via DANTES)
- Adult learners returning to finish a degree
🛡️ The Backup Path
- Didn't pass? Your subscription unlocks the ACE/NCCRS backup course
- Same subject — earn the credit through coursework, no exam
- Accepted at 2,100+ colleges on its own
- Your $19 always results in real, transferable college credit
50,000+ Students.
Real Results.
From everyday computer users to career changers and military students — here's what TransferCredit students say about DSST® Computing and Information Technology.
TransferCredit DSST® Computing and Information Technology Prep Includes
Common Questions Answered.
Do I actually need to know how to code?
No. This is the question we hear most, and the answer is no. The Software Development area is only 10% of the exam and covers the software life cycle, algorithms, and logic at a conceptual level. You never write, run, or debug real code. If you can describe what an algorithm is and roughly how software gets built, that part is handled. The rest is hardware, software, and networking concepts.
Which topics should I focus on most?
Four areas each carry 20%: Computer Hardware, Application Software, Communications and Networks, and Social Impact and History. Together they are 80% of the exam, so spend most of your time there. Systems Software and Software Development are 10% each. If you nail the four big areas, you are most of the way to a passing score.
Does everyday computer use help?
A lot. If you use spreadsheets, browse the web, manage files, connect to wifi, and have a sense of what RAM or an operating system is, you already understand a meaningful chunk of the material. The prep formalizes that everyday knowledge and fills the gaps around hardware internals, networking, and the history and ethics of computing.
How much does this path save me?
The exam is $100. Our prep is $19. Total: $119. A traditional introduction to computing course costs $300–$1,500+ per credit hour, or $900–$4,500 for 3 credits, and runs a full semester. The DSST® path clears the same requirement in 2–4 weeks, entirely online.
Common Questions Answered.
Everything about the DSST® Computing and Information Technology exam, scoring, content areas, and how to earn credit without taking the class.
What is the DSST® Computing and Information Technology exam?
Do I need to know how to code?
What are the 6 content areas?
How is the DSST® scored?
How long does it take to prep?
Is DSST® Computing and Information Technology accepted at my college?
What happens if I don't pass?
How does this compare to taking the class?
Still have questions? Our team responds within hours — not days.
Email [email protected] →We're Here When You Need Us
Find Your College
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Quick answers about credits, course selection, DSST® policies, and transfer questions — over WhatsApp.
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Earn a tech credit
without writing code.
$19 prep + $100 exam. 3 college credits. Hardware, software, networks, and the social impact of computing. No coding. Score 400+. Accepted at 1,900+ colleges.