DSST Testing in SE Asia

[Suksabai]

I'm based in Chiang Mai, N. Thailand and am in the process of applying to TESC to do a BA in Social Science. I have a few lower level credits to transfer and intend to do the rest using a mixture of CLEP, DSST, ALEKS, Straighterline & ECE exams.

I'm very new to this but have spent quite some time researching my options and put together what I thought was a good study plan. I just discovered that the DSST test centre in Bangkok doesn't offer that service any more. Then I tried Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and got the same response. I'm crossing my fingers for Singapore but I fear they may have gone the same way.

Is it possible to test out of the upper credits without doing DSST exams? I would prefer not to do them through TESC as that would seriously increase the cost of my degree.

Does anyone know of alternative test centres in this part of the world?


Cheers!

[EI2HCB]

You can call the College Board here in the United States at 1800-257 9558 and find the nearest operating one. Yasser, a recent poster has similar issues in UAE but we are trying to discover a way to do CLEP/DSST without a U.S social security number so any experiences you may have had would be wonderful if you could share.

[BGSU_Alum_86]

EI@HCB, it is very easy to take a CLEP or DSST exam without a social security number. For CLEP, you just don't enter anything in the optional social security text box! If this information was required by CLEP, the computer system would not allow you to proceed to the next screen without entering the SS#. This is not the case though. I keep hearing that some test center administrators/proctors say this is required information. They are not correct!

Some kind of 9-digit number does need to be entered when completing the registration page for the DSST program. Yes, most people will enter their SS#. I know that many Canadians will enter their insurance number as this is also a 9-digit number. You can even make up a 9-digit number for yourself! It doesn't really matter as long as you keep record of this number in case you ever need to place an order for an additional transcript (easier for them to look up your records by this number rather than just your name and birthdate).

It is always a challenge with the DSST program to keep their information up-to-date as many test centers do not inform the program headquarters of any changes. As you talk with different test centers in your region, you might want to suggest that they contact DSST to update their availability status. Good luck in your search!

[AlbaTiVo]

Try e-mailing CLEP and DSST to get the most current information. Should be easier for you than calling from overseas, but like BGSU_Alum_86 said - get the numbers of the centers they give you and contact them individually to see if they are still participating. Good luck!

[Suksabai]

Thanks guys.

Singapore responded and said that they can proctor the exams but for a hefty fee (plus the cost of return flights!)

I did contact Prometrics and am waiting for a response.

I have a possible lead on doing the exams locally. ACE! Academy in Chiang Mai already offer GRE tests and IELTS, TOEFL etc so they are well set up to proctor tests. They have offered to speak to their contact at Prometrics to see if they can be approved as a test centre for the specific exams I want to do. They will just charge me a proctoring fee and I can pay for the exams & shipping charges directly. It sounds hopeful and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

As for SS number, the CLEP exam centre in Bangkok made it clear that the exams were open to everyone, not just American citizens so I don't need one. For the DSST tests, I'll just stick in my passport number and hope for the best!

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated.

[LaterBloomer]

While I cannot imagine anyone other than an intellectual super hero doing this (this being the post I'm about to link!), it's a possibility. http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...-days.html Good luck.