DSST® Principles of Public Speaking Prep — Pass Both Parts and Earn 3 Transferable College Credits
DSST® Principles of
Public Speaking
The one DSST with a twist: you pass a written test and record a short persuasive speech. We prep you for both. Audience analysis, structure, content, and delivery, plus a full speech-day playbook so the recording does not catch you off guard. Earn 3 transferable credits for $119 total.
This Exam Has Two Parts.
You Pass Both.
Unlike almost every other DSST, Public Speaking includes a recorded speech alongside the written test. Here is exactly what each part looks like, straight from the official outline.
The Written Test
- 17% Structure & Organization
- 17% Content (argument, reasoning, evidence)
- 15% Audience Analysis, Adaptation & Effect
- 13% Delivery (voice, articulation, body language)
- 11% Research & sources
- 9% Ethical, Social & Theoretical Considerations
- 9% Topics & Purposes of Speeches
- 9% Language & Style
The Recorded Speech
- 25% Structure / Organization
- 25% Delivery
- 20% Content / Supporting Material
- 20% Effect / Persuasive
- 10% Language / Style
You must pass both parts within six months.
Miss the window and the score is invalidated. Most students take both on the same day. Our prep gets you ready for the written test and the speech together, so you only sit down once.
The 5 Automatic-Fail Triggers on the Speech
From the official DSST outline. Avoid every one of these and the rubric is all that matters. Our playbook drills each.
What You'll Learn
Everything for both parts — the multiple-choice theory and a repeatable speech framework you can apply to any persuasive prompt on exam day.
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Analyze an audience before, during, and after a speech, and adapt your message to its values, attitudes, and expectations
- Structure a speech with a strong hook, a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, using the named organizational patterns the exam tests
- Build persuasive content with sound argument, reasoning, and evidence, and support it with credible, well-chosen research
- Deliver with control — articulation, voice, pronunciation, body language, and presentation media — and manage communication apprehension
- Walk into the speech portion with a repeatable framework that produces a clear, on-topic, single-position persuasive speech inside the 3 to 5 minute window
Full Topic Coverage
How DSST® Credit Works
Three steps from enrollment to 3 transferable college credits — written test and speech in one sitting.
Study Both Parts
Structured chapters cover all eight multiple-choice content areas, plus a speech-day playbook with a repeatable structure, timing drills, and the rubric the raters use. Subchapter quizzes and a readiness tracker tell you when you are ready.
Take the DSST® Exam
Sit the 100-question multiple-choice section, then record your 3 to 5 minute impromptu persuasive speech. Score 400+ on both 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 public speaking or communications credits applied to your degree. Accepted at 1,900+ colleges and universities.
One Price.
Everything Unlocked.
Buy Principles of Public Speaking alone for $19 lifetime access, get all DSST® subjects for $29/month, or unlock everything — CLEP® + DSST® — for life at $149.
- All 8 multiple-choice content areas
- Full speech-day playbook
- Subchapter quizzes & readiness 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® Principles of Public Speaking?
DSST® exams are accepted at 1,900+ colleges and universities. Principles of Public Speaking typically satisfies a public speaking, oral communication, or communications requirement that appears in most degree programs — one of the most commonly required gen eds. Score 400+ on both parts (on the 200–500 scale) and most schools award 3 semester credit hours.
Students Also Prep For
Stack DSST® credits to clear multiple gen ed requirements with one $29/month subscription.
Pass both parts of DSST® Public Speaking and earn 3 credits for $119 total.
$19 prep + $100 exam. 3 college credits. One written test, one short recorded speech, and a playbook that makes the speech the easy part instead of the scary one.
🎯 Why It Matters
- Public speaking is one of the most commonly required gen eds across degree programs
- Structure (17%) and Content (17%) lead the written test, with audience analysis close behind
- The speech rubric rewards a clear structure and a single position, both of which are learnable
- One recorded speech replaces a full semester of weekly graded presentations
👤 Who Takes This Exam
- Students clearing a required public speaking or communications gen ed
- People who would rather record one speech than perform all semester
- Adult learners and working students short on time
- Active-duty military (exam free via DANTES)
- Anyone comfortable making a clear, one-sided argument
🛡️ 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 nervous speakers to busy adults skipping a semester of presentations — here's what TransferCredit students say about DSST® Principles of Public Speaking.
TransferCredit DSST® Principles of Public Speaking Prep Includes
Common Questions Answered.
The speech sounds intimidating. Is it really doable?
It catches people off guard, but it is very learnable. You get a topic and 10 minutes to prepare, then record a 3 to 5 minute persuasive speech. The raters score structure, delivery, content, persuasive effect, and language. Our playbook gives you a single framework — hook, clear position, two or three supporting points, close — that fits almost any prompt. With a couple of timed practice runs, most people walk in calm.
What actually fails the speech?
There are five automatic fails: going under 3 minutes or over 5, editing the recording, not addressing the assigned topic, failing to take a position, or arguing several positions. None of them are about being a polished speaker. They are about following the rules. Avoid all five and you are scored purely on the rubric, which rewards a clear, organized, one-sided argument.
What should I focus on for the written part?
Structure/Organization (17%) and Content (17%) are the two largest areas, followed by Audience Analysis (15%) and Delivery (13%). Together those four are most of the section. The material is concept and terminology driven, so learning the named organizational patterns, persuasion concepts, and delivery terms is the highest-leverage way to study.
How much does this path save me?
The exam is $100. Our prep is $19. Total: $119. A traditional public speaking course costs $300–$1,500+ per credit hour, or $900–$4,500 for 3 credits, and means weekly graded speeches for a full semester. The DSST® path clears the same requirement in 2–4 weeks with one recorded speech.
Common Questions Answered.
Everything about the two-part DSST® Principles of Public Speaking exam, scoring, the speech portion, and how to earn credit without taking the class.
What is the DSST® Principles of Public Speaking exam?
Wait, there's a speech I have to record?
What are the multiple-choice content areas?
How is the speech scored and what fails automatically?
How long does it take to prep?
Is DSST® Principles of Public Speaking 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
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All Pricing Options
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One test, one speech,
three credits.
$19 prep + $100 exam. 3 college credits. The written section and the recorded speech, both prepped, with a playbook that makes the speech the easy part. Score 400+. Accepted at 1,900+ colleges.